UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Matobo National Park
Zimbabwe

Matobo National Park

Granite kopjes, rock paintings, diverse flora and fauna

Location

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Historical Context

About

Matobo National Park, located in southern Zimbabwe, is a region of significant archaeological interest due to its ancient granite formations and rich historical artifacts. The area is renowned for its extraordinary rock formations and over 3,000 registered rock art sites created by the San people, revealing a cultural history dating from 320 CE to 500 CE. The park also contains archaeological evidence of human activity dating back to the Middle Paleolithic, including tools and a skeleton from 42,000 BCE. The park's diverse ecological environment supports a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species. Its historical and cultural significance is further underscored by the presence of sacred sites and burial grounds, such as the controversial burial site of Cecil Rhodes. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matobo National Park offers a unique glimpse into the past human-environment interaction and cultural expressions through its preserved rock art and geological features.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileAerial_view_Gordon_Park_Matobo_Hills.jpg
FileMaleme_Dam.jpg
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Middle Stone Age habitation

300,000 BCE - 50,000 BCE

Skeleton found in Nswatugi Cave

42,000 BCE

San rock paintings

320 CE - 500 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Cave Paintings
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock SheltersModified Caves
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Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Zimbabwe

Coordinates

-20.55° N, 28.51° E