Step back in time to the Jurassic age…
Rich in history and culture and spanning over 44,000 hectares, Matobo National Park is an area of international renown. Uniquely decorated by a range of domes, spires and balancing rock formations which have been hewn out of the solid granite plateau through millions of years of erosion and weathering; in amongst landscapes like these, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Jurassic age.
Unsurprisingly, this majestic and rugged terrain is a hiker’s paradise and the diversity of the vegetation supports a wide range of wildlife. What’s more, the region is rich in human history, starting with Bushmen 2,000 years ago: they have left brilliantly-preserved rock paintings and a valuable collection of rock art, which can be seen on the cave walls and also in the small museum.
What might just be your favourite aspect of Matobo, however, is the Intensive Protection Zone, where a large population of Black and White Rhinoceros are successfully breeding. To spot one of these endangered creatures is truly humbling and the efforts going into their revival is inspiring.
Beyond the rhinoceros, you can expect to see zebra, giraffe, leopard, hyena, hippo, warthog, waterbuck, wildcat, common duiker, crocodiles, baboons, monkey…the list goes on. And if you look to the skies, you’ve got a fantastic chance of spotting black eagles, as well as an incredible variety of other bird life. Yet another UNESCO wonderland.
