Danangombe Ruins
A Rozvi capital in the Midlands, once called Dhlo-Dhlo, with decorated walling among the trees.
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Danangombe, long known as Dhlo-Dhlo, was one of the capitals of the Rozvi state that succeeded Great Zimbabwe, occupied into the eighteenth century, and it spreads across a wooded slope in a set of walled platforms and enclosures with decorated coursing on several walls. Portuguese objects were found here in early excavations, evidence of the trade the Rozvi carried on. The site is scattered among trees and needs walking to see.
What you actually see
- The Rozvi capital - one of the seats of the state that followed Great Zimbabwe.
- The decorated walling - patterned coursing on several of the enclosure walls.
- The platforms - the terraced levels the buildings stood on.
- The trade evidence - the Portuguese material found in early excavation.
When to go
April to October is the dry season and best for walking the site. Vegetation hides much of it after the rains. Mornings are coolest.
Honest expectations
Early excavation here was destructive and the site was disturbed before proper recording. There is little interpretation and the site is often unstaffed. The track in is rough.
Nearby
Naletale is southwest, and Gweru is northeast.
What to pack for Danangombe Ruins
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
