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Matabeleland South

Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe

Venture Off the Beaten Path to Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe Escape the ordinary and discover the raw beauty and cultural richness of Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe. This often-overlooked province, bordering Botswana and S…

#Southern Zimbabwe#Bulawayo metropolitan province#Ndebele culture#Matobo National Park#Matobo Hills

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Matabeleland South.

Top Hotels in Matabeleland South

Top Flights to Matabeleland South

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Matabeleland South.

Tours

Visit to Matobo National Park

Explore one of the country's most iconic national parks, known for its unique rock formations and rich wildlife.

Bulawayo Railway Museum Tour

Discover the rich history of Zimbabwe's railroads at the Bulawayo Railway Museum.

Gwanda Gold Mine Tour

Explore the history and operations of one of Zimbabwe's oldest gold mines.

Shopping

Shopping at ARDA Tomato and Mango Market

Experience local flavors at the bustling tomato and mango market, a hub for fresh produce.

Outdoor

Rhino Tracking Adventure

Embark on a thrilling guided tour to track white rhinos in the wild.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Matabeleland South.

Currency

ZWL | ZWL | Zimbabwean Dollar

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe is '0.7 million'.

Languages

Ndebele, Ndebele, Shona, English

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Matabeleland South.

What people love

Matabeleland South, located in Zimbabwe, offers a variety of attractions and experiences for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Matabeleland South include:

Matobo National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning rock formations, ancient rock art, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, game drives, and birdwatching in this beautiful park.
Historical and cultural sites: Matabeleland South is rich in history and culture, with sites such as the Matobo Hills, which hold great spiritual and cultural significance to the local Ndebele people.
Adventure activities: The region offers a range of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Scenic landscapes: Matabeleland South is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, granite outcrops, and lush vegetation, making it a great destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Local hospitality: Visitors to Matabeleland South can experience the warm hospitality of the local communities, learn about their traditions and customs, and sample traditional cuisine.

Overall, traveling to Matabeleland South offers a unique and enriching experience for those looking to explore Zimbabwe's natural beauty, history, and culture.

What to know

One of the potential cons of traveling to Matabeleland South in Zimbabwe is the limited infrastructure and amenities compared to more developed tourist destinations. This region may not have the same level of accommodation options, transportation services, and tourist facilities as other popular destinations in Zimbabwe.

Additionally, Matabeleland South may experience periodic water and electricity shortages, which could inconvenience travelers. It is advisable to be prepared for such situations and plan accordingly.

Moreover, travelers should be aware of the potential for political unrest or protests in certain areas of Zimbabwe, including Matabeleland South. It is important to stay informed about the current situation and follow any travel advisories issued by your home country's government.

Lastly, like in any unfamiliar destination, visitors to Matabeleland South should take precautions to ensure their safety and security, such as avoiding risky areas, being vigilant of their surroundings, and safeguarding their belongings.

Overall, while Matabeleland South offers unique cultural and natural attractions, travelers should be aware of the potential challenges and plan accordingly to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Matabeleland South is a province located in the southwestern part of Zimbabwe, sharing borders with Botswana and South Africa. The province is part of the larger Matabeleland region and has a rich history that is intertwined with the broader historical events of Zimbabwe and southern Africa.

Pre-Colonial Period

Ndebele Kingdom: The region was originally inhabited by the San people, but in the 19th century, the Ndebele people, led by King Mzilikazi, migrated into the area. The Ndebele established a powerful kingdom, and Matabeleland became the heartland of this kingdom. Mzilikazi was a significant historical figure as he was the founder of the Ndebele nation.

Colonial Period

British Colonization: In the late 19th century, Matabeleland came under the control of the British South Africa Company, led by Cecil Rhodes. The region was incorporated into the territory known as Southern Rhodesia.
First Matabele War (1893-1894): This conflict was fought between the British South Africa Company and the Ndebele Kingdom. The defeat of the Ndebele led to the further entrenchment of colonial rule.
Second Matabele War (1896-1897): Also known as the Matabeleland Rebellion or the First Chimurenga, this uprising was a significant resistance against colonial rule by the Ndebele and Shona peoples. It was eventually suppressed by the British.

Post-Colonial Period

Independence: Zimbabwe gained independence from British colonial rule in 1980. Matabeleland South, like the rest of Zimbabwe, became part of the independent nation.
Gukurahundi (1983-1987): This was a series of conflicts in the Matabeleland and Midlands provinces. The government of Zimbabwe, led by the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and its leader Robert Mugabe, launched a military crackdown against what it claimed were dissident elements. The campaign led to significant loss of life and remains a deeply sensitive and controversial part of Zimbabwean history.

Significant Landmarks

Matobo Hills: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the province and is known for its stunning granite rock formations and ancient rock art created by the San people. The area also holds cultural significance for the Ndebele people.
Cecil Rhodes’ Grave: Located in the Matobo Hills, the grave of Cecil Rhodes is a point of interest and controversy. Rhodes, an influential figure in Southern African history, chose to be buried in this scenic location.

Important Figures

King Mzilikazi: Founder of the Ndebele Kingdom and a key figure in the history of Matabeleland.
Joshua Nkomo: A prominent leader from Matabeleland, he played a significant role in the liberation struggle against colonial rule. He was the leader of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU).

Matabeleland South is a province with a complex and rich history, reflecting the broader historical dynamics of Zimbabwe, including colonialism, resistance, and the struggle for independence.