Carved from three billion years of granite, the Matobo Hills hold a stillness the modern world has forgotten. Here, a handful of guests share a private corner of a UNESCO-listed wilderness — with rhino on foot, ancient rock art, and a silence you can feel.
Discover The Lodge
Seventeen chalets tucked into the hillside. No neighbours. No noise. Just you and the oldest rock on Earth.
Each chalet opens onto a private veranda and unbroken granite horizon. This is what you wake up to.
Your view. Every morning.
Warm. Simple. Considered.
Hot water. Cool stone.
Sundowners included.
Each one chosen for the landscape, not the schedule. Walk, or take the vehicle. You set the pace; we make it considered either way.
Tracked quietly, at distance, with guides who know every valley — in one of the safest places in Africa to walk among them.
Discover more
Paintings forty thousand years old, in over three thousand granite shelters. Quietly visited, carefully seen.
Discover more
Granite domes to every horizon. The summit Rhodes chose for his grave, best at last light.
Discover more
A homestead visit with the neighbours. A meal shared, a craft shown, a landscape explained from inside.
Discover moreReal reviews from guests who've walked the boulders, tracked the rhino, and dined under the stars.
"I spent 5 adventurous and memorable days exploring prehistoric cave art — some obscure and remote — with TK, the lodge's intrepid and knowledgeable guide. Unlike anything I've experienced on a vacation."
"We've been on safari across Southern Africa for 20 years. Matobo was unlike anything else — tracking rhino on foot through those boulders, sundowners on 3-billion-year-old granite. The value was extraordinary."
"I took my family back after 12 years and we had a wonderful stay. The scenery is out of this world. Thank you to Josh & the team for looking after us — the kids had the most brilliant time. We will definitely be back!"
"We were treated like royalty from the moment we arrived. Dining under the stars — a 4-course meal of delectable treats. Behind the lodge you can climb the rock: the view from the top is incredible. We could not recommend this more highly."
"She personalised every aspect of my visit. The staff — Thoko, Tatenda, Tawanda, Bheki, Bridget, Amos, Clive, Michael, Thandi and Andile. I know each name for a reason and each smile I can call up in a heartbeat. You guys rock — excuse the pun!"
"Our guide Takudzwa allowed us to feel deeply immersed in the spectacular Matopos landscape. It's this combination of stunning natural setting and genuine hospitality that creates truly special experiences. Enchanting."
TripAdvisor Hall of Fame · 291 Reviews · Consistently rated #1 in Matopos
The lodge sits quietly inside Matobo National Park, fifty kilometres south of Bulawayo. Airport transfers and road pickups are arranged on request.
Accommodation, guided activities, park fees and transfers — everything for a 2026 stay, in a single PDF, sent to your inbox.
Check your inbox — your 2026 guide should arrive within the next minute.
Tell us a little about your trip. We typically reply within two hours.
TripAdvisor Hall of Fame · Est. 1994 · 500+ five-star reviews
Inside the UNESCO Matobo Hills, with the family that has opened the door here since 1994.
Check availabilityEverything worth knowing before you arrive at Matobo.
No questions match. Write to us directly.
The park gate is approximately 30 km south of Bulawayo; the lodge itself is around 50 km — about 55 minutes by road. The route is tarred and well maintained.
Yes. We arrange road transfers from Bulawayo city centre or Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
Request a transfer quoteBulawayo city: US$75 private, US$55 per person sharing.
Airport (BUQ): US$110 private, US$85 per person sharing.
Yes. We send GPS coordinates and directions with your booking confirmation. Take Robert Mugabe Way south from Bulawayo — it becomes Matopos Road. The final stretch is gravel but well graded. A standard sedan is fine in dry season; higher clearance is sensible during the rains.
Possible, though it's approximately 440 km (five to six hours by road). Most guests fly Bulawayo instead — daily connections from Harare, Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls.
