Matobo Hills

The Matobo Hills, located south of Bulawayo, form one of the most fascinating and spiritually significant landscapes in Zimbabwe. This geological formation of rounded, massive granite blocks and imposing boulders (kopjes), which look as if they were stacked on top of each other by giants, is the result of millions of years of erosion. The area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, not only because of its bizarre and panoramic rock formations but also due to its immense historical and cultural significance. The caves and overhangs of the mountains house one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric San rock art in southern Africa, some of which are over ten thousand years old. For the local Ndebele population, the Matobo Hills are a sacred place where spirits are worshipped. The Matobo National Park also protects remarkable wildlife, including the country's largest population of white and black rhinos and an unprecedented density of Verreaux's eagles.

Nearby cities

Hwange

Hwange is the center of Zimbabwe's coal mining industry and serves as the nation's primary energy hub.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe's premier tourism destination, located on the Zambezi River next to the world-famous waterfall of the same name.

Inyati

Inyati is one of the oldest modern settlements in Zimbabwe, founded in 1859 as a mission station.

Binga

Binga is a unique district center located on the remote southern shores of Lake Kariba.

Dete

Dete is a strategically located settlement on the edge of Hwange National Park and along the main railway line.

Lupane

Lupane is the administrative capital of the Matabeleland North Province and a burgeoning educational center.

Tsholotsho

Tsholotsho is a significant administrative and cultural hub in western Zimbabwe, located on the edge of the Kalahari sands.

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Nkayi

Nkayi is a remote but essential administrative and trading center in the heart of Matabeleland North.

History & landmarks

Livingstone Statue

A statue of David Livingstone on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, looking out over the gorge.

Nature

Tuli River

A river in the dry south-west.

Shashe River

A tributary of the Limpopo at the border.

Mzingwane River

Tributary of the Limpopo.

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Gwayi River

A major river in western Zimbabwe.

Sanyati River

A tributary to Lake Kariba.

More places

Matobo Rhino Habitat

A known reserve for protecting white and black rhinos.

Bulawayo Hills

Hilly terrain around Bulawayo.

Bulawayo Plateau

An elevated region around Bulawayo in the west.

Tuli Basin

An arid basin in south-west Zimbabwe.

Mzingwane Valley

A river valley in southern Matabeleland.

Limpopo Basin

The drainage basin of the Limpopo in the far south.

Gwayi Valley

A river lowlands in western Zimbabwe.

Hwange Colliery

One of Zimbabwe's largest and oldest coal mines, supplying thermal power stations and industry.