Zimbabwe’s landscape holds layers of human history visible in stone walls, terrace sites, and ruined settlements that reflect changing societies and landscapes over centuries. These places are often off the beaten path, giving a clear sense of how communities adapted to local geography and resources.
There are 10 Ruins in Zimbabwe, ranging from Bumbusi National Monument to Ziwa Ruins. The list is organized as Region,Coordinates (lat,long),Significance so you can compare location and historic importance at a glance, and you’ll find below.
How should I prepare for visiting these ruins?
Check access rules and opening times first (some sites are within protected areas or on private land), bring water, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a local map or guide; follow signage and respect conservation rules to avoid damaging fragile structures.
Can I rely on the provided coordinates for navigation?
Coordinates are generally accurate for planning and GPS use but can be approximate for remote sites; download offline maps, cross-check with recent local sources, and allow extra time for off-road travel or limited cell coverage.
Ruins in Zimbabwe
| Name | Region | Coordinates (lat,long) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Zimbabwe Ruins | Masvingo | -20.27,30.93 | Largest ancient stone city in sub-Saharan Africa; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| Khami Ruins | Near Bulawayo | -20.16,28.43 | Capital of the Torwa dynasty after Great Zimbabwe fell; also a UNESCO site. |
| Danan’ombe Ruins | Near Gweru | -19.93,29.35 | An important capital of the powerful Rozvi Empire, featuring unique chequerboard wall patterns. |
| Naletale Ruins | Near Gweru | -19.88,29.53 | Features the most elaborate and best-preserved stone ornamentation of any Zimbabwean ruin. |
| Ziwa Ruins | Nyanga | -18.15,32.58 | A vast Iron Age agricultural landscape with terraces, forts, and pit structures. |
| Bumbusi National Monument | Hwange | -18.73,26.19 | Unique late Iron Age site with rock engravings and distinctive sandstone construction. |
| Tsindi Ruins | Near Marondera | -18.60,31.62 | A well-preserved and compact example of a typical Zimbabwe-style walled enclosure. |
| Matendere Ruins | Near Murambinda, Buhera | -19.26,31.79 | One of the largest Zimbabwe-style ruins outside of the Great Zimbabwe complex. |
| Ntaba zika Mambo Ruins | Near Inyati | -19.49,28.87 | Historic hilltop fortress and the site of the Rozvi Empire’s dramatic last stand. |
| Majiri Ruins | Near Masvingo | -20.62,31.02 | A well-preserved Zimbabwe Culture site providing insight into the state’s regional administration. |
Images and Descriptions
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
The monumental capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, famous for its massive dry-stone walls. This sprawling city, with its Hill Complex and Great Enclosure, represents the pinnacle of pre-colonial engineering and was a major trading hub from the 11th to 15th centuries.
Khami Ruins
Known for its distinct, decorated terraced stone platforms that supported royal huts. Khami’s ruins show evidence of trade with Portugal and China, and its layout reflects a clear social hierarchy, developing a unique style separate from its predecessor, Great Zimbabwe.
Danan’ombe Ruins
Also known as Dhlo-Dhlo, this site was a major political and trade center in the 17th-18th centuries. Artifacts found here, including a cannon and imported goods, point to its immense wealth and influence during the Rozvi state’s dominance in the region.
Naletale Ruins
A small but stunning Rozvi site celebrated for its intricate wall decorations. The stonework displays a stunning variety of patterns, including chevron, herringbone, and chequerboard designs, making it a masterpiece of pre-colonial Zimbabwean architectural artistry and a must-see for visitors.
Ziwa Ruins
This sprawling archaeological landscape covers over 3,300 hectares, showcasing a complex society that practiced intensive farming. Visitors can explore ancient stone-lined pit structures, terraced hillsides, and hilltop forts, offering a glimpse into a highly developed agricultural community.
Bumbusi National Monument
Located near Hwange National Park, Bumbusi features large, un-coursed sandstone walls and rock shelters with engravings of animal tracks. Its building style is very different from the granite structures of Great Zimbabwe, highlighting the region’s fascinating architectural diversity.
Tsindi Ruins
Also called Lekkerwater Ruins, this hilltop site was occupied from the 13th to 17th centuries. It features a central enclosure with high-quality stonework, huts, and evidence of trade, serving as an accessible example of the smaller satellite centers of power.
Matendere Ruins
This impressive site features a large, elliptical outer wall built with high-quality, coursed granite blocks, mimicking the Great Enclosure at Great Zimbabwe. Its strategic hilltop location and massive scale suggest it was a significant regional center of power and trade.
Ntaba zika Mambo Ruins
Meaning “Hill of the Kings,” this site was a major Rozvi political center. It is historically famous as the place where the last Rozvi Mambo was defeated by Ndebele invaders, marking a major turning point in 19th-century Zimbabwean history.
Majiri Ruins
Located south of Lake Mutirikwi, Majiri is a classic example of a district-level political center within the sphere of Great Zimbabwe. The site features characteristic dry-stone walling and provides insight into the hierarchical structure of the ancient state and how power was delegated.
