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Stone-and-thatch chalets of Matobo Hills Lodge nestled among ancient granite formations at golden hour

The Only Lodge Inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stone walls, thatch roofs, three billion years of silence

17 chalets · family-owned since 1994 · Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe

Explore Our Chalets
Matobo Hills Lodge stone-and-thatch exterior nestled among ancient granite kopjes

Heritage & Place

Built into the landscape itself

The Matobo Hills are three billion years old — granite kopjes shaped by wind and rain into forms that look almost deliberate. Over 3,000 San rock art sites are scattered across these hills, some painted 40,000 years ago. Both black and white rhino move through the valleys below. UNESCO recognised the landscape as a World Heritage Site, and it is not hard to see why.

Matobo Hills Lodge is the only accommodation inside that protected area. Not on its boundary, not overlooking it from a distance — inside it. Seventeen stone-and-thatch chalets sit among the kopjes, each one opening onto a private veranda with views across ancient rock formations.

Wake early enough and you can track rhino on foot before breakfast. Spend the afternoon at World's View or exploring San rock art with a guide who knows every panel. Come back to a pool carved into the hillside and a cold drink while the sun drops behind the granite. This is not a drive-through safari — it is a place to stay and feel the landscape settle around you.

The only lodge inside the Matobo Hills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your Chalet

Stone walls. Thatch roof. Your private corner of the hills.

Twin chalet interior with two single beds and stone walls

Twin Chalet

2 guests · 13 available

Two single beds in a stone-and-thatch chalet with en-suite bathroom and private veranda looking out across the granite kopjes. The classic Matobo configuration — ideal for friends travelling together or couples who prefer twin beds.

  • Twin beds
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Private veranda
  • Tea & coffee station
Double chalet interior with double bed and veranda view

Double Chalet

2 guests · 4 available

A double bed in the same stone-and-thatch construction, with en-suite and private veranda facing the hills. Only four on the property — the natural choice for couples and honeymooners.

  • Double bed
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Private veranda
  • Tea & coffee station
Family chalet with king bed and additional beds for children

Family Chalet

Up to 5 guests · Available on request

Same stone-and-thatch chalet with a king-sized bed plus three extra beds for the kids. Same veranda, same views, same en-suite — just configured so the whole family sleeps under one thatch roof.

  • King bed + 3 extra beds
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Private veranda
  • Tea & coffee station

Every chalet includes

En-Suite Bathroom
Private Veranda
Tea & Coffee Station
Daily Housekeeping
Ceiling Fan

All chalets are the same size — 17 across the property, each with the same stone-and-thatch construction, private veranda and kopje views. The only difference is the bed configuration.

Every Stay Includes

Included with every package

En-suite chalet Private veranda with hill views
Full breakfast Fresh, cooked each morning
Swimming pool Overlooking the granite hills
Wi-Fi Stay connected throughout
Teas, coffees & water Complimentary throughout your stay
Free parking Secure on-site parking

Upgrade your experience

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

From $184 pp/night

Adds

Three-course dinner each evening

Full Board

From $209 pp/night

Adds

Lunch and dinner — all meals covered

Popular

Matobo Experience

From $315 pp/night

Adds

All meals plus a daily guided activity and park fees

Best Value

All-Inclusive

From $395 pp/night

Adds

Local drinks, rhino tracking, rock art tours, and all park fees

2026 Rates

Choose your experience

From a simple bed and breakfast to a fully inclusive safari — all rates include en-suite accommodation, Wi-Fi, and pool access.

Children 4–11 years: 50% of adult rate · Under 4s stay free · 15% single supplement in high season

Families Welcome

Where the whole family finds wonder

The Matobo Hills are a natural playground — granite boulders to scramble over, rock pools to explore, and wildlife that captivates every age. Our family chalets give everyone space to spread out, while the pool and gardens offer a safe place to unwind between adventures.

Older children can join guided rhino tracking walks or explore the ancient San rock art caves. Younger ones love the birding, the lizards on the veranda, and the wide African sky at night.

