Zimbabwe: Matobo Hills and Matobos National Park
The Matobo Hills and Matobos National Park are regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s major tourist attractions, these famous rocky outcrops extend across 2000 square kilometres of countryside. About one hour south of Bulawayo by road, are the stunning Matobo Hills. These are signposted and directions and maps are available. Despite their antiquity, many of the depictions are well-preserved and very clear. The massive granite boulders and gigantic rock formations are more than 3 000 million years old, creating an ancient, brooding landscape. A focal point is Rhodes Grave on the summit of the Hill of Benevolent Spirits. The entire area has great cultural and religious significance for the African people. The vegetation in the Matobos is quite different from the surrounding countryside and provides fascinating and varied habitats for wildlife. There are hundreds of caves, many of which were home to early man, and rock painting bear testimony to the value of wildlife to the artists. Matobo National Park contains some of the more rare species of wildlife, including the sable antelope and both black and white rhino. It is renowned for having the highest concentration of leopards and black eagle in an area of its size in the world. Bird life is prolific and the area is a botanists delight. There is a fenced area where most of the country’s big game can be viewed in a short space of time against a dramatic setting.
Related Travel Information
Zimbabwe Travel Destination: Bulawayo
Bulawayo is the second-largest city in Zimbabwe. The country was originally known as "Rhodesia", named after Cecil John Rhodes who made a lasting impact on the country's history. One of Rhodes' favourite places was the Matobo Hills south of Bulawayo. He was so moved by the fascinating rock formations and the wild spirit of this area that he chose to be buried at the highest point of the hills which he named "World's View". His burial site is visited by thousands of tourists to Zimbabwe.
Set in cattle and mining country, Although it has more than
Zimbabwe: Chizaria National Park
This national park in western Zimbabwe is one of the country's most remote and least-developed reserves. The park sits astride the dramatic Zambezi Escarpment and is filled with steep cliffs and river gorges. The wildlife, particularly in the Busi Valley, is abundant. There are a few camps in the park, but the Chizaria Wilderness Lodge, just outside the park is the lodging of choice if you can afford it. Be aware that there are no facilities within the park, so you'll need to take along your own supplies. 200 mi/320 km west of Harare.
Zimbabwe Travel Destination: Gweru (Gwelo)
This town is situated in the middle of the county. The town of Gweru is mostly used as a base for visiting nearby national parks and ruins. While Great Zimbabwe has the most extensive ruins in the country, they are not the only ones: There are more than 200 such sites, and a few are near Gweru. The Dhlo ruins (small ruins with chevron and herringbone designs) are 45 mi/70 km away, and the Nalatale stone ruins, another small but interesting site, are 40 mi/65 km away. Sebakwe National Park (noted for fishing, birding and beautiful
Francistown
Named after Daniel Francis, a British prospector, this rustic town (pop. 70,000) owes its origins to gold. Perhaps this accounts for the frontier flavor of the somewhat dilapidated main street, with its two old hotels, facing the railway line. Gold was first discovered and mined around Francistown in the 1300s and 1400s by people belonging to the empire centered at what are now known as the Great Zimbabwe ruins (310 mi/500 km to the east). Smaller stone ruins belonging to the Zimbabwe culture dot the granite kopjes (hills) in the countryside surrounding the town.
In spite of its history, there
Shimba Hills National Reserve
If you are searching for peace and tranquility, this is the reserve to offer the same. This reserve is an 'out-of-this-world' experience to see hundreds of zebra and impala grazing in the African bush and giraffes in a feast of grass and leaves.
Factfile - Shimba Hills National Reserve
Location: South of Mombassa, Kenia
Total area: 300 sq. kms.
Major attractions: Elephant, genet and civet cat, leopard
Best time to visit: November-February
Easily accessible from the coastal highway (Mombasa) is Shimba Hills National Reserve. It overlooks an emerald of glade of dense coastal rain forest with giant cycads. Wildlife at this reserve
