The Matobo National Park is right in the middle of the Matobo Hills area in Zimbabwe”s second largest city. The area was declared a National Park in 1926. It is a beautiful, but little visited area that’s easily reached either by road from either Bulawayo or Hwange National Park. This rugged landscape receives better rainfall than the surrounding areas. As a result it can sustain a high diversity of vegetation and a variety of faunal species.
Wildlife viewing in Matobo National Park is at its best during the middle and end of the Dry season, from June to October, when animals stick close to water sources and the bush is thinner. The scenery is most impressive in the Wet season, from November to March, when vegetation is at its greenest and skies are crisp. Birding is also best over November to April, when migrant birds are present and many resident species go into breeding plumage.
Matobo National Park’s weather is temperate and fair. The warmest period is from October to March. From April to September it’s cooler during the day and it can get very cold at night in the midwinter months of May to July. The Dry season (April to October) is made up of clear, sun-filled days. During the Wet season (November to March), afternoon showers are common.
