Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
377 reviews
Excellent
231
Very good
106
Average
27
Poor
10
Terrible
3
huntersmith
Oakland, CA29 contributions
May 2023
This park is not often visited because you won't spot many animals on game drives, and it isn't on the main circuit for tourism. But it's easy to get to from Bulawayo and has spectacular scenery, with hills, rock faces, and boulders that are gorgeous all day and with the sun setting. There are also 13,000-year-old cave paintings and a chance to see rhinos in the wild (even on foot). Very peaceful, pretty, and photogenic.
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thecatsmum4
Kettering, UK2,229 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Friends
Our knowledgeable guide first took us to see the Bushmen Cave Paintings, explaining their way of life, which was interesting. There isn't that much there by way of the paintings you just walk up a short way to the rock and come down again.
We then went on to see the Rhinos up close, now this was special, right up close and personal. If you do nothing else on your visit do this part. We were on foot and had to walk a short distance through the bush, obviously as they move around there is no set pathway so covered footwear and if you are not too steady on your feet, this may not be for you.
We finshed off with a visit to Cecil Rhode's Grave, again very interesting. There are loos in the car park here. The actual grave is at the top of a steep climb, in itself not difficult but if you are not particularly mobile then forget it. The views from the top are breathtaking.
We arrived by rail and it is a 45 min transfer from Bulawayo station.
We then went on to see the Rhinos up close, now this was special, right up close and personal. If you do nothing else on your visit do this part. We were on foot and had to walk a short distance through the bush, obviously as they move around there is no set pathway so covered footwear and if you are not too steady on your feet, this may not be for you.
We finshed off with a visit to Cecil Rhode's Grave, again very interesting. There are loos in the car park here. The actual grave is at the top of a steep climb, in itself not difficult but if you are not particularly mobile then forget it. The views from the top are breathtaking.
We arrived by rail and it is a 45 min transfer from Bulawayo station.
Written April 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol H
3 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Couples
Seeing rhinos and drinking in the incredibley breathtaking panorama from World's View. I am sure this where God started creation. The National Parks staff were knowledgeable and it is very humbling to actually meet the dedicated human beings protecting animals facing extinction as they patrol the parks . When you visit find out how you can be a part of supporting the scouts and the communities protecting wildlife and being an active part of conservation. These men and women put their lives on the line for conservation.
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K72
Melbourne, Australia2,932 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Friends
Loved this National Park, such different landscape to other places. Rocky terrain and lush green surrounds. There are many caves within the park, many with ancient rock paintings by the San bushmen.
We were lucky to see 6 large rhinos in the park too. Our guide, Adrian, knew a lot about the plant life within the park too.
Cecil Rhodes final resting place is,also here. That costs 10US to visit but there's a fabulous view without going right up. Viewpoint called World's View. Breath taking.
We didn't see many animals but the rhino were spectacular.
We were lucky to see 6 large rhinos in the park too. Our guide, Adrian, knew a lot about the plant life within the park too.
Cecil Rhodes final resting place is,also here. That costs 10US to visit but there's a fabulous view without going right up. Viewpoint called World's View. Breath taking.
We didn't see many animals but the rhino were spectacular.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saar G
Tel Aviv, Israel106 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Family
The park is unique, I believe for its stone mountains which are quite an amazing site. Your experience, I believe will depend on your tour guide. We didn’t go to Rhodes grave, although I would have liked to visit the former residence as part of understanding the man. We visited with a local elder for a view of some cave paintings as well as going to visit a local family in huts. These visits added tremendously to our experience. We did manage to see some animals from a distance but we didn’t do the rhino walk.
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent C
253 contributions
Aug. 2022
We came as part of our included tour Game Drive and we opted for the optional extension at a steal $20USD per person which offered us 4-5 more hrs. Lunch was included and was delicious and simple.
We had Andy as our guide who made the entire day one of the best drives. Even though we didn't see a ton; we did get to walk in the bush to get close to a rhino, saw some other animals and the landscape was breathtaking.
The hike to the grave and native paintings were lovely and the overall day was memorable.
I would recommend this park as it is beautiful and with a good guide like Andy will make it worthwhile.
We had Andy as our guide who made the entire day one of the best drives. Even though we didn't see a ton; we did get to walk in the bush to get close to a rhino, saw some other animals and the landscape was breathtaking.
The hike to the grave and native paintings were lovely and the overall day was memorable.
I would recommend this park as it is beautiful and with a good guide like Andy will make it worthwhile.
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LFCKOPITE4EVER
Rancho Mirage, CA248 contributions
Jul. 2022
Yes, a MUST visit and one that further emphasizes Zimbabwe as an extraordinarily beautiful nation. Consider using Bonisa Excursions as listed here.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeneralShamu
New York City, NY1,058 contributions
Jun. 2022
Came here as part of a visit to the local villages, to watch the sunset and see some esoteric cave paintings. Absolutely worth your time so do not skip this!
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mbira Tours And Safaris
Bulawayo Province, Zimbabwe15 contributions
Feb. 2022 • Business
A visit to Bulawayo Matopos national park is a great experience for someone needing peace and discover the African nature which provides a variety of bird species, trees, animals, reptiles and not forgetting the paintings, caves which are heavily beefed with so much history.
