Danangombe (Dhlo Dhlo) Ruins Danangombe , historically known as Dhlo Dhlo , was the last capital of the Rozvi Empire and one of the largest stone-built settlements in Zimbabwe. Located in the Midlands Province, this sprawling site represents the final flowering of Zimbabwe’s great stone-building tradition before the upheavals of the 19th century.Map coordinates not available
UNESCO Tentative List - Danangombe has been on Zimbabwe’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 1997, recognized for its historical significance as the Rozvi capital.
Quick Facts Location Near Shangani, Midlands Province Period c. 1683-1830 AD Kingdom Rozvi Empire (Changamire dynasty) Also Known As Dhlo Dhlo, Dlo Dlo Status National Monument, UNESCO Tentative List Size One of the largest stone ruin complexes Entry Fee $5 USD
Historical Significance Capital of the Rozvi Danangombe became the capital of the Rozvi Empire after Changamire Dombo destroyed Khami around 1683. From here, the Rozvi controlled:
Much of the Zimbabwe plateau
Important gold-producing regions
Trade routes to the coast
Tributary states and chieftaincies
The Changamire Dynasty The Rozvi emperors, known by the dynastic title Changamire , ruled from Danangombe for approximately 150 years. The empire was renowned for:
Military Power - The Rozvi army was feared throughout the regionCattle Wealth - Vast herds were a measure of royal powerStone Architecture - Continued the building traditions of Great ZimbabweReligious Authority - Controlled the Mwari oracle at Matobo
The Fall of the Rozvi The Rozvi Empire met its end during the Mfecane period (1820s-1830s) when:
Nguni groups fleeing Shaka Zulu’s wars invaded
Nxaba’s Nguni attacked Rozvi settlements
Mzilikazi’s Ndebele forces completed the conquest
The last Changamire was killed, ending the dynasty
What to See The Main Enclosure The royal residence features:
Massive stone walls up to 6 meters high
Decorated sections with geometric patterns
Multiple entrances with narrow passages
Central court area
Like Khami, Danangombe features terraced platforms built on natural kopjes:
Upper Platform - Probable royal quartersLower Platforms - Administrative and residential areasStone-lined drains and passages
Wall Decorations While not as elaborate as Naletale, Danangombe displays:
Chevron patterns
Checkered designs
Herringbone sections
Stone coursing techniques
Artifact Evidence Archaeological excavations have recovered:
Portuguese trade beads
Chinese porcelain fragments
Gold artifacts
Iron implements
Cattle bones (indicating wealth)
The Rozvi Legacy Building Techniques The Rozvi perfected techniques inherited from Great Zimbabwe:
Innovation Description Terracing Building on natural hills rather than flat ground Decoration Elaborate wall patterns as artistic expression Drainage Sophisticated water management systems Integration Incorporating natural rock into structures
Cultural Continuity The Rozvi saw themselves as inheritors of the Great Zimbabwe tradition:
Used the same dry-stone building methods
Continued the Zimbabwe Bird tradition
Maintained trade networks
Preserved religious practices
Visiting Danangombe Getting There From Gweru (90 km):
Take the Bulawayo road west
Continue past Shangani
Follow signs to Danangombe/Dhlo Dhlo
Last section is on gravel road
From Bulawayo (140 km):
Take the Harare road east
Before reaching Gweru, watch for signposts
Turn onto the Danangombe access road
Road conditions vary seasonally. During the rainy season (November-March), access may be difficult. Check locally and consider a 4x4 vehicle.
GPS Coordinates: -19.4156° S, 29.0542° EEntry Fee $5 USD Hours Daylight hours Facilities Very basic - bring supplies Accommodation None on-site (Gweru or Shangani) Time Needed 2-3 hours
Visitor Tips
Wear sturdy shoes - terrain is unevenBring water - no facilities on siteAllow time to explore - the site is extensiveConsider a guide - ask in Shangani villageMorning visit - better light for photography
Combining Sites Rozvi Heritage Route Experience the full story of the Rozvi Empire:
Day 1: Arrival in Bulawayo
Evening: Explore Bulawayo
Day 2: Khami Ruins
Morning: Khami (Torwa capital, pre-Rozvi)
Afternoon: Drive to Gweru area
Day 3: Rozvi Capitals
Morning: Naletale Ruins
Afternoon: Danangombe (Dhlo Dhlo)
Day 4: Continue
Option A: East to Great Zimbabwe
Option B: Return to Bulawayo for Matobo Hills
Understanding the Name The site has been known by different names:
Danangombe - The official NMMZ name, a local place nameDhlo Dhlo - Colonial-era name, derived from NdebeleDlo Dlo - Variant spelling
Both names are used, but “Danangombe” is preferred in academic and official contexts, while “Dhlo Dhlo” remains common in tourist literature.
Comparison with Other Sites Site Capital Of Period Size Preservation Great Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Kingdom 1100-1450 Largest Good Khami Torwa State 1450-1683 Large Good Naletale Rozvi regional 1650-1750 Medium Good Danangombe Rozvi Empire 1683-1830 Very Large Fair
Conservation Danangombe is a protected National Monument, but faces challenges:
Remote location limits monitoringVegetation growth threatens wallsLimited visitor infrastructure Weather erosion of stone structures
Help preserve this site:
Stay on marked paths
Don’t climb on walls
Report damage to authorities
Support NMMZ conservation efforts
Nearby Attractions Attraction Distance Description Naletale Ruins 40 km Finest decorated walls in Zimbabwe Gweru 90 km Provincial capital Khami Ruins 140 km UNESCO World Heritage Site Antelope Park 110 km Wildlife experiences Great Zimbabwe 210 km Zimbabwe’s most famous ruins
The Last Capital Danangombe represents the end of an era - the final capital of a dynasty that traced its legitimacy back to Great Zimbabwe itself. Walking among these ruins, you’re standing where the last Rozvi emperors ruled over much of what is now Zimbabwe.
Danangombe, historically known as Dhlo Dhlo, was the last capital of the Rozvi Empire and one of the largest stone-built settlements in Zimbabwe. Located in the Midlands Province, this sprawling site represents the final flowering of Zimbabwe’s great stone-building tradition before the upheavals of the 19th century.