Where: Matobo National Park, Matabeleland South Province
Main attraction: granite boulders and rock art at Bambata Cave
Vehicle type: all
Technical difficulty: moderate
Elevation: approximately 1700 ft
A 45-minute drive south of Bulawayo, or a six-and-a-half-hour drive from Harare, lies the Matobo National Park. A biodiverse area that is rich in fauna and flora and several hills and valleys.
The history
Established in 1926, the Matobo National Park is the oldest national park in Zimbabwe. It was proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 due to the high concentration of rock art and carvings from the Stone and Iron Ages that one can find dotted in the hills. As well as the Mwari religion that is centred on Matobo and still practiced in the area.
The distinctive granite rock formations making up the Matobo batholith were formed over 2 billion years ago and cover an area of about 3100 square kilometres of Matabeleland. Thousands of years of erosion have carved the granite hills into strange and beautiful domes, spires and balancing rocks. It has been said that Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele clan, named the region Amatobo, meaning bald heads, after the many dome-shaped granite rocks that are in the area.
The park is rich in fauna and flora, with over 200 species of trees and over 100 grass species. Part of the park has been designated as an Intensive Protection Zone and you can expect to see zebra, giraffe, loads of leopard, hyena, hippo, warthog, sable, waterbuck, crocodiles, and lots more. It also boasts the highest concentration of black eagles in the world.
The route
A road trip to Matobo National Park is suitable for all vehicles. The park is accessible by tarred road from Bulawayo and a single lane tarred road continues into the park through to Maleme Dam and Rest Camp. However, the remaining roads in the park are dirt and may or may not require 4X4 depending on whether you go in the dry or rainy season.
The undulating terrain means it is a great place to take a road trip. You can enjoy a leisurely drive through the park and take in nature’s splendour. The park extends along the Thuli, Mtshelele, Maleme and Mpopoma river valleys. The highest point in the park is known as Gulati and it is in the north-eastern corner, lying at 1 549m above sea level.
The area has several accommodation options, and is a great place for hiking and mountain biking. There are also several cultural sites and natural attractions to make for an entertaining and interesting weekend away.
Tips for a long trip
- Before heading out on your trip, check your vehicle’s brakes and tyres.
- Check the levels of your engine oil and water.
- Make sure your spare tyre is in a good condition and that you have a jack, spanner and reflective triangle.
- Check that your lights and wipers are in good working condition.
- Remember, it is good practice to stop the car every two hours to refresh and stretch your legs.
Chat to the team at Autoworld to get your vehicle and tyres checked to ensure your safety before you hit the road. At Autoworld we provide unparalleled service and advice to our customers. Ensuring your vehicles are maintained to the highest standards.