MATOBO NATIONAL PARK
The Matobo National Park forms the core of the Matobo or Matopos Hills, an area of granite kopjes and wooded valleys commencing some 35 kilometres south of Bulawayo.
The Hills were formed over 2,000 million years ago with molten rock erupting across the landscape — this has eroded to produce smooth ‘whaleback dwalas’ and broken kopjes, strewn with boulders and interspersed with thickets of vegetation.
The Hills cover an area of about 3,100 km², of which 424 km² is National Park, the remainder being largely communal land and a small proportion of commercial farmland. Part of the national park is set aside as a 100 km² game park, which has been stocked with game including black and white rhinoceros.
The area exhibits a profusion of distinctive rock landforms rising above the granite shield that covers much of Zimbabwe. The large boulders provide abundant natural shelters and have been associated with human occupation from the early Stone Age right through to early historical times, and intermittently since. They also feature an outstanding collection of rock paintings.
The Matobo Hills continue to provide a strong focus for the local community, which still uses shrines and sacred places closely linked to traditional, social and economic activities. The Matobo balancing rocks are the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes. Commanding a vista clear to the horizon, the name ‘World’s View’, could not be more appropriate for this enchanting piece of Zimbabwe.
Welcome to The Amalinda Safari Collection – a private, family run, responsible safari and accommodation company. For more than 2 decades we’ve been dedicated to creating world-class safaris in some of Zimbabwe’s premium wildlife and cultural destinations. The Amalinda Safari Collection consists of four luxury and intimate safari camps and lodges set in the remote wilderness areas of Hwange National Park and the Matopos National Park. Read More
Big Cave Camp reposes atop an enormous granite whaleback, commanding inspirational views across the famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates colossal boulders into a luxuriously appointed thatched lodge positioned amidst ancient Khoisan rock art. Retire at a day’s end to the natural rock-pool and sundeck, the Leopard’s Lair lounge and bar, a cave-style boma for pre-dinner drinks or the popular lodge library. The eight thatched A-frame cottages, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate African creative flair. Read More
The Farmhouse Lodge is located 48 kms from the city of Bulawayo on the Matopos road in the heart of the Matopos World Heritage site. Both the Farmhouse lodge and restaurant provide the ideal location from which visitors can discover the many natural wonders of the Matobo Hills. Guests can participate in the many activities offered at the Lodge or arrange their own trips in the area. Read More
Matobo Ingwe Lodge, A beautifully sited, 18 chalet lodge situated on 6000 acres of private land, bordering on the Matobo Hills National Park. The lodge offers self – catering accommodation, as well as bed and breakfast. It serves as a spectacular venue for any kind of function, from weddings, conferences to team building weekends. Read More
Matobo Hills lodge was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective to offer a “luxury safari at a revolutionary price”. We started with an idea to disrupt the traditional safari industry by creating a luxury safari lodge for today’s modern travellers. Somewhere to rediscover yourself, a place to do as few or as many activities as you like. Read More
