Matobo National Park

Caves, shrines, oracles, and the mysterious dwelling place of Mwari Matonjeni, the great spirit of the Matobo Hills, are all now embodied in Matobo National Park situated 35km south of Zimbabwe's second largest city, Bulawayo. The Park covers approximately 43,200 hectares of rugged wilderness. 'Amatobo' meaning 'bald heads' was the name given to this area by Mzilikazi, head of the Khumalo Zulus who ventured from the south. Bald heads is an apt description of the vast number of bare granite domes, spires and balancing rock formations. Exposed by erosion then split, seamed, and sculptured by time and weather over thousands of years these rocks dominate the landscape sometimes as far as the eye can see.

Mzilikazi was so overwhelmed by the grandeur of this place that he decided to establish his permanent kingdom there, subduing the Rosvi tribe. Indeed such is it's air of brooding mystery that the succession of Mbire, Rosvi and Ndebele who evolved from the Zulus, all embraced Amatobo as powerfully sacred. It is the place where the creator Mulimu, provider of rain and guardian of nature was consulted about impending calamity and where rituals for rain were performed through the medium of priests and priestesses. It is possible to visit ceremonial sites which are still afforded great spiritual and cultural reverence from local people.

Nearly 20,000 years ago the nomadic San, hunters and gatherers, left a legacy of highly styalized rock paintings in numerous caves. Their paintings depicted animals, birds and dances; reputed to be the best are those in the Nswatugi Cave but Silozwane, Bambata, Gulubahwe, Pomongwe and the rock known as White Rhino Shelter (be prepared for a scramble over massive boulders) are well worth seeing.

Cecil John Rhodes' grave is at the summit of Malindidzimu 'hill of benevolent spirits' the site where he said he 'could view the world'. The imposing granite mausoleum close by was raised by Rhodes in honour of Scottish-born Major Allan Wilson and the thirty-three men who died pursuing king Lobengula. It has four bronze relief panels depicting their last stand.

The park is home to Black and White Rhino, benefitting from an I.P.Z. (Intensive Protection Zone) programme, a variety of antelope species including the dainty, agile klipspringer, leopard, giraffe, wildebeest, baboon and rock hyrax or "dassie". Matopos is the place where Black Eagles glide and soar. They spend hours perched on crag or shady ledge, looking out for their favourite prey, the dassie. They also take hares, monkeys and even small antelope.

In addition to exploring historical sites, visitors could fish for bream and bass, hike, rock climb, game view, bird-watch or just relax and enjoy the rugged beauty. National Parks Maleme Rest Camp near Maleme Dam has self-catering chalets and lodges three of which are more luxurious and offer breathtaking views. Campers and caravanners are catered for.