There is no airstrip at the lodge itself. Charters land at Bulawayo airport and we arrange the onward transfer.
We offer flexible packages from Bed & Breakfast through to All-Inclusive. The full-inclusive rate covers accommodation, all meals, teas/coffees/water, WiFi, selected activities, and national park fees (including the rhino conservation levy).
Not included: premium drinks, transfers, and activities outside the reserve.
Half-day (park fees included): US$90 per person, minimum two / US$135 private.
Full-day (lunch & park fees included): US$165 per person, minimum two / US$210 private.
Children 4–11: half-day US$65 / full-day US$120.
Bank transfer (USD or ZWG), Visa, Mastercard, and EcoCash. A 50% deposit secures the booking; the balance is due on arrival.
Yes. Preferential rates for Zimbabwean residents and SADC nationals — typically around 20% off rack.
Request resident ratesNo. Park fees and the rhino conservation levy are included. The only extras are premium beverages, gratuities, and optional activities.
Yes. You're accompanied by an experienced, armed guide. White rhino are docile grazers; we keep a distance of 30–50 m. Matobo is designated as an Intensive Protection Zone for both white and black rhino. Exhilarating, not dangerous.
Low to moderate seasonal risk. The altitude and drier climate reduce risk compared with lowland areas. Transmission peaks during the wet season (November–April). Consult your doctor about prophylaxis, especially for wet-season travel, and use insect repellent from dusk.
Yes. Tap water is safe. Bottled water is also provided.
First aid on site and trained staff. Nearest hospital: Bulawayo, 50 km. Medical evacuation can be arranged. Travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
No free-roaming predators at the lodge; no lion. Leopard are present in the park but elusive. You may see general game — antelope, giraffe, zebra. Follow guide instructions at all times.
Hairdryers and adaptors on request.
Yes, returned within 24 hours.
Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergies. Let us know when booking.
Share dietary notesGenerous, freshly prepared Zimbabwean cuisine. Buffet breakfast, lighter lunch, three-course dinner — often under the stars. Many guests say the food is a highlight.
Tea, coffee, and water are included. Soft drinks, juices, beers, wines, and spirits are charged separately, or upgrade to All-Inclusive.
Yes. Bush dinners, sundowners, and special occasions — with advance notice.
Ask about private diningYes. All ages welcome. Pool, space to explore, rock-art tours, stargazing.
National park fees: children under 6 free, ages 6–12 reduced rate.
Children 12 and older who can walk quietly for one to two hours. Younger children can join game drives instead.
Yes. Let us know your group composition.
Check availabilityA guided walk on foot, two to three hours, early morning. The guide tracks using spoor and approaches to within 30–50 m of white rhino. Matobo's rhino population is well protected within this Intensive Protection Zone.
Year-round destination. Dry season (May–October): cool, clear skies, best wildlife viewing as animals gather at water. Green season (November–April): warm, afternoon storms, lush landscapes, excellent birding, dramatic photography.
Moderate. Rhino tracking is one to three hours at a gentle pace on uneven terrain. Let us know about any mobility concerns when booking.
Yes, in the main lodge areas. Good for emails and light browsing; video calls may be limited.
Econet, NetOne, and Telecel coverage is available but fluctuates. The lodge phone and WhatsApp are always available.
Zimbabwe uses Type G — the square three-pin UK plug (not the round pin common in South Africa). Bring an adaptor or request one.
US Dollars preferred. We also accept ZWG at prevailing rates, and Visa/Mastercard. No ATM at the lodge — bring cash for gratuities.
Check-in: 14:00. Check-out: 10:00. Early or late on request.
50% deposit to confirm. More than 60 days out: 20% penalty. 30–60 days: 50%. Under 14 days: 100%. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
None. We recommend two to three nights to fully experience the area.
At discretion. Guides: US$10–20 per person per day. Staff: US$10–15 per person per day (pooled).
Yes — local crafts, artwork, souvenirs.
We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more