Bucketlist: Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe
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Are you planning a visit to Zimbabwe and looking for a truly unforgettable experience? In Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe, you have the unique opportunity to walk with rhinos. How amazing does that sound?
I never imagined I would have the chance to get up close and personal with such majestic and endangered creatures. During the overland camping tour with Acacia Africa, I was fortunate enough to encounter these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
Matobo National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s hidden gems, offers this once-in-a-lifetime experience that you absolutely don’t want to miss!
READ ALSO: The 6 best things to do in Botswana
Where is Botswana?
Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west Zimbabwe to the northeast. It covers anlarge area of the vast land, making it one of the largest countries in the region.
This amazing country is home to the vast Kalahari Desert, the lush Okavango Delta, and numerous national parks that showcase its rich wildlife. Its strategic location in the heart of Southern Africa makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the continent’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe
May – October:
The best time to visit Zimbabwe and fully appreciate its stunning natural beauty is from May to October. During these months, the dry season is in full swing, which means wildlife is more concentrated around waterholes, making it easier to spot animals.
This is also the perfect time to witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, which are particularly spectacular as the flow of water remains strong after the rainy season.
December – March:
From December to March, Zimbabwe experiences its wet season, offering a different but equally beautiful experience. While temperatures are higher and the humidity increases, the landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise.
Although spotting wildlife can be more challenging due to the dense vegetation, the vibrant greenery and fewer tourists make it a great time for those seeking a quieter, more scenic visit to the country’s national parks.
Accommodations in Zimbabwe
I stayed at Burke’s Backpackers Paradise, a charming, budget-friendly spot located near Matobo National Park. While it offers basic amenities, the campsite is beautifully nestled among lush greenery, with bushes and trees providing a serene environment to set up your tent and enjoy the outdoors.
If you’re looking for more comfortable accommodations near Matobo National Park, I would highly recommend Big Cave Camp or The Musketeers Lodge for a luxurious stay. Both options provide stunning views, top-notch service, and all the amenities you need for a more indulgent experience in this breathtaking region of Zimbabwe.
READ ALSO: 18 x best hotels in Egypt
Bucket list: walking with Rhinos in Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park, located near Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Bulawayo, is arguably one of the most unique national parks in the world. The park is home to the famous Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient rock formations and cultural significance, including centuries-old bushmen paintings.
Upon entering the park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet, with its dramatic landscapes, breathtaking views, and rich historical heritage.
Beyond its stunning scenery, Matobo National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife. While the park is famous for its large population of rhinos, it also hosts a variety of other incredible animals, including cheetahs, leopards, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and many more.
One of the unique features of the park is the absence of lions and elephants, making it a safer environment for guided walking safaris.
A visit to Matobo National Park wouldn’t be complete without the unforgettable experience of tracking rhinos on foot. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure allows you to get close to these magnificent, endangered creatures in their natural habitat, making Matobo a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Walking with Rhinos
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience many safaris, but none quite like this. The “walking with rhinos” experience in Matobo National Park, as part of the overland camping tour with Acacia Africa, was hands down the most unique.
This wasn’t just a safari. it felt like stepping into a detective story, a thriller, and a romance, all rolled into one. It’s hard to put into words how surreal it was to be so close and personal with these massive, wild creatures.
The moment was full of adrenaline, but also completely silent as I tried to breathe calmly, thinking, “Wow!” again and again. The best part was standing just a few meters from a 9-day-old baby rhino and its protective mother.
That close encounter is something I’ll never forget! One of those rare, life-changing moments when time seems to stop. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss this experience!
READ ALSO: Jigokudani monkey park: the most famous hot spring with monkeys in Japan
World’s View
Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe is famous for its old granite hills and large rocky landscapes. The rocks here are among the oldest in the world, more than 2 billion years old. Big boulders sit on top of each other, creating amazing views.
After our unique walking with Rhinos Experience, we drove with a safari jeep to the foot of the hills. After hiking up for about 30min, we found some caves with ancient paintings made by the San people, who lived here thousands of years ago. The paintings show hunting scenes, animals, and rituals, making this park one of the best places in Africa to see rock art.
Walking a little further up, we reached one of the most stunning spots in all of Zimbabwe, World’s View. Enormous boulders are stacked on top of each other, creating a unique natural formation.
From this viewpoint, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views over Matobo National Park, with its rugged hills, ancient rocks, and sweeping landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
READ ALSO: 13 Beautiful Things To Do at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
How we can save the Rhinos
Saving the Rhinos in Zimbabwe: How Can We Help?** Rhinos, like elephants, play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature and their ecosystems.
Protecting them isn’t just about saving a single species. It’s crucial for the health of vegetation and the survival of countless other animals. Unfortunately, rhinos are critically endangered due to poaching, driven by the high value of their horns, and the loss of their natural habitat.
It’s good to know that many people are working day and night to protect these amazing animals, but their survival also depends on us. When I visited Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe, I learned how visitors can help save the rhinos by supporting the “Matobo Rhino Trust” program.
This program includes building fences, stopping poachers, dehorning rhinos to protect them, and getting the local community involved. Each visit helps fund these efforts, and I hope more people can see it for themselves and help before it’s too late.
And please don’t hesitate to share this information with your friends and family to help stop the killing of rhinos. By spreading the word, we can raise awareness and make a real difference for their future.
It’s up to all of us to protect wildlife and take care of our planet. Every day we have is a chance to do something good for the earth and its creatures. Even small actions can lead to big changes, and together, we can help create a better future for the rhinos and all other animals.
Let’s not waste that chance.
READ ALSO: 6 great reasons to experience A jungle safari in Chitwan National Park
Zimbabwe is a true gem in Africa, full of amazing things to do. Whether you’re going on thrilling safaris, exploring the rich local culture, or just enjoying the beautiful landscapes, there’s something for everyone here.
If you have any questions or want to add something to this guide, feel free to share in the comments. I hope my story inspires you to visit this incredible place. Don’t hesitate to ask a question below or connect with me on Instagram
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Discover Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe, Philippines with my favourite travel apps
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, the best deals, and they are user-friendly.
- Skyscanner – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Car rental
- Omio – Transport
- iVisa – Travel documents
- Wise – Money transfer
- InsuredNomads – Travel Insurance
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.
