| ANIMALS
AND BIRDS
Matobo is the
domain of the impressive Black Eagle and is their
chosen breeding ground. These powerful birds have
no trouble targeting their main diet of rock hyrax
(rather like a very large guinea pig but genetically
closely related to the elephant)! These comical
little creatures scuttle around the rocks in large
numbers and there are plenty of small buck including
rock-hopping klipspringers.
This is perfect leopard country
and although many live here, they are seldom seen.
You should however, be able to see giraffe, zebra,
jackal, and perhaps caracal, porcupine, civet
and genet. Ancient rock paintings showed that
rhino used to live in this area, so the Whovi
rhino sanctuary, adjacent to the park, reintroduced
them and both black and white rhino are doing
very well.
Birds to watch out for are a whole
host of eagles, hawks, falcons and other raptors,
plus colourful purple-crested louries who prefer
the cover of dense foliage.
SEASONS
Dry
Season:
The cool dry season is from the end of April to
August and the hot dry spell is from September
to early November when temperatures get to 90°F
(34°C), but humidity is low.
Rainy Season: From November to
March thunderstorms unleash their might every
few days but the sun re-emerges and humidity is
high.
MATOBO
SPECIALITIES
• Precariously balanced boulders and stunning
scenery
• Cecil Rhodes' grave
• Black and white rhino
• Eagles
• Special accommodation
FACTS
The park covers 164²miles (424km²)
The region boasts over 300 rock paintings, many
of which can be hiked to. |
