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Balancing granite rocks above woodland in Matobo National Park

Near Bulawayo · Granite hills and heritage

Matobo Hills

Explore the Matopos: balancing granite boulders, sheltered valleys and some of Zimbabwe’s most carefully protected rhino country.

  • 424 km²Matobo National Park
  • 30 kmsouth of Bulawayo to the park
  • 1 of 3intensive rhino protection zones
Source: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority ↗

Photo: Susan Adams · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Cropped for display

The destination

Discover Matobo Hills

Known to many as the Matopos, the Matobo Hills lie south of Bulawayo, where erosion of the granite plateau has left balancing boulders and rounded kopjes. Matobo National Park protects part of this landscape, along with black and white rhino.

Ways to experience it

  1. Walk among the granite kopjes and balancing rock formations.
  2. Join a licensed guide to learn about rhino conservation in the park.
  3. Treat sites of cultural and spiritual importance in the hills with respect.
Where is Matobo Hills? Near Bulawayo · Granite hills and heritage. The pin marks the approximate area. Map outline: geoBoundaries · CC BY 3.0 IGO
Matobo Hills · Photo: Susan Adams · CC BY-SA 2.0

Explore more

Highlights to discover

What makes Matobo Hills worth the journey, from the official sources we rely on.

  1. Balancing rocks

    Zimbabwe Parks describes a range of balancing rock formations created by erosion of the granite plateau.

    Read source ↗

  2. A rhino stronghold

    Matobo is one of three intensive rhino protection zones in Zimbabwe’s parks estate, with both black and white rhino. Sightings are never guaranteed.

    Read source ↗

Explore locally

Places to explore

Places to stay, things to do and somewhere to eat in Matobo Hills.

14 published places to start exploring.

Browse all places in Matobo Hills →

Photos

  • Sunrise behind msasa trees on granite in the Matobo Hills
    Photo: Julia
  • San rock painting of two giraffes in the Matobo Hills
    Photo: Julia
  • Game drive along a track beside a dam in the Matobo Hills
    Photo: Julia
  • Granite dome and bush landscape in the Matobo Hills
    Photo: Julia
  • Bird in flight above trees at dusk in the Matobo Hills
    Photo: Julia
  • Visitor sitting beneath a painted rock wall in the Matobo Hills
    Photo: Julia
Matobo Hills · Susan Adams · CC BY-SA 2.0

Plan your trip

Helpful information

Check park entry, guided activity requirements and road conditions with Zimbabwe Parks before you go.

When to visit

Weather and road conditions change through the year. Confirm current conditions with Zimbabwe Parks or your host.

Read more about when to visit

Getting there and around

From Bulawayo, a road runs south for about 30 km to the park boundary. Confirm the route to your camp or lodge in advance.

Read more about getting there and around

Safety and access

Follow park rules, use licensed guides for rhino and walking activities, and keep to permitted areas.

Read more about safety and access

Read the full guide to planning your visit

Information sources

Information sources

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority — Matobo National Park ↗

Editorial guidance, not live operating information. Reconfirm fees, opening times, access, weather and any operator arrangements before travel.

Editorial source review: 2026-10-17

14 currently published places associated with Matobo Hills.

Continue your journey

Nearby destinations

Straight-line distances between destination areas; road journeys are longer.