Why Mathazwl Hill Stands Out
Mathazwl Hill rises from the flat savanna of Botswana’s Central District as a modest but rewarding granite outcrop. Its slopes support drought-resistant acacia and mopane woodland that shelters hornbills, francolins and occasional troops of vervet monkeys. Visitors reach the rounded summit after a steady climb and are rewarded with uninterrupted views across thornbush plains that stretch toward the distant Tswapong Hills.
Getting There
The hill lies roughly 40 km southeast of Palapye along unpaved district roads. Most travelers rent a high-clearance vehicle in Gaborone or Francistown and continue via the A1 before turning east onto graded gravel tracks. Public transport is limited; shared taxis reach nearby villages, after which a local guide or 4×4 transfer is usually required for the final stretch.
Best Time to Visit
The coolest and driest months, May through October, provide the most comfortable hiking conditions and clearest long-range views. November brings occasional thunderstorms that can turn tracks slippery, while the hot wet season from December to March sees dense foliage that obscures wildlife and increases the chance of flash floods in drainage lines.
What to See and Do
The main activity is the hike to the summit, which takes two to three hours round-trip for most fit walkers. Along the way, look for ancient rock engravings left by earlier San inhabitants and for flowering succulents that appear after rare rains. At the top, birdwatchers often spot Verreaux’s eagles riding thermals. Photographers favor the golden light just after sunrise or before sunset when the surrounding plains turn copper-colored.
Nearby Attractions
Combine a visit with the rock paintings at Moremi Gorge or the historic village of Serowe, both within a two-hour drive. The area also serves as a gateway to the eastern edge of the Central Kalahari, where day trips can reveal larger game concentrations during the dry season.
Practical Planning
- Carry at least three liters of water per person; there are no reliable springs on the hill.
- Wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves to protect against sharp quartzite and thorny vegetation.
- Inform village elders or your lodge of your route and expected return time, as mobile coverage is patchy.