Dedicated family chalets — king bed plus three extra beds, en-suite with private veranda. Available on request.
Adventures for every age — from rhino tracking and rock art tours to pool days and stargazing from the granite.
Children 4–11 at half price — under 4s stay completely free.
Family enjoying the Matobo Hills Lodge experience
What Guests Say

Don't take our word for it.

Real reviews from guests who've walked the boulders, tracked the rhino, and dined under the stars.

0
Five-Star Reviews
#1
Rated in Matopos
Hall of Fame
TripAdvisor

"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."

NYCtrekker_12
TripAdvisor

"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."

Sarah & James W.
TripAdvisor

"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!"

Tina & Jon Buckley
TripAdvisor

"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."

MakaD
TripAdvisor

"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!"

Brian K.
TripAdvisor

"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."

Safiac2025
TripAdvisor
Read All Reviews on TripAdvisor
290+ five-star reviews · TripAdvisor Hall of Fame
Plan Your Stay

Everything you need to know.

From getting here to what to pack — a few essentials to help you prepare for your Matobo experience.

Getting Here

We're 35 km from Bulawayo on a good tar road — about 40 minutes' drive. Fly into Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), and we'll arrange your road transfer. Self-drivers are equally welcome.

Best Time to Visit

Matobo is a year-round destination. The dry season (May–Oct) is ideal for rhino tracking and cave art walks. The green season (Nov–Apr) brings dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and nesting raptors.

What to Pack

Sturdy walking shoes are essential — you'll be on granite. Bring layers for cool mornings, sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars. We provide towels, toiletries, and all safari essentials at the lodge.

Ready to experience the Matobo Hills?

Send us an enquiry and we'll craft your perfect stay — no commitment, just a conversation.

Call Us: 0775 876 661
Or email bookings@matoposhillslodge.com · We typically respond within 24 hours
FAQ

Common questions.

Everything you might want to know before booking your stay at Matobo Hills Lodge.

  • We're 35 km south of Bulawayo on a good tar road — roughly 40 minutes' drive. Fly into Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) and we'll arrange your road transfer, or self-drive if you prefer. We can also help coordinate connections from Victoria Falls or Harare.
  • Matobo is a year-round destination. The dry season (May–October) offers cooler temperatures ideal for rhino tracking and long walks through the rock art sites. The green season (November–April) brings dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and nesting raptors — perfect for birders and photographers.
  • Absolutely. We welcome families with children of all ages and our Family Chalet sleeps up to five. Activities can be tailored for younger guests — from shorter nature walks and rock scrambles to bush painting sessions. We provide travel cots and high chairs on request.
  • It depends on the package you choose. Our Bed & Breakfast rate includes accommodation and full breakfast. The Half Board and Full Board options add meals and guided activities. Our All-Inclusive package covers everything — all meals, local drinks, activities, and park entry fees. Check our Rates & Packages section for full details.
  • Yes — this is one of the signature Matobo experiences. Our experienced guides lead walking safaris into the Whovi Game Park, where you can track both black and white rhino on foot among the granite boulders. It's a privilege found in very few places in Africa. This activity is included in our Half Board, Full Board, and All-Inclusive packages.
  • The Matobo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the highest concentrations of rock art in southern Africa — some paintings dating back over 13,000 years. Our guides take you to both well-known and remote sites, offering deep cultural and historical context. It's a walk through living history.
  • There is Wi-Fi available in the main lodge area. Mobile signal can be intermittent in the hills — we suggest letting go and enjoying the disconnection. That said, we're reachable by phone and email for anything urgent during your stay.
  • Sturdy walking shoes are essential — you'll be on granite. Bring layers for cool mornings and evenings, sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars if you have them. We provide towels, toiletries, and all safari essentials at the lodge. Neutral-coloured clothing works best for game viewing.
  • The easiest way is to use the enquiry form on this page — just click any "Send Enquiry" button. You can also email us at bookings@matoposhillslodge.com or call 0775 876 661. We typically respond within 24 hours and there's no commitment — just a conversation to plan your ideal stay.

Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you.

Email Us