Plan Your Matobo Hills Safari

All our rooms are designed to offer the same high standard of comfort and luxury, featuring:

En-suite bathrooms with hot water and premium toiletries
Private verandas overlooking the stunning Matobo landscape
Comfortable king or twin beds with quality linens
Tea and coffee-making facilities
Ceiling fans and ample natural ventilation
Electrical outlets for charging devices

Each room is individually decorated to reflect the natural beauty of Zimbabwe while providing modern comfort.

Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge areas. Signal strength may vary in guest rooms due to our remote location, but we ensure connectivity in communal spaces for your convenience.

Mobile Signal: Most major Zimbabwean networks (Econet, NetOne, Telecel) have coverage at the lodge, though signal strength can fluctuate. We recommend letting family know you may be intermittently reachable – it's part of the safari experience!

For urgent matters, our lodge phone and WhatsApp are always available.

Our rooms feature ceiling fans and are designed with natural ventilation to keep you comfortable. The elevated location and granite surroundings of Matobo Hills create naturally cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings.

During the warmer months (October-March), our natural rock pool provides a refreshing way to cool off. Most guests find the temperature very comfortable, and many appreciate the authentic safari lodge experience without constant air conditioning.

Absolutely! Matobo Hills Lodge is family-friendly and we love welcoming young adventurers:

Children under 4: Stay completely free
Children 4-11: 50% discount on accommodation and meals
Family rooms: Available upon request
Children's portions: Smaller meal sizes at reduced prices
Kid-friendly activities: Gentle nature walks, bird watching, cultural experiences, and swimming

We can arrange for extra beds or cots in rooms. Please note that some activities, like on-foot rhino tracking, have age restrictions for safety reasons.

Our lodge offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay:

Natural rock swimming pool with stunning views
Restaurant and bar serving modern African cuisine
Outdoor dining areas for meals under the stars
Communal lounge with comfortable seating and book library
Conference facilities for corporate groups
Gift shop featuring local crafts and souvenirs
Secure parking
Laundry service (additional charge)

Matobo National Park offers incredible experiences. Our activities include:

White Rhino Tracking: On-foot walking safari with professional guides to track endangered white rhinos in their natural habitat.

San Rock Art Tours: Visit ancient cave paintings at Nswatugi and Inanke caves, some dating back thousands of years.

Rhodes Grave & World's View: Visit Cecil Rhodes' burial site with breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for sunset.

Cultural Village Tours: Immersive experiences with local communities, including traditional dancing and craft demonstrations.

Game Drives: Morning and evening drives through the national park to spot zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and more.

Guided Hikes: Explore the dramatic granite landscape and unique rock formations.

Birdwatching: Over 300 bird species, including the rare black eagle.

Half-Day Activities: $60 per adult, $40 per child (4-11 years)

Full-Day Activities: $120 per adult, $80 per child (includes lunch)

All activities include professional guides, park fees, and transportation. Full-day tours include a delicious two-course lunch. We recommend booking activities in advance to ensure guide availability, especially during peak season.

For guests on our All-Inclusive package, activities are already included in your rate.

Early Morning (6:00-10:00 AM): Best for rhino tracking and game drives. Animals are most active and temperatures are cooler. The soft morning light is perfect for photography.

Mid-Morning to Afternoon (10:00 AM-3:00 PM): Ideal for cultural tours, rock art visits, and guided hikes. The heat of the day is when many animals rest, making it perfect for non-wildlife activities.

Late Afternoon (3:00-7:00 PM): Prime time for sunset drives to Rhodes Grave and World's View. Wildlife becomes active again as temperatures cool.

We recommend spreading activities across multiple days to avoid fatigue and fully appreciate each experience.

We recommend packing the following for your activities:

Essential: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle (we provide refills)

Recommended: Binoculars for wildlife viewing, insect repellent, light jacket for early mornings, small backpack

Clothing: Neutral colors (khaki, green, brown) for game viewing. Avoid bright colors and perfumes that might disturb wildlife.

For Hikes: Sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants to protect from scratches, walking stick (available at lodge)

All necessary safety equipment is provided by the lodge.

Most activities can be adapted to different fitness levels and ages:

Children: Cultural tours, gentle nature walks, bird watching, and swimming are perfect for all ages. Rhino tracking requires children to be at least 12 years old for safety. Game drives welcome children of all ages.

Elderly or Limited Mobility: We offer vehicle-based game drives and cultural tours that require minimal walking. Rhodes Grave is accessible by vehicle. Please inform us of any mobility concerns when booking so we can customize your experience.

Our guides are experienced in adapting activities to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

We're located approximately 50km south of Bulawayo in Matobo National Park:

From Bulawayo: Take the Kezi Road (A6) south. After approximately 35km, turn right at the Matobo National Park sign. Follow the dirt road for 6km to reach the lodge. Total journey time: 60-75 minutes.

GPS Coordinates: -20.5537° S, 28.4988° E

By Air: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo is the nearest airport (50km). We can arrange airport transfers for $80 per vehicle (up to 4 passengers).

Detailed directions with landmarks will be sent upon booking confirmation.

The good news: You don't need a 4x4 vehicle! The final 6km dirt road to the lodge is well-maintained and accessible for all vehicles, including standard sedans with normal clearance.

Vehicles like Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit, and similar sedans regularly make the journey without issues. We recommend:

• Drive at a comfortable speed (30-40 km/h) on the dirt section
• Avoid driving after heavy rains if you're concerned about road conditions
• Contact us if you have concerns about your specific vehicle

During the rainy season (November-March), the road may be slightly rougher but remains passable for all vehicles. If you prefer not to drive yourself, we can arrange transfers.

