Matobo National Park

The Matobo National Park, as the name implies, is situated in the magnificent hills of Matobo, which is a range of spires, domes and rock formations, hewn out of the weathering and erosion of the rigid granite plateau through millions and millions of years. The park is roughly about 34 km south of Bulavayo in Namibia. The total area occupied by the park is around 44,500 hectares, including an Intensive Protection Zone, where a great number of Black and White Rhinoceros is breeding successfully.

The Matobo National Park is famous for its diverse package of tourist spots and activities. There are numerous hidden caves in the extraordinary Matobo hills. The splendid and rugged terrain of the park can be termed as the paradise of a hiker and a wide variety of wildlife is supported by diverse vegetation of the Matobo National Park.

A special mention is required regarding the spiritual and cultural rituals. In the park itself, there are many sites which are of great importance to the local tribes, who celebrate their important ceremonies even to this day. The giant rock formation of the Matobo Hills can be termed awesome which are grand, creating a unique atmosphere. The weathered giant boulders are seen at intervals, creating tremendous sculptures, balancing precariously in the defiance of gravity. The far off purple hills of the Zambian escarpment along with the wooded slopes leading to the interior part of the park are simply too gorgeous and photogenic.

The park is a habitat to a good number of animal species which include rhinos, elephant, leopard, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, hyena, wildebeest, monkeys, crocodiles, baboons and many more. The diverse bird lives that can be termed as the richness of the park include the impressive black eagle, for which Matobo is the domain. Other bird species seen are martial eagle, secretary birds, fish eagle, pied crows, weavers and Egyptian geese. Mixed vegetation is seen here ranging from Fig, Acacia, Mopane, Zizphus and Terminalia. Matobo National Park is thus, blessed with nature’s diverse creations.