Khami World Heritage Site Travel Guide: Top Sights in Zimbabwe, Tours

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Khami World Heritage Site- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Zimbabwe; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 4 hours

Khami World Heritage Site, located just west of Bulawayo, is an expansive complex of stonewalled ruins that was once the capital of the Torwa State from the 15th to 17th centuries. This state, which dominated parts of Zimbabwe, northeastern Botswana, and northern South Africa, was a significant power from the 10th to 19th centuries. Khami's dry stonewall structures, modified from those at Great Zimbabwe, reflect the wealth and power of the Torwa rulers, who controlled extensive trade networks and had considerable influence in the region. The site's unique terraced platforms, constructed from locally quarried granite, are symbolic of prestige rather than defense. Khami was abandoned in the late 17th century and later incorporated into the Rozwi Kingdom. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Khami offers a glimpse into the ancient civilizations that shaped Southern Africa, with a small museum providing further historical context.

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Reviews of Khami Ruins

Harare Airport Taxis And Shuttle Services Harare (Harare Airport Shuttles)

5
Reviewed: 2024-08-03

Khami is Zimbabwe's second - largest stone - built monument. Its historical significance stems from its location at crossroads of Great Zimbabwe's and later Zimbabwe's histories. There is also a massive granite cross that depicts missionary encounters at a historically treasured and spiritual spot. The architecture and archeological artifacts of the site provide important scientific and historical evidence critical for the understanding of the Zimbabwe tradition from Stone Age to Iron Age era. 👍🇿🇼
Dmitry

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-17

In Zimbabwe, Khami ruins are second only to Great Zimbabwe in their significance and beauty. They are from later period and quite different in style. You can still admire amazing dry stone masonry, but instead of free standing walls here you can see retaining walls due to poorer quality of stone. Ruins have a couple of remote parts interesting to explore with a guide. There is a small museum on the site.
Jade Takudzwa Tsokodayi

5
Reviewed: 2023-01-13

If you love Zimbabwean/Southern African history then Khami ruins should be very close to the top of your bucketlist after Great Zimbabwe of course. Many ethnic groups such as the Shona, the Kalangas and the Venda trace their history to Khami. The place won't disappoint - the drywalling is great and well preserved. In my opinion the architecture is much better than the one at great Zimbabwe. The great enclosure at Great Zimbabwe is much bigger though. However, nothing beats the chevron patterns at Khami in my opinion. Certain sections of the Khami walls are collapsing. I wish more could be done to preserve the site. There are good tour guides there and a museum that helps shed more light into Zimbabwean history. There is also a cross at the site which is testimony to how the ancients used to trade with early Portuguese explorers. I highly recommend visiting the site.
Dr Liberty Chigowe

4
Reviewed: 2022-06-19

Khami ruins is an epic place if you are fascinated by prehistoric sites. I advise you have hiking boots when visiting as the site is hilly. Bring some water too on a hot day. I love the fact that you can have a picnic there and even braai(bring your everything incl charcoal). I could have given five stars were it not for the dirty ablution facilities.
Xolani Ndlovu

4
Reviewed: 2022-03-01

The ruins are spectacular. So much detail to the craft. It is a good hike as you go up and down terrain. It is good for a family outing on a weekend. There is a picnic spot also.