Domboshaba Ruins

Domboshaba sits on a granite hill in the northeast and carries dry-stone walling in the tradition associated with Great Zimbabwe, dated to roughly the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries: coursed stone terraces and enclosures fitted to the rock without mortar. It was a settlement of some importance in its time. The site is central to Kalanga heritage in Botswana and an annual cultural festival is held here, which is when it is at its busiest and most alive.

What you actually see

• The stone walling - coursed dry-stone terraces and enclosures fitted to the granite.
• The hill - the granite outcrop the settlement was built onto.
• The Zimbabwe tradition - building of the same culture as the sites across the border.
• The cultural festival - the annual Kalanga gathering held at the ruins.

When to go

April to September is the dry season and most comfortable. The cultural festival is usually held in September and is worth timing for. Grass after the rains hides parts of the walling.

Honest expectations

The remains are modest compared with the great sites in Zimbabwe. There is limited interpretation and the site is often unstaffed. The last stretch of road is rough.

Nearby

Francistown is southwest, and the Lepokole hills are south.