Matobo Hills Lodge
Situated just 50 kilometres from Bulawayo in the Matobo Hills
Matobo Hills Lodge is situated on a private game reserve bordering Matopos National Park, 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Bulawayo. The Matobo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage site
The Matopos is an area of great beauty and is steeped in tribal history and ancient magic. Certain areas of the Park have religious significance for the Ndebele people and it was here that they buried their great king, Mzilikazi. Cecil Rhodes was also laid to rest on the crest of the ‘Hill of Benevolent Spirits’.
Once the home of the San (Bushman), this area contains the richest source of their rock art found anywhere.
Landscaped into the rocks on a granite ridge, Matobo Hills Lodge offers views across the wild Maleme Valley and Mount Ififi. Raised walkways and a swimming pool built into a natural cleft in the rock provide a picturesque setting. There are 17 lodges, all of which have en suite bathrooms. Meals are enjoyed in a thatched dining room or open-air gazebo. A wide range of activities are available and are designed to introduce guests to the many facets of the Matobo Hills.
Drives to areas of scenic and historical interest include visits to the famous San Bushmen caves and to the sites where the Matabele armies and the white settlers clashed during the 1896 uprising. Guests can also visit the local Ndebele and Kalanga communities where they continue to live their traditional life, mixing past traditions and beliefs with modern ideas.
The Matobo Hills ia the ideal place to relax or alternatively participate in a variety of local activities. Guided tours will get you close to the ancient White Rhino, or perhaps you would like to visit one of the many San Bushmen cave paintings. A visit to the grave of Cecil John Rhodes located at the ‘View of the World’ is very worthwhile and we would recommend a sunrise or sunset visit where with the latter you can enjoy a sundowner whilst taking in the stunning views.
The Matopas area is renowned for its rock formations and you are welcome to wander amongst the massive granite boulders, under the watchful eye of the proud Black Eagle.
Game drives in open safari vehicles into the designated high-conservation areas are offered, and horseback trails are also available. The birds of the Matopas, in particular the birds of prey, make the area of special interest to the ornithologist and the amateur bird watcher.
At A Glance
Accommodation
The lodge has:
• Thirty four beds
• Luxury hilltop lodges
• Thirteen twin-bedded lodges
• 4 double-bedded lodges
• Extra beds on request
All Lodges have:
• Shower,
• Bath,
• Toilet and basin,
• Wall-to-wall carpet,
• Electrical socket – square 13 amp. 220v.
The Matopas is an area of great beauty and the lodges are built along a granite outcrop. The Matobo Hills Lodge reflects the gentle spirit of these hills. Landscaped into the rocks of a granite ridge, the lodge offers views across the wild Maleme Valley. Raised walkways, shady gardens and a swimming pool built into the rock provide a picturesque setting.
Airport and Transfers
Bulawayo Airport (Joshua Nkomo International) is 23 kms from Bulawayo.
There are daily direct flights from Harare and others three times a week from Victoria Falls.
There are also daily direct flights from Johannesburg and other centres. Check with your travel agent.
Transfers:
Matobo Hills Lodge is 50 kms from Bulawayo. We can arrange pick up from the airport or from a pre-arranged venue in Bulawayo.
Taxis are also available at the airport.
Transfer fees are applicable.
Local Wildlife
Matobo National Park has a wide diversity of wildlife with 175 bird, 88 mammal, 39 snake and 16 fish species. Animals include rhinos, sable antelopes, impala, kudu, eland, klipspringer and leopards. The park contains a large population of the latter, due to the abundance of hyrax, which make up 50% of their diet. The game park in the west has been designated as an Intensive Protection Zone for the Black and White Rhino as well as hyenas, hippopotami, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest sand ostriches.
Matobo National Park contains the highest concentration of black eagles, and breeding pairs of these birds, worldwide.
A limnological research centre has operated since 1950 at Maleme Dam and researched species such as the yellow-fish Barbus mattozi.
Matobo’s diverse birdlife is reflected in the checklist of 347 species which have been recorded in the area. This is an impressive number for a small park and it is a popular destination for birders. The park is famous for its large concentration of raptors and has the world’s largest concentration of Verreaux’s eagles, which are also commonly known as Black Eagles. They can be seen perched on top of rock formations or soaring along the cliffs in search of prey. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birds to be seen include: Augur buzzard, Black-collared barbet, Mocking cliff-chat, Black-shouldered kite, Coqui francolin, Spotted eagle owl, African Crowned Eagle, Martial Eagle, African Hawk-eagle, Augur Buzzard, Black-chested and Brown Snake-eagle, African Fish-eagle, Bateleur, Lanner Falcon, African Harrier-hawk, Gabar Goshawk, Rock Kestrel, Yellow-billed and Black Kite, Wahlberg’s Eagle and Steppe Eagle.
Facilities
Fully inclusive rates include:
- Accommodation twin share, or single
- All meals and snacks
- Drinks – local drinks including beers, wine, soft drinks and spirits.
- Coffee & tea available throughout the day
- Swimming pool
- Relaxing lounge
Location
Matobo Hills Lodge is located in the South West of Zimbabwe in the Matobo Hills and is situated very close to the National Park.
The lodge is 50 kms, approximately 45 minutes from Bulawayo.
A 4WD is not necessary.
Road Distances:
Bulawayo – Beitbridge 320 kms (200 miles)
Bulawayo – Gweru 164 kms (102 miles)
Bulawayo – Hwange 337 kms (210.63 miles)
Bulawayo – Harare 440 kms (274 miles)
Bulawayo – Kariba 803 kms (502 miles)
Bulawayo – Masvingo 280 kms (174 miles)
Bulawayo – Matopas 45 kms (28.10 miles)
Bulawayo – Mutare 578 kms (359 miles)
Bulawayo – Nyanga 686 kms (429 miles)
Bulawayo – Victoria Falls 438 kms (274 miles)
Gweru – Masvingo 164 kms (102.5 miles)
Hwange – Victoria Falls 102 kms (63.75 miles)
Activities
There are a number of activities you can participate in whilst staying at Matobo Hills Lodge or you can simply relax in your room, in the lounge or by the pool.
Activities include:
- Tracking white rhino on foot through the hills with an experienced professional guide.
- Driving in an open vehicle to some of the best cave paintings in Africa to explore the caves and learn about the history of the San Bushmen.
- Evening sundowners and a historical talk at the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
- Cultural trips to the friendly local community villages to interact and learn the way of the local inhabitants.
- Game drive through the national park searching for some of its renowned birdlife.
- Early morning drive to scout for leopards
- Hikes and walks throughout the property
Nearby Attractions
- Matobo Hills National Park
- Cecil John Rhodes grave and ‘View of the World’
- Bulawayo (40 mins) – Natural History Museum, Art Gallery, Railway Museum, and Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre
- Tshabalala Game Sanctuary (36 kms from Big Cave on the Matopas road towards Bulawayo)
- Khami Ruins (22 kms from Bulawayo on Old Khami Road)
- Maleme Dam
Weather
Monthly Averages:
- January 29°C
- February 29°C
- March 29°C
- April 27°C
- May 26°C
- June 23°C
- July 23°C
- August 26°C
- September 29°C
- October 31°C
- November 30°C
- December 29°C
Summer highs can reach 38° to 40°c
Winter lows can reach 5° to 8°c
