A dramatic landscape of ancient granite kopjes, home to San rock art, black eagles and the resting place of Cecil Rhodes.
A UNESCO World Heritage Granite Landscape
Ancient rock formations shaped over billions of years.
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About Matobo Hills
The Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a dramatic landscape of ancient granite kopjes and balancing boulder formations, some among the oldest exposed rock on Earth, shaped over billions of years of erosion into a strikingly surreal terrain. The hills hold deep spiritual and historical significance for the local Ndebele and Shona peoples, with numerous sites still used for traditional rainmaking ceremonies, and are also home to one of the richest concentrations of San rock art in southern Africa, with paintings dating back thousands of years.
Matobo National Park, within the hills, is a designated rhino conservation area, offering some of the best opportunities in Zimbabwe to see both black and white rhino on foot or by vehicle, alongside notable populations of black eagles that nest among the granite outcrops. The hills are also the final resting place of Cecil Rhodes, the controversial colonial-era figure after whom Rhodesia was named, buried at a site known as World's View for its sweeping panoramic outlook.
Why Visit Matobo Hills?
Local story
Good to Know
Matobo Hills suit families, couples, groups and history lovers, for a stay of 1 to 2 days exploring the rock art sites, rhino tracking, and granite viewpoints. Rhino tracking is typically done on foot with an armed guide, for both safety and a closer wildlife experience.
Visiting World's View, where Cecil Rhodes is buried, offers a sweeping panorama over the surrounding granite landscape and is a popular spot for sunset.
How to Reach Matobo Hills
- 01
Pakistan to Harare
Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Harare, usually with connections through a Gulf and southern African hub. Check current routes and book early.
- 02
Harare to Bulawayo
Take a domestic flight, about 1 hour, to this southern gateway city.
- 03
Bulawayo to Matobo Hills
Take a self-drive or organised tour, about 45 minutes, to the park.
- 04
Explore
Visit rock art sites, track rhino on foot, and see World's View.
Things to Do in Matobo Hills
Best Time to Visit Matobo Hills
Excellent
Dry Season
May to October
Cooler, drier conditions, comfortable for hiking and rhino tracking.
Recommended season
Good
Shoulder Months
April and November
Warm but generally manageable conditions.
Good time to visit
Good
Wet Season
December to March
Warmer and occasionally rainy, which can affect walking paths.
Good time to visit
Travel smart
Travel Tips for Matobo Hills
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Hire a Licensed Guide for Rhino Tracking
Essential for both safety and an authentic wildlife experience.
Visit World's View at Sunset
Offers one of the most scenic panoramas in the park.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The granite terrain can be uneven in places.
Respect Spiritual Sites
Some locations remain significant to local traditional practices.
Bring Sun Protection
Much of the park is exposed with limited shade.
Bring a Camera
The rock art and granite formations are major highlights.
Carry Cash for Park Fees
Useful alongside card payment options where available.
Nearby Attractions
Location
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Explore Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe and get directions easily.
Matobo Hills
Zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
They are a UNESCO-listed landscape of ancient granite rock formations near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, home to rock art and a rhino conservation area.
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