Matobo Hills

Matobo Hills (Matopos) is a granite landscape of rounded hills and valleys in south-central Zimbabwe, recognized for dense concentrations of rock formations and ancient rock art. The area is protected largely within Matobo National Park and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The terrain is dominated by thousands of weather-rounded granite kopjes and dramatic balancing boulders; many short hikes and lookout points give close-up views of these formations. Visitors also access numerous well-preserved San rock art panels and short walk-in galleries that display painted human figures and animals.

The hills have been occupied for millennia by hunter-gatherer peoples who left extensive rock art; later the area became important in colonial and postcolonial history, including the burial of Cecil Rhodes at a prominent hill called Malindidzimu. Over the 20th century the area was set aside as a protected park and wildlife reserve.

Situated roughly south of Bulawayo in Matabeleland South Province, the hills rise from the surrounding plateau and include a mix of wooded valleys and exposed granite summits within Matobo National Park.

• UNESCO World Heritage: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for both cultural and natural values, noted for its rock art and unusual granite landforms.

What to See#

• Granite kopjes and balancing rocks: A granite kopje landscape containing thousands of rounded boulders, weathered balancing rocks and hilltops that provide panoramic views across the reserve.
• San rock art sites: A concentration of authentic San rock art panels and shelters with paintings showing humans and animals dating back thousands of years.
• Malindidzimu (Rhodes’ Grave): The burial site and memorial of Cecil Rhodes, located on a prominent hill known locally as Malindidzimu or World’s View.

The Matobo Hills/Matobo National Park lies a short drive south of Bulawayo. The park is roughly 30-40 km from Bulawayo town center (about a 30-45 minute drive depending on the gate) and is served by day‑tour operators and regional minibuses from Bulawayo. Most visitors drive from Bulawayo on sealed roads to the park entrances, then travel short distances by car and on foot to reach viewpoints and rock‑art sites.

• Plan morning or late-afternoon visits for better light on the granite kopjes and to increase chances of seeing wildlife active in Matobo National Park.
• Arrange guided walks from the park authority to reach the protected San rock-art sites-guides are required or strongly recommended and they locate panels that are easy to miss from the main roads.
• Use Bulawayo as the practical gateway for access and day trips rather than trying to drive directly across the hills; organized drives and local guides save time and point out lesser-known viewpoints like World's View and the granite domes.