55 minutes south of Bulawayo, through some of the most ancient landscape on Earth
| Starting Point | Distance | Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulawayo City Centre | 50 km | ~55 minutes | Tarmac throughout; final 8 km graded gravel |
| Bulawayo Airport (BUQ) | 70 km | ~90 minutes | Lodge transfers available — book 48 hrs ahead |
| Harare (via A5) | 490 km | ~5.5 hours | Fly to BUQ (1 hr) or drive via Gweru |
| Johannesburg (via Beitbridge) | ~780 km | ~9 hours | Allow 1–3 hrs for the border crossing |
| Beitbridge Border Post | ~320 km | ~4 hours | Well-maintained A6 highway to Bulawayo |
| Victoria Falls | ~440 km | ~5.5 hours | Drive via Hwange; or fly BUQ direct |
| Masvingo / Great Zimbabwe | ~290 km | ~3.5 hours | Via Mbalabala junction |
The 50-kilometre drive from Bulawayo to Matobo Hills Lodge is straightforward, scenic, and suitable for a standard sedan in dry season. You’ll know you’re close when the granite balancing rocks begin to tower above the road.
Head south on Robert Mugabe Way, which becomes the Matopos Road — signposted “Matopos National Park.”
Good tarmac through increasingly dramatic granite scenery. Watch for speed humps through settlements.
You do not need a park entry ticket to reach the lodge — we are on a private concession bordering the park. Continue straight.
After approximately 10 km, turn right onto the signposted gravel road.
Well-graded gravel. Standard sedan fine May–October. During the rains (November–April), higher clearance is recommended.
GPS: -20.4925, 28.4902. Total drive: approximately 55 minutes.
Save the GPS coordinates -20.4925, 28.4902 to your phone. Mobile signal grows patchy in the hills. We will also send you a WhatsApp location pin after booking confirmation.
Fill up in Bulawayo before departing — there are no fuel stations between the city and the lodge. The last reliable pumps are on Robert Mugabe Way near the Ascot suburb, roughly 5 km from the city centre. If you need snacks or supplies for the road, TM Pick n Pay at Ascot Shopping Centre is your last supermarket stop.
The tarmac section (Bulawayo to the park boundary) is well-maintained year-round. The gravel section (final 8 km to the lodge) is regularly graded but can develop corrugations and puddles during the rains. Reduce speed on the gravel and keep headlights on. Our team will advise on current conditions — WhatsApp us at +263 77 587 6661.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (IATA: BUQ) is the nearest commercial airport and your fastest route into the Matobo Hills. From the arrivals hall to a cold drink on our veranda: roughly 90 minutes.
Many of our guests make the drive from Johannesburg, Pretoria, or Limpopo. It is a long day on the road — but the moment you enter the Matobo Hills, every kilometre feels worthwhile.
Total distance: ~780 km | Total drive time: 9–11 hours (including border)
Recommended: Break the journey overnight in Bulawayo or Louis Trichardt.
320 km of well-maintained tarmac. Single carriageway with regular overtaking lanes. Watch for slow-moving trucks, livestock, and police checkpoints — carry your papers and keep within speed limits (120 km/h highway, 60 km/h towns).
Fuel stops on the A6: Beitbridge town → West Nicholson (small pump, not always reliable) → Gwanda → Esigodini → Bulawayo. Fill in Beitbridge and again in Bulawayo before heading to the lodge.
Most South African rental companies do not allow their vehicles to cross into Zimbabwe. If you plan to hire a car, book with a company that explicitly permits cross-border travel, or hire a vehicle in Bulawayo. We can recommend local partners — just ask.
Harare to Matobo Hills Lodge is approximately 490 km. Two good options:
We arrange comfortable, private transfers so you can arrive relaxed and ready for the hills.
| Route | Private Vehicle | Shared Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Bulawayo City → Lodge | $75 | $55 per person |
| BUQ Airport → Lodge | $110 | $85 per person |
All transfer rates in USD. Book at least 48 hours before arrival. Include your flight details when enquiring. Request your transfer here.
Most nationalities obtain a visa on arrival. Single-entry tourist visa: $30 USD (most countries) or $55 USD (British/Irish). KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia — ideal if combining Matopos with Victoria Falls. Pre-apply at evisa.gov.zw.
The Matobo Hills sits at approximately 1,400 m elevation — classified as low malaria risk. Risk is minimal in dry season (May–October) and low-to-moderate in the rains. Many visitors choose not to take prophylaxis, but consult your travel doctor.
US Dollars are accepted everywhere. We also accept Visa/Mastercard and ZWG at prevailing rates. No ATM at the lodge — bring cash for tips and small purchases. ATMs in Bulawayo dispense both USD and ZWG.
Neutral-coloured clothing, sturdy walking shoes for rhino tracking, warm layers for early morning game drives (May–August can drop to 5°C), sunscreen, hat, binoculars, and your camera. We provide towels, toiletries, and insect repellent.
Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge areas. Econet and NetOne have intermittent coverage in the Matobo Hills — do not rely on mobile data. Download offline maps before your journey. We recommend disconnecting — that is what you came for.
Children of all ages are welcome. 4–11 stay at 50% of adult rate (max 2 per chalet, sharing with adults). Under 4: free. Zimbabwe requires children travelling with one parent to carry a birth certificate and consent letter from the absent parent. See family room options.
Our team arranges airport transfers, shuttle services, and will guide you every step of the way.
No. A standard sedan is suitable May–October. During the rains (November–April), higher clearance is recommended for the last 8 km of gravel. WhatsApp us for current road conditions.
Yes. Airlink and Fastjet operate daily direct flights from OR Tambo (JNB) to Bulawayo (BUQ). Flight time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
On a quiet day: 30–60 minutes. At peak times (Fridays, month-end, holidays): 1–4 hours. Cross early morning for the shortest wait. Have all documents ready before you arrive.
No. The last reliable fuel stations are on Robert Mugabe Way near the Ascot suburb, roughly 5 km from Bulawayo city centre. Fill up before you leave.
Yes. Private transfer from BUQ Airport: $110. Shared: $85 per person. Book at least 48 hours ahead via our Plan Your Stay page or WhatsApp +263 77 587 6661.
Low risk, not zero. The 1,400 m altitude means malaria transmission is minimal, especially in dry season. Many visitors skip prophylaxis — consult your travel doctor for personal advice.
Yes. Several local operators offer vehicle hire. Most South African rental companies do not allow cross-border travel to Zimbabwe — hire locally instead. We can recommend trusted partners.
Every season has its character. Dry season (May–October): cooler weather, clearer skies, easier game viewing. Green season (November–April): lush landscapes, migratory birds, dramatic thunderstorm skies, and lower rates. Read our seasonal guide.
