Granite cathedrals formed before life existed. San rock art spanning 40,000 years. Rhino tracked on foot. This is Matobo.
Discover MatoboThere are 195 countries on Earth. Only one has Matobo Hills — 3-billion-year-old granite cathedrals, the world's highest concentration of San rock art, and white rhino you can track on foot. March only. Every package, half the price. Book before 31 March — stays valid through June 2026.
The view from our bed was amazing — drinking coffee in the morning looking out over the hills. The pool, dining and bar area are exceptional with outstanding views.
What a gorgeous place. The staff were really lovely, very attentive and smiley. The rooms were fabulous and very well appointed. The whole experience was truly magical.
What a gem of a place! Sundowner time will be calling early, so get out there and enjoy a delicious cocktail and be amazed by the ever changing light in the rock formations surrounding this paradise.
Matobo reveals itself through footsteps on ancient stone, encounters with rhino, and the wisdom of those who've lived here longest.
Black and white rhino tracked on foot with expert guides. Matobo holds one of the world's densest populations — and one of the safest places to walk among them.
Learn more Learn more about Rhino Tracking at Matobo Hills Lodge
Over 3,000 documented sites. Paintings dating back 40,000 years. More rock art per square kilometre than anywhere else on the continent.
Learn more Learn more about Ancient Rock Art tours at Matobo Hills Lodge
Cecil Rhodes' chosen resting place. Granite domes stretching to every horizon. A silence you can feel in your chest.
Learn more Learn more about World's View sunrise and sunset visits
Step into Ndebele village life — share a meal, learn traditional crafts, understand why these hills are considered sacred.
Learn more Learn more about Ndebele Village Visits at Matobo Hills LodgeSome things can't be replicated — only experienced.
The only lodge within the Matobo Hills World Heritage area. Step outside your chalet and you're already there.
Family-owned since 1994. The same commitment to this land, these animals, and every guest who arrives.
Small by design. Personal attention, unhurried pace, a landscape that feels like yours alone.
Your questions answered by the people who live here. Best rates, always.
Matobo has the highest density of Verreaux's eagles on earth. Watch them ride the thermals above the rocks every morning.
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.
Real 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
Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Matobo National Park, a scenic journey from Bulawayo — Zimbabwe's historic gateway to extraordinary wilderness.
On Foot · 2–3 Hours
Black and white rhino tracked through open grassland with expert guides. Matobo holds one of the world’s densest populations — and one of the safest places to walk among them.
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TripAdvisor Hall of Fame · Est. 1994 · Over 290 Five-Star Reviews
Plan Your Stay
Everything you need to know before your journey to the world's oldest landscape.
No questions match your search. Contact us directly.
The national park entrance is approximately 30km from Bulawayo city centre, with the lodge located around 50km south — roughly 55 minutes by road. The route is tarred and well-maintained.
Yes. We arrange transfers from Bulawayo city or Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
Request transfer quoteFrom Bulawayo city: USD $75 private / $55 per person sharing.
From the airport: USD $110 private / $85 per person sharing.
Yes. We provide directions and GPS coordinates upon booking. Take Robert Mugabe Way south from Bulawayo — it becomes Matopos Road and continues to the park. The final stretch is gravel but well-graded. A standard sedan is fine in dry season; higher clearance recommended in the rains.
Yes, though it's approximately 440km (5–6 hours by road). Many guests fly into Bulawayo instead — daily connections from Harare, Johannesburg, and Victoria Falls.
No airstrip at the lodge, but charters can land at Bulawayo airport. We arrange the onward transfer.
We offer flexible packages from Bed & Breakfast to All-Inclusive. Our fully inclusive rate covers accommodation, all meals, teas/coffees/water, WiFi, selected activities, and national park fees including rhino conservation levy.
Not included: Premium drinks, transfers, and activities outside the reserve.
Half-day game drive (includes park fees): USD $90 per person (min 2) / $135 private.
Full-day game drive (includes lunch & park fees): USD $165 per person (min 2) / $210 private.
Children (4–11): Half-day $65 / Full-day $120.
Bank transfer (USD or ZWG), Visa, Mastercard, and EcoCash. 50% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due on arrival.
Yes. Preferential rates for Zimbabwean residents and SADC nationals — typically around 20% off rack rates.
Request resident ratesNo. Park fees and rhino conservation levy included. Only extras are premium beverages, gratuities, and optional activities.
Yes. You're accompanied by an experienced, armed guide. White rhinos are docile grazers; we maintain 30–50m distance. Matobo is designated as an Intensive Protection Zone for both white and black rhino. Exhilarating, not dangerous.
Low to moderate seasonal risk. The higher altitude and drier climate reduce risk compared to lowland areas. Malaria transmission peaks during the wet season (November–April). Consult your doctor about prophylaxis, especially for wet season travel. Use insect repellent from dusk.
Yes. Tap water is safe. Bottled water also provided.
First aid on site, trained staff. Nearest hospital Bulawayo (50km). Medical evacuation can be arranged. Travel insurance with evacuation cover 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. Always follow guide instructions.
Hairdryers and adaptors on request.
Yes, returned within 24 hours.
Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergies. Inform us when booking.
Share dietary notesGenerous, freshly prepared Zimbabwean cuisine. Buffet breakfast, lighter lunch, three-course dinner often under the stars. Many guests say food is a highlight.
Tea, coffee, water included. Soft drinks, juices, beers, wines, spirits at extra cost — or upgrade to All-Inclusive.
Yes. Bush dinners, sundowners, special occasions with advance notice.
Ask about private diningYes. All ages welcome. Pool, space to explore, rock art tours, stargazing.
Note: National park fees — children under 6 free, ages 6–12 reduced rate.
Children 12+ who can walk quietly for 1–2 hours. Younger children can join game drives instead.
Yes. Let us know your group composition.
Check availabilityGuided walk on foot (2–3 hours, early morning). Guide tracks using spoor, approaching to 30–50m of white rhinos. Matobo's rhino population is well protected within this Intensive Protection Zone.
Year-round destination. Dry season (May–Oct): Cool, clear skies, best wildlife viewing as animals gather at water. Green season (Nov–Apr): Warm, afternoon storms, lush landscapes, excellent birding, dramatic photography.
Moderate. Rhino tracking 1–3 hours at gentle pace on uneven terrain. Let us know about any mobility concerns when booking.
Yes, in main lodge areas. Good for emails, light browsing. Video calls may be limited.
Econet, NetOne, Telecel coverage but fluctuates. Lodge phone and WhatsApp always available.
Zimbabwe uses Type G — the square 3-pin UK plug (not round like South Africa). Bring your own adaptor or request one.
US Dollars preferred. Also accept ZWG at prevailing rates, and cards (Visa/Mastercard). No ATM at lodge — bring cash for gratuities.
Check-in: 14:00. Check-out: 10:00. Early/late on request.
50% deposit to confirm. More than 60 days: 20% penalty. 30–60 days: 50% penalty. Less than 14 days: 100% penalty. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
No minimum. We recommend 2–3 nights to fully experience the area.
At discretion. Guides: USD $10–20 per person/day. Staff: USD $10–15 per person/day (pooled).
Yes — local crafts, artwork, souvenirs.
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