Tracking Rhino in Matobo National Park
Few wildlife experiences compare to standing on foot within metres of a wild rhino. In Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, you have the rare opportunity to do just that.
Renowned for its striking scenery of ancient granite kopjes and wooded valleys, Matobo is also one of the best places in southern Africa to track both black and white rhinoceros on foot.
The rare opportunity to stand on foot within metres of a wild rhino
Home to the largest concentration of black and white rhinos in Zimbabwe
Renowned for its striking scenery of ancient granite kopjes and wooded valleys
Led by expert guides to give you an intimate knowledge of the bush while you track
Best Time to Go
Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park is home to the largest concentration of black and white rhinos in Zimbabwe, with a dedicated Intensive Protection Zone safeguarding these critically endangered animals. The park’s manageable size, diverse habitats, and professional guiding traditions make it an ideal destination for walking safaris and close-up rhino encounters.
What makes tracking here so special is the chance to leave the vehicle behind and follow the tracks, spoor, and signs of rhinos through the bush on foot, led by highly trained and experienced guides. It’s an immersive, respectful experience that offers both thrilling wildlife encounters and a deeper understanding of rhino conservation.
What to Expect from the Tracking Experience
Your day typically begins with a briefing from your guide, covering safety protocols and the background of the rhinos in the area. You’ll then head out by vehicle to locate fresh tracks before continuing on foot. Following spoor, dung, and feeding signs through the bush, you may find yourself standing quietly in the shadow of a granite outcrop, watching a rhino grazing a few metres away.
Along the way, your guide will share insights about the park’s ecology, the habits of rhinos, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them from poaching threats. The experience is not just about finding the animals, it’s about understanding the environment that sustains them.
Where to Stay in Matobo National Park
Our favourite lodge in the park is Camp Amalinda, a stylish and luxurious lodge that offers a range of exciting activities in Matobo. Built into the side of a spectacular boulder, it has superb views of the hills around the lodge.
Big Cave Camp is another fantastic option and is exceptional value for money. Nestled among the Matobo Hills rocks, it offers stunning vistas of the park.
Our safari specialists will design your journey to Matobo to include this unforgettable tracking experience, pairing it with charming lodges and personalised guiding. If you’re looking to connect with Africa’s wilderness in a raw, powerful, and meaningful way, walking with rhinos in Matobo is one of the very best ways to do it.
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