Matobo Hills
Matobo National Park is located around 34kms to the South of the city of Bulawayo. This green park established in 1926, is also the oldest national park in Zimbabwe.
Matobo National Park joined the World Monuments Watch List in 2018. The World Monuments Watch List is a call to action meant to preserve these sites. This safari destination is also one of the eight sites that receive a grant from the World Monuments Fund. These funds contribute towards efforts to preserve the pristine Matobo Hills landscape.
According to history, the Karanga people referred to the Matobo region as “madombo” meaning stones. The distinct appearance of the rolling Matobo hills was the reason behind the area’s name. King Mzilikazi, founder and leader of the Ndebele nation, is said to have named the balancing rocks “matobo”, a Ndebele term meaning “bald heads”.
For thousands of years, Matobo National Park was home to the artistic San or Bushmen people. Caves in which they sought shelter still bear evidence of these hunter-gatherers’ way of life.
Best time to travel to Matobo Hills
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This safari location is a fairly friendly all year round destination. However, wildlife watching in Matobo National Park is at its best during the dry season, from June to October. During these months animals are more easily spotted since they gather around water sources, and the bush is thinner.
Matobo activities including fishing, hiking as well as visits to some of the San rock-art sites and the grave of Cecil John Rhodes are less season dependent.
In conclusion, our Shashani safari lodge on the border of the national park offers excellent Matobo Hills accomodation. This strikingly beautiful resort is only a 30 minute drive to the main Park.