Yes! We provide comfortable airport transfer services:

From Bulawayo Airport: $80 per vehicle (up to 4 passengers), $120 for larger groups (up to 8 passengers)

Transfers must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Please provide your flight details so we can coordinate timing perfectly. Our drivers will meet you at arrivals with a sign bearing your name.

For groups or special requirements, please contact us for a custom quote.

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, is 50km away and offers everything you might need:

• Supermarkets and pharmacies
• ATMs and banks
• Fuel stations
• Shopping centers
• Medical facilities

However, there's no need to venture out during your stay – we provide all meals and beverages at the lodge. If you need any supplies or have forgotten something, please ask our staff and we'll do our best to help.

Yes, Matobo Hills Lodge is located within the boundaries of Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prime location means:

• You're already in the heart of the action – no long drives to activities
• Wildlife can be spotted right from the lodge
• Incredible views of the iconic granite landscape
• Authentic bush experience while maintaining comfort

As a registered accommodation facility within the park, we handle all park fees as part of your stay. You don't need to pay separate entry fees.

This depends on which package you've selected:

Room Only: No meals included. You can purchase meals separately ($15 breakfast, $20 lunch, $25 dinner).

Bed & Breakfast: Full English or Continental breakfast included.

Full Board: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

All-Inclusive: All meals, snacks, beverages (excluding premium spirits), and activities included.

All meal packages include tea, coffee, and water. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately or are included in All-Inclusive packages.

Our chef specializes in modern African cuisine with international influences, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Breakfast: Full English breakfast, continental options, fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, and Zimbabwean specialties.

Lunch: Two-course meals featuring salads, soups, sandwiches, traditional dishes, and light mains perfect for the midday heat.

Dinner: Three-course meals showcasing the best of Zimbabwean and international cuisine. Expect dishes like braai (barbecue), game meat options, fresh vegetables, and delectable desserts.

Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Absolutely! We cater to various dietary requirements including:

• Vegetarian and vegan
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Food allergies
• Religious dietary requirements (halal, kosher)
• Children's preferences

Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before your arrival. Our chef will prepare delicious alternatives that ensure you don't miss out on the culinary experience.

Our dining schedule is designed around optimal activity times:

Breakfast: 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Early breakfast available from 6:00 AM for morning activities

Lunch: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Dinner: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
We recommend arriving by 8:00 PM for optimal experience

We're flexible! If your activity schedule requires alternative dining times, please let us know and we'll make arrangements. Packed breakfasts and lunches can be provided for full-day excursions.

Yes! We can arrange memorable dining experiences (advance booking required):

Bush Dinners: Enjoy a three-course meal under the stars at a scenic location in the bush. $40 per person (minimum 4 guests).

Sundowner Experiences: Drinks and canapés at World's View or Rhodes Grave while watching the sunset. $25 per person.

Romantic Dinners: Private two-person dining on your veranda or by the pool. $60 per couple.

Traditional Braai Nights: Authentic Zimbabwean barbecue with local specialties, often accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Scheduled regularly.

Matobo National Park is famous for its high concentration of white and black rhinos, and offers diverse wildlife viewing:

Big Game: White rhino, black rhino (rare sightings), giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, sable antelope, eland, impala, kudu

Predators: Leopard (occasionally), caracal, serval, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal

Birds: Over 300 species including the rare black eagle (Matobo is one of the best places in the world to see them), augur buzzard, martial eagle, and numerous colorful species

Smaller Wildlife: Rock hyrax (dassies), vervet monkeys, mongoose species, various reptiles

While we can't guarantee specific sightings, the park's abundance ensures memorable wildlife encounters on most activities.

Yes, walking around the immediate lodge grounds during daylight hours is generally safe. However, as we're located in a national park with wild animals, we ask that you follow these safety guidelines:

• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Don't walk alone at dusk or after dark – staff escorts are available
• Keep children supervised at all times
• Make noise as you walk to alert animals to your presence
• If you encounter wildlife, remain calm, don't run, and slowly back away
• Follow all instructions from lodge staff regarding wildlife

Night escorts are complimentary and recommended. Simply request at reception or use your room phone to call for assistance.

Wildlife encounters are rare at the lodge, but here's what to do if it happens:

General Rules:
• Stay calm and don't panic
• Never run – this triggers chase instinct
• Don't make sudden movements
• Speak in a calm, firm voice
• Slowly back away while facing the animal

Large Herbivores (elephant, rhino, buffalo):
• Give them space and respect
• Back away slowly
• Move behind a solid object if possible
• Don't position yourself between mother and offspring

Our staff are trained in wildlife safety and are always available to assist. Upon arrival, we'll provide a comprehensive safety briefing.

Malaria: Matobo Hills is in a low-risk malaria area. However, we still recommend consulting your doctor about prophylaxis, especially if traveling during the rainy season (November-March).

Vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid are recommended for Zimbabwe travel.

Sun Protection: The African sun is strong. Use high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.

Water: Tap water at the lodge is safe to drink, but bottled water is available if you prefer.

First Aid: We have a well-stocked first aid kit. The nearest hospital is in Bulawayo (50km). For serious emergencies, medical evacuation can be arranged.

Always bring any personal medications you require, as pharmacies are 50km away.

Our rhino tracking experiences are conducted on foot with experienced, armed guides for your safety. The distance varies based on several factors:

Typical Distance: You can often get within 30-50 meters of white rhinos, which are generally more docile. Our guides expertly read the animals' behavior and position the group for optimal viewing while ensuring safety.

Safety First: The exact distance depends on:
• Wind direction (we approach downwind)
• Rhino behavior and temperament
• Presence of calves (we maintain greater distance)
• Terrain and visibility

Our professional guides have decades of experience and prioritize both wildlife welfare and guest safety. They'll position you for incredible photo opportunities while respecting the animals' space.