Bulawayo road trip: Matobo National Park and its rock sites
This 39.7 km route near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe connects the Zimbabwe border crossing approach with two key sections of Matobo National Park: the scenic Circular Drive featuring historical viewpoints and rock formations, and the main Matobo National Park area known for wildlife and ancient Bushmen rock paintings.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Zimbabwe border crossing approach
- End
- Matobo National Park
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Zimbabwe border crossing approach — Gateway checkpoint where travelers navigate immigration and customs procedures to enter Zimbabwe from neighboring countries.
- Circular Drive section of Matobo park — Scenic loop route through granite boulder formations and wildlife habitat, offering accessible views of rock formations and indigenous fauna.
- Matobo National Park — UNESCO World Heritage site featuring dramatic rocky landscapes, rock formations, and wildlife safari area
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Zimbabwe border crossing is time-consuming. Allow 3.5+ hours for entry procedures including multiple forms, registration numbers, vehicle inventory, taxes, and visas.
- Transport
- Exiting Zimbabwe also requires extensive documentation checks. Allow 1+ hour for exit procedures including visa stamps and vehicle checks.
- Timing
- Arrive at Zimbabwe border during daylight hours. The video shows crossing at 4 PM meant camping at hotel due to darkness; darkness fell by 7:30 PM.
- Where to stay
- Few campsites in Zimbabwe; expect to stay in hotels instead of camping during your visit.
- Food
- KFC is well-represented in Zimbabwe towns for dining options after long drives.
- Tip
- Matobo National Park is divided into two sections: the Circular Drive (where you can leave your car and see rock formations/historical sites) and the Game Park (strictly stay in vehicle due to wildlife).
- Tip
- Visit Noui Cave in Matobo National Park to see 2,000-10,000 year old Bushmen rock paintings. This is the only cave accessible without hiking or climbing—just a muddy road drive.
- Transport
- Toll roads in Zimbabwe exist but improve road conditions significantly. Budget for toll booth payments for smoother road surfaces.
- Timing
- Plan for 2-hour drive from Bulawayo to Gwai town. Budget 6 hours driving from Gwai to South Africa border.
- Avoid
- In Matobo Game Park (Wolfy Wilderness area), never leave your vehicle as it is the favorite hunting grounds of leopards and contains dangerous wildlife.
Video on this route
ROAD TRIP ZIMBABWE: Travel Guide by 4x4 Camper for History, Culture and SAFARI