The grave of Cecil John Rhodes is at the summit of Malindindzimu (‘the hill of benevolent spirits’) in the Matobo National Park, very close to the parking lot. Rhodes called this place “View of the World”. The abundance of rock paintings in the Matobo National Park is testimony to the presence of San people many years ago. Visit the Nswatugi Caves to see some beautiful examples. The interpretive museum at the Pomongwe Caves in the Matobo National Park is a rich source of information.
The Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp is situated in the centre of the Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe, 20 km from the main entrance of the Park. Set among giant granite boulders and overlooking the Maleme Dam, the Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp exudes the same sense of peace and tranquillity as the rest of the Matobo National Park. This is the ideal place to unwind and let nature sooth your soul.
In the Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp, guests are accommodated in lodges or chalets. There are also a caravan and camping site for guests preferring a closer encounter with nature. The Maleme Rest Camp has a small kiosk for basic necessities, as well as a curio shop.
The thatched lodges are all en suite, and have one or two bedrooms (each with twin beds). Each lodge in the Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp also has a lounge and fully equipped kitchen (with fridge, stove, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery). There are three exclusive lodges in the Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp. The Fish Eagle and Black Eagle Lodge each has two bedrooms and sleeps five. The Imbila Lodge has two en suite bedrooms, each with a double bed.
The chalets in the Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp are one or two bedroom units (each bedroom with twin beds), with fridge, two-plate stove and sink. You also have the use of a wood or charcoal braai. No crockery or cutlery is provided in the chalets. The chalets at the Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp are not en suite and guests use the clean communal ablution facilities.
Tents and camping equipment can be hired at the Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp. Guests have the use of a wood or charcoal braai, as well as the clean ablution facilites. Guests at the Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp must ensure that they boil all drinking water.
But, of course, the animals are the biggest attraction. The Whovi Wild Area inside the Matobo National Park is home to many bird species and more than 60 species of mammals. Zebra, giraffe, antelope, leopard, cheetah, brown hyena, white and black rhinoceros are in abundance. The Matobo Hills Maleme Rest Camp offers guided walks into the Park, while pony trails are also available into the Whovi Wild Area and around the Maleme Dam area. Visitors can fish in most of the dams in the Matobo National Park and those with boats (with electric motor or paddles) are allowed on certain dams.
