See ancient art in the Matobo Hills

Great Zimbabwe in Southern Zimbabwe is considered by many to be the birthplace of the African city-state and is an awe-inspiring place to visit, as are the Matobo hills (protected as a World Heritage Site). Here is Southern Africa's highest concentration of ancient rock art: 3500 sites dating back at least 13,000 years. Home to some of the best-preserved rock paintings in Africa, there is a spirituality about the Matobo Hills that calms and rejuvenates even the weariest and jaded of people.

The sea of hills are an array of remarkable granite features that have long had a significant impact on the area. Their enormous boulders and caverns offer a variety of natural shelters that have been used by humans since the Stone Age, inspiring many of them to create artwork on the rocks.

One of its most well-known caves, Nswatugi, has a gallery of animals skillfully painted on the back wall that dates to around 2000 years ago. Cecil Rhodes, the man who founded Rhodesia before it became Zimbabwe, is buried nearby on a hill so that he can always look out over the national park he loved. To fully see why you must see the captivating scenery for yourself.