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Naletale Ruins- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours- Historical & Cultural
- 4 Reviews
Nestled in the sweeping Somabhula Plains east of Shangani, Naletale stands as the 17th-century stronghold of the Torwa dynasty, succeeding Khami and Dhlo Dhlo in the legacy of Zimbabwean stone architecture. Its striking oval enclosure—spanning roughly 53–60 m in diameter—is built without mortar yet adorned with six distinct decorative motifs, including chevron, herringbone, cord, checker, and banded ironstone inlays, each reflecting a sophisticated visual language unique in the region's dry-stone tradition. Designated a national monument in the 1960s, the site suffered decades of decay and treasure hunting before receiving vital restoration funding in 2013–2014, which revitalized its crumbling walls, improved access, and introduced interpretive features for visitors.
Attractions in Zimbabwe
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Reviews of Naletale Ruins
Nathalie Kirk - 5
So much history and beautiful landscapes! A hidden gem
Tafara Rubunya - 5
I never thought there is such a beautiful monument ,well decorated with dry stones ,six patterns on the same wall
Dmitry - 5
The ruins are very remote and hard to reach. The road condition is terrible, the public transport is nonexistent and the nearest city is hours away. The ruins are located on the top of a hill with beautiful view on surrounding vistas. This is the last swan song of the great shona civilisation before its decline and subsequent conquest, first by ndebele and then by British. The walls with intricate stone patterns are beautiful. This is the epitome of "ancient city lost in the jungle" stereotype.
Zlhr M&e - 4
