Matobo National Park

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matobo is famous for its distinctive granite kopjes and balancing rocks, as well as being a stronghold for both black...

Matobo National Park at a Glance

Location
Matobo & Southwest, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-20.489440, 28.538996
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for game viewing. February to May for Victoria Falls at peak flow.

Getting to Matobo National Park

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 23 km away.

Nearest international airport: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), 54 km away.

Big Five in Matobo National Park

2 of the Big Five can be found here: White Rhinoceros, Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Matobo National Park

The warmest temperatures in Matobo National Park occur in November, averaging 22.5°C (up to 28.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 2.0mm. Average humidity: 50.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.5°C (rainfall: 154.5mm)
  • February: 20.7°C (rainfall: 119.9mm)
  • March: 20.3°C (rainfall: 37.3mm)
  • April: 18.7°C (rainfall: 20.9mm)
  • May: 16.5°C (rainfall: 3.9mm)
  • June: 14.0°C (rainfall: 9.3mm)
  • July: 14.0°C (rainfall: 2.0mm)
  • August: 17.3°C (rainfall: 2.6mm)
  • September: 20.6°C (rainfall: 2.3mm)
  • October: 22.1°C (rainfall: 24.6mm)
  • November: 22.5°C (rainfall: 64.7mm)
  • December: 21.8°C (rainfall: 154.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Matobo National Park

The best months to visit Matobo National Park are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 20.53°C, rainfall 154.5mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 75.7%
  • February: Good, temperature 20.68°C, rainfall 119.9mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 73.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 20.25°C, rainfall 37.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 67.2%
  • April: Great, temperature 18.72°C, rainfall 20.9mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 63.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 16.51°C, rainfall 3.9mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 55.7%
  • June: Good, temperature 13.97°C, rainfall 9.3mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 56.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 13.96°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 50.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 17.28°C, rainfall 2.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 45.3%
  • September: Great, temperature 20.61°C, rainfall 2.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 43.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 22.12°C, rainfall 24.6mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 47.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 22.52°C, rainfall 64.7mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 56.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 21.8°C, rainfall 154.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 68.2%

Wildlife in Matobo National Park

Home to 84 recorded species including 34 iconic birds, 20 birds of prey, 18 waterbirds, 5 big herbivores, 2 reptiles, 2 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Matobo National Park

Based on average temperature of 19.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 59%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Matobo National Park

38 safari lodges available.

ultra-luxury

Other

Similar Parks in Matobo & Southwest

Visitor Tips - Matobo National Park

Matobo National Park offers an unparalleled blend of ancient history and thrilling wildlife encounters. We love the unique experience of tracking rhino on foot amidst the dramatic granite kopjes, a truly humbling and intimate safari moment. The sunsets over the balancing rocks are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues.

Gate Times

The park gates typically open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM daily. We always recommend pre-booking your activities, especially if you plan on the popular rhino tracking, as this often requires specific permits and a Zimparks guide. Entry fees are paid at the gate, usually in USD, and it is wise to confirm current rates before your visit.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated in Zimbabwe. For a safari guide on a full-day activity, we suggest around $10-20 per person per day. For camp staff, a general tip of $5-10 per guest per day can be left in a communal box. Rangers accompanying you on rhino tracking appreciate $5-10 per person. Always tip in USD and discreetly.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Matobo National Park FAQs

What makes the rhino tracking experience in Matobo National Park particularly unique and memorable?

Matobo offers an unparalleled opportunity for ethical on-foot rhino tracking, allowing you to approach both black and white rhinos incredibly closely in their natural granite kopje habitat. This intimate experience, guided by expert rangers, provides a profound connection with these magnificent animals that is rare in other safari destinations.

When is the optimal time to visit Matobo National Park to best experience its unique landscape and wildlife, especially for rhino tracking?

The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for visiting Matobo. During this period, vegetation is sparser, making wildlife spotting easier, and the cooler temperatures are more comfortable for on-foot activities like rhino tracking. The dramatic granite formations are also particularly striking against the dry landscape.

What are the key safety considerations for visitors, particularly concerning the on-foot rhino tracking and health risks in Matobo National Park?

Safety during rhino tracking is paramount, with experienced guides ensuring a respectful and secure distance from the animals and providing thorough briefings. Visitors should also be aware of Matobo's moderate malaria risk and consult their doctor about prophylaxis before travel, especially during the wetter months.

Beyond its famous rhinos, what other distinctive wildlife can visitors expect to encounter in Matobo National Park's unique granite environment?

Matobo is a stronghold for leopard, often spotted among the rocky outcrops, and is home to a high density of klipspringer, perfectly adapted to the granite terrain. The park also boasts diverse birdlife, including various raptor species soaring above the kopjes, offering unique photographic opportunities.

What are the typical costs and logistical considerations for planning a visit to Matobo National Park, especially for the rhino tracking experience?

Visitors should budget for park entry fees, which are separate from the specific rhino tracking fees, often paid directly to the park or through an operator. It's advisable to arrange your visit and tracking experience through a reputable safari company or lodge, as guides are mandatory for on-foot activities.

Recommended Books

  • Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller - Raw and unflinching memoir of growing up in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe during the civil war. One of the most honest accounts of life in southern Africa.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zimbabwe by Paul Murray - The most detailed guide to Zimbabwe including Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls. Written by a Zimbabwe specialist with decades of experience.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.