Danamombe Ruins and Matobo Hills – Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe.
No visit to Bulawayo should be without a day trip to the surrounding countryside. The natural beauty, archaeological sites, and solitude are unmatched.
To the south of Bulawayo are the Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for unusual and hauntingly beautiful granite rock formations. It is also the final resting place of King Mzilikazi, founder of the Ndebele nation-state.
While there, be sure to check out the wildlife and reservoirs in Matobo National Park. Also, bring your hiking shoes for an easy walk to the tomb of English mining magnate (think: DeBeers) and colonialist (think: Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe) Cecil John Rhodes. Rhodes designated the park’s Malindidzimu Hill his burial site. His grave is controversial as the hill whose name means “place of benevolent spirits” is sacred ground for the Ndebele.
From Matobo–or anywhere else–it is not easy getting to the Danamombe ruins (later called Dhlo-Dhlo by the Ndebele), one of the former centers of the 16th century Rozvi Empire. Imagine driving across a massive, clay washboard. Anything above 25 Km/h will send your vehicle tripping into the tall grass on either side of the road, so give yourself lots of travel time and be patient. In the end, you will be rewarded as you explore ancient stone walls, discover rock paintings, and learn in the small museum about the amazing kings and people who built the settlement.
Danamombe and Matobo Hills were two stops along our road trip through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Check out some of our other stops: