2-3 hours
Rhino Tracking on Foot
Guided walks to track white and black rhino up close
- Guide
- Park fees
- Refreshments
Zimbabwe · Zimbabwe's Spiritual Heart
Scroll to ExploreMatobo Hills
Zimbabwe's Spiritual Heart
Billion-year-old granite kopjes, rhino tracking on foot, and 20,000-year-old San rock art.
Best timeYear-round (dry season May-October)WildlifeWhite & black rhino, leopard, black eagleThe site424 km²Escapes from$1,200 pp
Our Luxury Escapes
Multi-Day Zimbabwe Journeys
Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — pair the granite hills and rock art of Matobo with Zimbabwe's greatest wild places, from the thundering Victoria Falls to the floodplains of Mana Pools and the elephant country of Hwange. Private guides, the finest camps and every detail crafted entirely around you.
Ultra-Luxury
8 Days · 7 Nights
High-End LuxuryZimbabwe Wilderness — Mana Pools & Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders and the Wildest River in Africa
From$6,450ppView Details
6 Days · 5 Nights
LuxuryHwange Elephant Kingdom — 6 Days
45,000 elephants, waterhole hides & wild dogs in Zimbabwe
From$3,290ppView Details
5 Days · 4 Nights
Hwange Classic Safari — 5 Days
Big herds, big cats and waterhole hides in Zimbabwe
From$2,490ppView Details
The Beyond Africa Difference
A landscape of balancing granite and ancient rock art — tracked on foot with the guides who read every kopje.
In the Matobo Hills, granite domes rise like ancient sentinels—worn smooth by a billion years of wind and rain. This is Zimbabwe's spiritual heart, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where San Bushmen painted their stories on cave walls twenty thousand years ago. Today, Matobo is one of Africa's finest rhino sanctuaries. Track white and black rhino on foot, just metres from these prehistoric giants, guided by expert rangers through the kopjes and valleys. Cecil Rhodes chose to be buried here at World's View. Leopards prowl the rocks, black eagles soar overhead, and the balancing rocks defy gravity. Timeless, sacred, wild.
UNESCO World Heritage SiteRhino Tracking on Foot20,000-Year-Old San Rock ArtWorld's View & Granite Kopjes
Destination overview
Why Visit Matobo Hills
Zimbabwe's spiritual heart and a landscape like nowhere else. From tracking black and white rhino on foot across ancient granite to standing at World's View as the light turns the whalebacks amber, from 20,000-year-old San rock art to the highest leopard density in Zimbabwe — Matobo Hills rewards every moment. Here is what makes it unforgettable.
- Rhino tracking on foot (white & black)
- 20,000-year-old San rock art
- Balancing rocks & granite kopjes
- World's View (Rhodes' grave)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Highest leopard density in Zimbabwe
The wildlife
Wildlife You'll Encounter
White Rhinoceros
Black Rhinoceros
Leopard
Black Eagle
Cape Buffalo
Giraffe
Sable Antelope
Rock Hyrax
Klipspringer
Vervet Monkey
The Signature Collection
The Experiences That Define Matobo Hills
Where the Matobo story unfolds. Track rhino on foot with an expert guide, climb to World's View for sweeping granite vistas, uncover San rock art hidden in the kopjes, and feel the spiritual weight of Zimbabwe's oldest landscape — each one built into your itinerary by your private concierge.
Half-day
San Rock Art Tours
Visit ancient Bushmen paintings in sacred caves
- Guide
- Park fees
- Refreshments
Full day
World's View
Rhodes' burial site with panoramic views
- Guide
- Park fees
- Refreshments
3-4 hours
Balancing Rocks Photography
Capture iconic granite formations
- Guide
- Park fees
- Refreshments
Zimbabwe Heritage Circuit
Matobo Hills, Great Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls
Matobo's ancient rock art and rhino tracking pairs naturally with the stone city of Great Zimbabwe and the thunder of Victoria Falls — the heritage soul of southern Africa in one journey.
Zimbabwe Big Five
Matobo Rhinos & Hwange Elephants
Pair the white and black rhino of Matobo with the massive elephant herds of neighboring Hwange for a complete Zimbabwe Big-Five journey across two iconic parks.
Instant-Book Adventure Experiences
Explore Our Complete Adventure Catalog
Looking for more Southern African safari and adventure experiences? Visit Gray Line South Africa — our sister company — for a full catalog of instant-book tours across the region, with live availability and instant confirmation.
Browse Gray Line South AfricaThe Matobo Hills · Zimbabwe's Spiritual Heart
A Landscape of Granite and Spirit
Sculpted over three billion years, the Matobo Hills are a sea of balancing boulders and granite whalebacks that King Mzilikazi named the "bald heads". Sacred to the peoples who have lived among them for millennia, the hills shelter one of Africa's richest concentrations of San rock art, the highest density of leopard and black eagle on the continent, and thriving black and white rhino tracked on foot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is Zimbabwe's most soulful and awe-inspiring landscape.
Rhino on FootSan Rock ArtWorld's ViewBalancing RocksBlack EaglesRhodes' Grave
Plan a Matobo Hills JourneyA Romantic Escape
Wild Romance in the Bush
For couples seeking something truly special, Matobo Hills pairs unforgettable shared experiences with intimate lodges and quiet, golden moments away from the crowds.
San Rock Art Tours
Visit ancient Bushmen paintings in sacred caves
World's View
Rhodes' burial site with panoramic views
Balancing Rocks Photography
Capture iconic granite formations
Leopard Tracking
Game drives to find the elusive big cats
Photo gallery
Matobo Hills in Pictures
The perfect heritage-and-wild journey
Pair Matobo Hills with Wild Zimbabwe
The Matobo Hills are the spiritual soul of a journey through wild Zimbabwe. Track rhino among the ancient granite, then set sail on the vast waters of Lake Kariba or stand before the medieval stone city of Great Zimbabwe. We'll weave it all into one seamless itinerary.
Matobo Hills vs Other Destinations
Why Choose Matobo Hills
Matobo Hills stands apart — here's how it compares to other destinations.
FeatureMatobo HillsOther Destinations
Signature experienceRhino tracking on footLimited
WildlifeWhite & black rhino, leopard, black eagleFewer
Birdlife300+ species including black eaglesFewer
Standout appeal20Less distinctive
OverallZimbabwe's Spiritual HeartMore generic
Good to know
Useful Matobo Hills Travel Tips
The practical details that make a heritage journey effortless — gathered from years of crafting private cultural and safari itineraries across Zimbabwe for our guests.
Sturdy walking shoes essential
Rhino tracking is on foot over rocky terrain — bring broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support and grip.
Camera & binoculars a must
Matobo's ancient rock art, balancing boulders and rhino encounters demand a good camera and zoom lens.
Carry US dollars cash
Small bills for guide tips, curio purchases at local craft markets and park entry fees. Lodges accept cards.
Book rhino permits early
Rhino tracking permits and lodge availability fill months ahead, especially peak season May–October.
Malaria risk low but check
Matobo's higher altitude means lower malaria risk than lowveld, but consult your doctor about prophylaxis.
Travel insurance highly recommended
Comprehensive cover for medical, evacuation, cancellation and gear — essential for remote park adventures.
Location & Access
Getting to Matobo Hills
20.5500° S, 28.5000° E
Getting There
- By AirFly to Bulawayo Airport (BUQ), then 45-minute drive
- By Road35km south of Bulawayo (45-minute drive)
- TransfersLodge transfers from Bulawayo or Victoria Falls
Where to stay
Our Hand-Picked Matobo Hills Lodges
From characterful lodges among the granite kopjes to intimate retreats on the edge of the national park, the most comfortable addresses in the Matobo Hills, each held for you by our concierge.
★★★★★
Amalinda Lodge
Luxury lodge built into the granite rocks
FromR 5,490per person, per night
★★★★★
Big Cave Camp
Intimate camp beneath a massive rock overhang
FromR 5,490per person, per night
★★★★
Camp Amalinda
Exclusive tented camp in the wilderness
FromR 5,490per person, per night
★★★★
Matobo Hills Lodge
Classic stone-and-thatch lodge
FromR 5,490per person, per night
★★★
Farmhouse Lodge
Family-run colonial-style farmhouse
FromR 2,745per person, per night
★★★
Old Bulawayo Country Lodge
Historic lodge near the park
FromR 2,745per person, per night
Worth the premium
Why It Justifies the Price
Billion-year-old granite kopjes, rhino tracking on foot, and 20,000-year-old San rock art.
Rhino tracking on foot
Rhino tracking on foot (white & black)
20
20,000-year-old San rock art
Balancing rocks & granite kopjes
Balancing rocks & granite kopjes
World's View
World's View (Rhodes' grave)
UNESCO World Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.
Good to know
Matobo Hills, Answered
Is rhino tracking safe?
Yes. Experienced armed rangers guide all rhino walks and maintain safe distances.
How old is the San rock art?
The oldest paintings are estimated at 20,000 years old.
Can I climb the balancing rocks?
No. The formations are protected. Photography from designated viewpoints is permitted.
Is World's View accessible?
Yes. A short walk from the car park leads to Rhodes' grave and panoramic views.
Are there Big Five?
Partial Big Five: rhino, leopard, and buffalo. No lion or elephant.
Do I need a visa for Zimbabwe?
Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at Bulawayo or Victoria Falls airports.
What should I wear for rhino tracking?
Neutral colors (beige, khaki, brown), closed walking shoes, and a hat.
Can I visit Matobo as a day trip?
Yes, from Bulawayo. But overnight stays allow for dawn rhino tracking.
Is Matobo malaria-free?
Low malaria risk. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis.
How long should I stay?
2-3 days to experience rhino tracking, rock art, and leopard game drives.
Your journey, your way
Ready to start planning your Matobo Hills journey?
Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private Zimbabwe journey around you — every rhino track on foot, every rock-art site, every sunset at World's View and every transfer taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.
- 18+ Years of Excellence
- 4.9/5 Guest Rated
- 200,000+ Guests Since 2008