Silunguzi Matopos Village tour: Rock paintings & wildlife

Walk ancient caves and meet wildlife with a guide who grew up here

Silunguzi Matopos Village tour in Zimbabwe combines a game drive through Matopos Recreational Park with a guided walk through a remote village, cave paintings, and traditional refreshments. A local villager leads the entire day, sharing knowledge of the area's fauna, flora and Ndebele culture. The tour runs 6 hours with private transportation, village fees and parking included. Minimum age is 16.

Step-by-step itinerary

Matopos Park and Silunguzi Village Visit

• Drive through Matopos Recreational Park
• See wildlife: giraffe, kudus, zebras, impalas, warthogs
• View and photograph Matopos balancing rocks
• Arrive at Silunguzi Village
• Meet Mr. Dube, village elder and healer
• Explore Elephant Cave and Fish Cave paintings
• Trek to nearby hills and points of interest
• Enjoy traditional refreshments in village
• Watch sunset to end the day

The experience

The day starts with a drive through Matopos Recreational and Game Park, where the route passes through hills dotted with the balancing rocks the area is known for. Along the way you'll spot giraffe, kudus, zebras, impalas and warthogs. Frequent stops let you photograph the rock formations as you travel toward Silunguzi Village. The scenery itself is the draw here: the hills wind through the park in a way that makes the landscape feel like the main event.

On arrival, Mr. Dube, a village elder and traditional healer now in his mid-70s, takes over as your guide. He leads you to the Elephant Cave and Fish Cave to see Bushman cave paintings he discovered himself at age 15. The caves are unspoiled, and the paintings remain largely as they were when he first found them. From there you trek to nearby hills, stopping at points of interest throughout the village. The pace is set by the terrain and the guide's knowledge rather than a fixed schedule.

The day closes with traditional refreshments served in the village and a sunset watched from the hills. Your guide is English-speaking and a lifelong resident of the area, so questions about the Ndebele culture, the wildlife, or the history of the village get answered by someone who lived it. Private transportation means the vehicle and timing are yours alone.

What’s included

• Private transportation with pickup from your accommodation.
• village fees and parking.
• traditional refreshments served in the village.
• English-speaking local guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 to 70 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ThisAndThat Safaris

Is this one for you?The day involves trekking to hills and moving between caves and village sites, so it suits travelers comfortable with moderate walking on uneven terrain. The pace is set by the guide and the landscape rather than a fixed itinerary, which is what makes time for the stories and details a lifelong resident can share.

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Top questions

What kind of wildlife will I see on the game drive through Matopos?

Giraffe, kudus, zebras, impalas and warthogs are common in the park. The drive winds through the hills where these animals roam, and frequent stops are built in so you can photograph them and the balancing rock formations.

Who is Mr. Dube and what makes him the right guide for the caves?

Mr. Dube is a village elder, traditional healer, and the person who discovered the Bushman cave paintings you'll see. He found them at age 15 and is now over 75. His knowledge of the area's fauna, flora and the village's history comes from a lifetime lived there.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

You'll trek to nearby hills and move between the caves and points of interest throughout the village. The terrain is hilly and the pace depends on the guide and the landscape, so comfortable hiking boots and a moderate fitness level work best.

What refreshments are provided during the day?

Traditional refreshments are served in the village as part of the tour. The specific items vary, but they reflect local food and drink customs.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel or accommodation?

Yes, private transportation is included, and pickup from your accommodation is part of the arrangement. The driver and vehicle are dedicated to your group for the full 6 hours.