Domboshava

Domboshava is a granite whaleback north of Harare with a cave in its flank carrying San rock paintings in red and white, animals and human figures, damaged in the 1990s when someone poured paint over part of the panel. The dome itself is walked up in twenty minutes for a wide view over the surrounding country. It is a place of ritual significance locally, with rainmaking ceremonies historically held on the hill.

Background

Domboshava, also spelled Domboshawa, is a peri-urban residential district of Mashonaland East, set among granite hills, about 27 kilometres to the north of Harare. Its name joins dombo, meaning rock, and shava, meaning light brown. As a clan name, Shava refers to the eland's light brown colour, the eland being called mhofu in Shona. For many years, mainly in the later 20th century, the area was a major market gardening district supplying Harare. Pottery production and horticulture have grown there since the early 21st century. Its three largest shopping centres are Mverechena, Mungate and Showground.

Source: Wikipedia, "Domboshava"

What you'll find

• The painted cave - San rock art in red and white on the granite.
• The granite dome - the whaleback walked up for the view.
• The wide view - the country around Harare from the summit.
• The ritual associations - the rainmaking tradition attached to the hill.

When to go

April to October is the dry season and best for the climb. Mornings are coolest. Weekends bring visitors from Harare.

What to expect

Part of the painted panel was vandalised and the damage is permanent. The granite is slippery when wet. Guides at the site expect payment and their information varies.

Nearby

Ngomakurira is north, and Harare is south.

Key facts