
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Bulawayo, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
1. Matobo Hills
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient San rock art and abundant wildlife, offering hiking trails of various difficulty levels.
- Rock Art: Features over 900 sites of San rock paintings dating back to the Iron Age.
- Wildlife: Home to rhinos, leopards, and over 200 bird species.
- Difficulty Levels: Trails cater to both beginners and experienced hikers.
2. Insuzane Siqalo Cave
An easily accessible cave with a rich cultural history that offers an unforgettable hiking experience.
- Cultural Significance: Associated with the famous Ndebele leader, Mzilikazi.
- Unique Landscape: Features a breathtaking limestone landscape and diverse fauna.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by road, making it suitable for families and less experienced hikers.
3. Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
A sanctuary for orphaned and injured wildlife where visitors can hike and observe animals up close.
- Animal Rehabilitation: Works to rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild.
- Up-Close Encounters: Provides visitors with a rare opportunity to interact with wildlife.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about conservation and wildlife.
4. Tshabalala Game Sanctuary
A private game reserve offering guided hiking safaris, with the possibility of spotting the Big Five.
- Exclusive Experience: A privately owned game reserve providing a more intimate wildlife experience.
- Guided Hiking Safaris: Guides share invaluable knowledge about the wildlife and ecosystem.
- Big Five: Opportunity to spot elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffaloes.
5. Nkuthala Forest
A lush forest teeming with birdlife, providing a serene hiking experience.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to over 300 bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird enthusiasts.
- Waterfalls: Features several small but picturesque waterfalls along the hiking trails.
- Eco-Friendly Approach: Adheres to sustainable practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
6. Nyangani National Park
Home to Zimbabwe's highest peak, Nyangani Mountain, offering challenging hiking trails.
- Highest Peak in Zimbabwe: Includes the summit of Mt. Nyangani (2592m), the highest peak in Zimbabwe.
- Challenging Trails: Provides challenging hiking trails suitable for experienced mountain climbers.
- Diverse Ecosystem: Features a diverse ecosystem with unique flora and fauna.
7. Inyanga Mountain Retreat
A mountain retreat offering guided hikes with stunning views of the countryside.
- Stunning Views: Provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Guided Hikes: Offers guided hikes led by experienced guides who share local knowledge.
- Relaxation Opportunities: Includes a tranquil spa and comfortable accommodation for relaxation.
8. Maleme Elephant Park
A community-run wildlife reserve offering hiking trails with the possibility of encountering elephants.
- Community-Run: Proceeds support local communities and conservation efforts.
- Elephant Encounters: Offers opportunities to observe elephants up close on hiking trails.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
9. Lupane National Park
A lesser-known park offering peaceful hiking trails with diverse wildlife.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a tranquil atmosphere, away from the tourist crowds.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and lions.
- Educational Opportunities: Supports ongoing research and conservation efforts.
10. Tshabalala River Gorge
A picturesque gorge offering hiking trails with stunning views of the river below.
- Stunning Views: Provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Tshabalala River Gorge.
- Hiking Trails: Offers challenging hiking trails suitable for experienced hikers.
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for photographers looking to capture stunning landscapes.
11. Sizinda Forest
A lush forest offering a serene hiking experience with diverse birdlife.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to over 180 bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird enthusiasts.
- Waterfalls: Features several small but picturesque waterfalls along the hiking trails.
- Eco-Friendly Approach: Adheres to sustainable practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
12. Matopos National Park Horseback Safaris
Experience hiking on horseback through Matobo Hills, exploring ancient rock art and wildlife.
- Horseback Experience: Offers a unique perspective on the landscape, ideal for adventure seekers.
- Ancient Rock Art: Provides opportunities to view San rock art dating back thousands of years.
- Wildlife Encounters: Allows for close encounters with wildlife, including rhinos and leopards.
13. Mkhosana Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary for rescued wildlife where visitors can hike and observe animals up close.
- Animal Rehabilitation: Works to rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild.
- Up-Close Encounters: Provides visitors with a rare opportunity to interact with wildlife.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about conservation and wildlife.
14. Ncema Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary for orphaned wildlife offering guided hikes with diverse species.
- Animal Rehabilitation: Works to rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild.
- Guided Hikes: Offers guided hikes led by experienced guides who share local knowledge.
- Diverse Species: Provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including lions and cheetahs.
15. Nswatugi Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary for orphaned and injured wildlife where visitors can hike and observe animals up close.
- Animal Rehabilitation: Works to rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild.
- Up-Close Encounters: Provides visitors with a rare opportunity to interact with wildlife.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about conservation and wildlife.