Rutendo Nyeve
MATOPOS National Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary in style, with the iconic Matabeleland destination recording 42.5 percent surge in visitor arrivals in the third quarter of 2026.
The centenary milestone comes as newly released Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) statistics show total arrivals rising from 19 947 in 2025 to 28 422 in 2026, an increase of 8 475 visitors.
The performance has cemented Matopos’ status as one of Zimbabwe’s premier heritage and nature-based tourism destinations.
Matopos was gazetted as a national park in 1926, making it one of the country’s oldest protected areas.
A century later, the park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its granite hills, ancient rock art and diverse wildlife, including the white rhino l, remains a magnet for local and international tourists.
According to the third-quarter data, day visitors drove the surge, jumping from 18 586 in 2025 to 27 414 in 2026.
Overnight accommodated visitors, however, eased from 1 361 to 1 008, although the overall volume of tourists engaging with the park skyrocketed.
The month-by-month trend was consistently upward.
July, traditionally a peak period due to school holidays, rose from 10 587 to 12 980.
August climbed from 8 110 to 11 082, while September recorded the most dramatic proportional increase, nearly doubling from 692 to 1 047, signalling a stronger extension of the tourism season into spring.
ZimParks spokesperson Mr Luckmore Safuli attributed the performance to strategic marketing, improved destination visibility, ongoing refurbishments and the unique tourism products that Matobo offers.
“We are encouraged by Matopo’s performance and grateful to every visitor who chose the destination,” said Mr Safuli.
“This growth is consistent with the ZimParks Commercial Services Department Growth Strategy, which seeks to unlock the economic potential of our protected areas and expand the revenue base that supports conservation.”
The surge is a major boost for the local hospitality industry, which relies heavily on the park’s allure.
As Matopos marks its centenary, ZimParks says its focus is shifting from mere volume to value.
“Our priority is therefore not only to sustain visitor growth, but also to improve value per visitor.
We will focus on converting day visits into longer stays,” Mr Safuli said.
With the festive season approaching, the outlook remains positive.
“We anticipate continued interest in the destination supported by the festive tourism season,” he said.
The 42.5 percent growth achieved in the park’s centenary year symbolises the resilience of
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and the enduring magic of Matopos, proving that with the right mix of visibility and experience enhancement, the country’s natural heritage can drive significant economic activity.
