Exploring Matobo National Park: Zimbabwe’s Ancient Landscape
Matobo National Park is a stunning landscape of immense beauty, located in the Matobo District of Zimbabwe. It is steeped in a rich history of ancient cultures, full of wildlife and surrounded by lush hills and deep valleys. It is one of the most beautiful and unique national parks in Southern Africa, offering visitors a chance to explore a unique and diverse environment.
The Matobo National Park is home to a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, hippos, giraffes, and many more. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s wide range of activities, such as game viewing, bird watching, and scenic hiking.
A Brief History of Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park is a protected area of over 2,200 square kilometres, and its history dates back to the ancient Matopos people. The Matopos were an ancient African tribe that inhabited this area for thousands of years. The Matopos people believed that the Matobo Hills were the home of their god, Mwari.
The Matopos were also known for their unique rock paintings, which can be found throughout the Matobo National Park. These rock paintings are believed to be an important part of the Matopos spiritual beliefs and represent their connection to the land.
The park was created in 1926 by Cecil John Rhodes, a British businessman, explorer, and politician who was looking to create a national park in the Matobo Hills area. The park was officially declared a national park in 1949 and has since become a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
What to Do in Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular things to do in the park:
- Game Viewing: Matobo National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, hippos, and giraffes. Visitors can take advantage of the park’s game drives and guided game viewing safaris to get up close and personal with the wildlife in the park.
- Bird Watching: Matobo National Park is home to over 300 species of birds. Visitors can take part in bird watching activities and guided bird watching safaris to observe the wide range of birds that can be found in the park.
- Hiking: Matobo National Park offers a wide range of scenic hiking trails that are perfect for visitors who are looking to explore the park. These trails can be as short or as long as visitors like, with options for all skill levels.
- Rock Art: Matobo National Park is home to a variety of ancient rock art sites that were created by the Matopos people. Visitors can take part in guided rock art tours to learn more about the ancient history of the park and view some of the unique rock art.
- Cultural Tours: Matobo National Park also offers a variety of cultural tours that allow visitors to learn more about the traditional culture of the Matopos people. These tours can include visits to traditional villages, cultural performances, and much more.
Where to Stay in Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors. These include luxury lodges, tented camps, and self-catering chalets. Visitors can choose from a variety of lodges and camps that offer all the amenities and services they need for a comfortable stay in the park.