Bald Heads – Matobo National Park

Kopje or Balacing Rocks, Matopos or Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa

Matobo National Park got its name from the Ndebele King Mzilikazi, who compared the balancing rocks to an assembly of elders from his tribe. The small hills (kopje) are adorned with stunning rock formations, spires, domes and large boulders defying gravity. No wonder King Mzilikazi wanted to be buried in this amazing place.

Ironically, the key figure of European Imperialism, Cecil Rhodes, followed suit. His simple tomb is on top of a small conic hill called “Views of the World”. Large boulders surrounded the tomb, watching over it like guards. The view from up there is simply breathtaking. Watching the sun go down, we sat in absolute silence, only the wind was hissing.

Kopje or Balacing Rocks, Matopos or Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe, Africa

Two nights we spent at this magic place. Wrapped in blankets we had dinner under the star-lit sky and sipped tea staring at the Milky Way. Mabon, our travel companion for a week, chose to pitch his tent, whereas we preferred one of the little wooden chalets of the Maleme Rest Camp (70 USD per night), simply to escape the chilly nights.