Matobo Hills
The Matobo Hills (formerly the Matopos Hills) are littered with red-hued kopjes which make it one of the most impressive of Zimbabwe’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is also where Cecil Rhodes chose as his final resting place. Within easy reach of Zimbabwe’s second city of Bulawayo, this is an area of historical significance and considered by many as Zimbabwe's spiritual home.
The Matobo Hills are one of the most underrated corners of Zimbabwe, despite being within a half hour drive of Bulawayo. A park of intense natural beauty, it offers a breath-taking scene dominated by huge granite boulders perched precariously on top of one another; it certainly has the appearance of being other-worldly.
The Matobo Hills were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 in recognition of their historical importance with evidence of sustained life here since the Stone Age. The caves created by the granite kopjes are home to over 3000 rock art sites with impressive San paintings. The area as a whole is considered to be the spiritual home of Zimbabwe with particular importance to the Ndebele people. This is also where Cecil Rhodes chose for his final resting place and his grave can be clearly seen on a visit to the park at the impressive spot known as World’s View, which offers breath-taking 360 degree views over the Matobo Hills.
The main attraction of a visit to the Matobo Hills is the rock formations and art on offer, but there is wildlife viewing on offer too. The park is home to an impressive density of leopards as well as plenty of plains game including sable and klipspringer. The fenced Whovi Wilderness Area in the west of the park is dedicated to the protection of both black and white rhinos, with the chance to track white rhino on foot too.