Danangombe Ruins

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's there

• 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.

Good to know

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.