World’s View (Matobo) World’s View in Matobo Hills is one of Zimbabwe’s most visited viewpoints, famous as the burial site of Cecil John Rhodes . From this dramatic granite kopje, the view extends over an endless sea of balancing rocks and domes - a landscape unchanged for millions of years.Map coordinates not available
Quick Facts Location Matobo National Park Famous For Cecil Rhodes’ grave View Endless granite kopjes Access Short climb from parking Best Time Sunset Entry Park fees apply
The View What You’ll See
Granite sea - Thousands of kopjes stretching to horizonBalancing rocks - Natural sculptures everywhereAncient landscape - Billions of years oldWilderness - Matobo’s protected wildernessWildlife - Occasionally visible from summit
Unique Character Unlike Nyanga’s mountain views, World’s View (Matobo) shows:
A landscape of granite domes and castles
Natural balancing rock sculptures
The Matobo’s wild atmosphere
Seemingly infinite rock formations
Cecil Rhodes’ Grave History
Cecil John Rhodes (1853-1902)Founder of Rhodesia
Buried here at his request
Chose this spot for its grandeur
The Burial Site
Simple brass plaque on bare granite
No elaborate monument
Flat rock as grave marker
Panoramic setting
Other Graves Nearby
Leander Starr Jameson - Rhodes’ friendMajor Allan Wilson - Shangani PatrolShangani Patrol memorial - 1893 battle
Historical Context Rhodes was a controversial figure - a colonizer responsible for dispossession and oppression. His burial here is part of Zimbabwe’s complex colonial history. The site is historically significant but does not require celebration.
Getting There From Bulawayo
Enter Matobo National Park (main gate)
Follow signs to World’s View
Approximately 35 km from Bulawayo
Well-signposted route
From Maleme Camp
Distance: ~15 km
Good park road
20-30 minutes drive
Visiting the Viewpoint The Climb Distance ~500 meters from parking Difficulty Easy-moderate Steps Some stone steps Time 10-15 minutes up
At the Summit
Flat rock viewing area
Space for many visitors
Grave markers visible
360-degree views
Best Times Time of Day Time Experience Sunrise Dramatic, cool, quiet Midday Hot, harsh light Late afternoon Warming light Sunset Most popular, spectacular
Why Sunset is Best
Golden light on granite
Long shadows define rocks
Magical atmosphere
Photographer’s paradise
Cooler temperature
Photography Tips
Sunset is prime timeWide angle for panoramasSilhouettes of rock formsInclude grave for contextTripod for low light
Classic Shots
Panorama at golden hour
Grave with rock backdrop
Silhouetted balancing rocks
Sun setting through granite
What to Bring
Camera
Warm layer (sunset can be cool)
Water
Comfortable shoes for climb
Tripod for photographers
Combining Visits Half-Day from Bulawayo Afternoon:
2pm: Enter Matobo
3pm: Quick rock art site
5pm: Arrive World’s View
Sunset: Photography
Return to Bulawayo
Full Matobo Day Morning:
Rock art sites (Nswatugi, Pomongwe)
Afternoon:
Rhino tracking or game drive
Tea break
Evening: Nearby Attractions Attraction Distance Highlights Nswatugi Cave 10 km Famous rock art Maleme Rest Camp 15 km Accommodation Pomongwe Cave 12 km Archaeological site Rhino tracking Various White rhino walks
Where Worlds Meet World’s View represents where the colonial past meets ancient landscape - Rhodes chose this spot to rest for eternity amid formations that were ancient before humans existed. The view is timeless, even if the history is complicated.
World’s View in Matobo Hills is one of Zimbabwe’s most visited viewpoints, famous as the burial site of Cecil John Rhodes. From this dramatic granite kopje, the view extends over an endless sea of balancing rocks and domes - a landscape unchanged for millions of years.