Written February 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig H
Harvest, AL266 contributions
Nov. 2021
This landscape does not look like anywhere else I have been, and there is fascinating history associated with it
Written December 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaiser6
magnetic island8 contributions
Hallo,
As you vcan imagine it is hard to get info about Matobo before you travel.
The Rhino walks you did was this with a National Park ranger? Where / how did you book? How long do they go for? Is there way you can book before hand, or do you need to wait until you arrive at Matobos. We are staying 2 nights in December at the National Parks Maleme Rest Camp. Are the walks in the morning or afternoon - what time do the start?? I am a bit surprised that they walks only cost $20 - sounds cheap fro Zimanbawe.
What were your highlight of Matobos - game walks, caves, rock paintings, views, dams, swimming holes, picnic place etc
Regards
Kai
Magnetic Island Australia
pmkamanga
Mombasa, Kenya89 contributions
Hi do not expect any game here unless at Crack of down say 6am you can see the Leopards
They don't really have any other game was there today 8/9/18
the rock formations and the history is stunning,don't miss that
Dress up in sport wear there is a bit of walking here and there
The top of grave site is extremely cold so anyone with cold allergy like me should have some shawls or scarf handy
kaiser6
magnetic island8 contributions
Hi, kaiser6. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Id like to get more info about the Rhino trekking; the USD 20 sounds a great deal for 1/2 day. - is this done by Nat Parks or privately. Who do we contact. Are teenage kids allowed to participate?
FlyingD
Rotterdam, Netherlands56 contributions
Sorry for the late reply, somehow didn't get the notice before today. In case it is still interesting for someone: the rhino tracking is done by the Parks officials. We simply booked it the day before at the park reception. We were able to take our teenage kids (then 13 and 16). And it was well worth it, you could get really close to these animals, and it was very quiet and peaceful. Enjoy
nyashakays
Chiredzi, Zimbabwe
how much per person to enter
Arjanne R
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal27 contributions
All info about entry on the website of zimparks
KimKing85
Billings, MT32 contributions
Hi, I am planning got visit Matobo and camp in September. We don't have a car so any ideas how we can get there from Bulawayo/ (We are getting a train to there from livingstone) Is there a bus we can get? Would we need a car to travel around the part or is there guided tours? Thanks in advance
Alessio L
Lyon, France30 contributions
Sorry, no idea as a local friend brought me there ...
travelplansr
Indian Shores, FL70 contributions
Hello:
I am interested in visiting Matopo NP, and hope to stay in the Amalinda Lodge. My questions are about the Rhino tracking for which the park is famous. I hope someone can answer my questions:
1. Are Rhino really prevalent in the park and fairy easy to find or is it just a marketing gimmick by them?
2. I have read that the Rhinos are all de-horned and tagged for conservation reasons. Is it true they are all de-horned? Did you see any which are not de-horned?
Thanks
Thank You
MerimyB
Bribie Island, Australia17 contributions
Apologies for the delay in answering this , I missed the email. I did not see rhinos on this trip as I was only in the park overnight and out the next morning. I was up at Rhodes grave scattering my mother's ashes.
I have however seen plenty of rhino in the park previously but not been there for some years. Your best bet is to actually phone/email the park and talk to them. Generally in all African parks now they do not like to give out too much information as to where their rhinos are as it is like a red flag to poachers who stop at nothing to get rhino horn.
annie567
Gosford, Australia250 contributions
We are travelling to Zimbabwe in August 2015, we have hired a camper van and trying to find the best camp site to try to book in Matobo National Park, we are planning to stay for 2 nights, any suggestions?
Jo C
5 contributions
Go to Motobo Hills Lodge! (Not sure you could get up the tracks with a camper an though?) It's absolutely stunning; high up with a near 360* view of the STUNNING scenery. Josh, the manager there, is wonderful; incredibly friendly and helpful and he tends to eat with the guests on the Veranda so you can grab loads of local history and info. Campfire often in the evening too! And really beautiful rooms with cheap rates. I'd also recommend tracking rhinos with Ian Harmer of African Wanderer Safaris - our days with him were the highlight of our whole trip.
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Claim your listingMATOBO NATIONAL PARK - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Matobo National Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Matobo National Park:
- 7-Day Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter (Small Group Safari) (From C$3,116.68)
- 7-Day Victoria Falls (Livingstone) to Kruger (Adventure Camping Tour) (From C$1,968.89)
- 12-Day Delta, Chobe & Victoria Falls (Small Group Safari) (From C$5,182.70)
- 14-Day Mozambique & Zimbabwe Explorer (Adventure Camping Tour) (From C$4,547.00)
- 14-Day Kruger to the Delta, Chobe & Victoria Falls (Small Group Safari) (From C$5,871.37)
- Hotels near Matobo National Park:
- (0.18 km) Berkeley Place
- (0.29 km) Choice City Backpackers
- (0.39 km) Hotel St. Patrick's
- (0.42 km) Bulawayo City Lodge
- (0.54 km) Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel
- Restaurants near Matobo National Park:
- (0.15 km) Middys Coffee Shop
- (0.14 km) Coffee Juice Cafe
- (0.18 km) The Cattleman Steakhouse
- (0.26 km) Mumsie's Kitchen
- (0.25 km) Carne Casa