The Matopos (or sometimes Matobo) hills were once a huge granite monolith that over thousands of years of wind and water have been weathered into fantastic rock formations, called 'kopjes' (pronounced koppies). According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, "the name may have originated from matombe or madombe, meaning 'the rocks', or from matobo, 'bald heads'."
The History of the Matopos Hills
The hills are full of mystery and have a religious significance to the local people. They have been populated for thousands of years, with Stone Age and Bronze Age archaeological sites. The original inhabitants are the San people, also known as Bushmen, who still live in the hills although they are rarely if ever seen due to the harassment they have received from later tribes, like the Ndebele and then the Europeans, invading the area. There are a number of beautiful cave paintings created by the early San of hunting scenes that can be seen in the Matopos National Park, founded in 1902 and made a World Heritage Site in 2003.
The Matopos is around 35 kilometres south of the Zimbabwe city of Bulawayo and covers an area of around 3,100 square kilometres. It was the site of the famous "indaba" (meeting) between Cecil John Rhodes and the leaders of the Ndebele people in 1896.
World's View
Cecil John Rhodes is buried at the top of Malindidzimu, known to the local tribes as "the hill of spirits" and to Rhodes as "World's View". There is the most incredible view out over the extensive hills from the top of the hill. Other early white settlers such as Sir Leander Starr Jameson are also buried there and there is a memorial to the Shangani patrol, who were killed in a battle between white settlers and the Ndebele people. Visitors will be guided to the top of what is a steep climb by a park ranger who will explain the different viewpoints that can be seen from the top.
Game Park
The game park is an enclosed area of conservation that protects species such as the Black and White Rhinoceros; you can also see zebra, Kudu a type of antelope with twisted horns and the stately Sable Antelope with its long scimitar style horns. You will also see smaller game. You can either drive through the park (making sure to keep doors and windows closed) or take a horseback or walking guided tour with experience game rangers who can track the wildlife.
Maleme Dam
The reservoir is a central point in the Matopos Hills and is surrounded by "kopjes". Here you will see baboons and monkeys jumping from rock to rock, beautiful blue headed lizards and the ever inquisitive "dassies" or Hyrax rock rabbits which look like fat guinea pigs and which love to poke their heads out of the cracks in the rocks in which they live to see what is going on. There is a National Parks accommodation site next to the dam where you can stay in either a tent, a small hut, called a "rondavel" or one of the two luxury lodges perched high on a rock overlooking the dam. Alternatively, you can stay in one of the many hotels in Bulawayo and travel out for a day trip.
Safety
With the uncertain political situation in Zimbabwe, it is a good idea to book with an experienced package tour company to ensure that you can enjoy the incredible majesty and mystery of the Matopos Hills in peace and safety. Make sure to look up at the night sky if you stay in a camp. You will never again see so many stars that seem so close that you can reach up and touch them.
Amanda Payne - By Amanda Payne: Topic Editor for European Affairs. Amanda is a freelance writer with a special interest in Spain and all things ...
