Khami Ruins National Monument
Location: South West Zimbabwe
Year of Inscription: 1986
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: Khami Ruins National Monument is a site that is home to the remains of the ancient city of Khami. The ruins, which date back to the 15th century, are believed to have been the capital of the Kingdom of Butua. The site includes a number of stone walls and terraces that were constructed without the use of mortar, as well as several large dams and reservoirs.
Prominent Features: The most prominent features of Khami Ruins National Monument include:
Stone walls and terraces: The site features a series of stone walls and terraces that were built without the use of mortar. These structures were used for both defensive and agricultural purposes.
Dams and reservoirs: Khami is home to several large dams and reservoirs that were used for irrigation and water storage.
Interpretive center: The site has an interpretive center that provides visitors with information about the history of the site and the culture of the Kingdom of Butua.
History: Khami was founded in the 15th century by the Torwa dynasty, who ruled over the Kingdom of Butua. The city served as the capital of the kingdom until the mid-17th century, when it was abandoned. The ruins were rediscovered by Europeans in the late 19th century and were declared a national monument in 1937.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the site, explore the ruins, and learn about the history and culture of the Kingdom of Butua.
Fun Fact: The stone walls and terraces at Khami were constructed using a technique known as the "dry-stone" method, which involves fitting stones together without the use of mortar. This technique is still used in some parts of Zimbabwe today.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for Khami Ruins National Monument vary depending on whether you are a resident of Zimbabwe or an international visitor. As of May 2023, the entry fee for international visitors was $10 USD.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Khami Ruins National Monument is Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or private car hire to the site.
By Land: Visitors can reach Khami Ruins National Monument by car or taxi from Bulawayo. The site is located approximately 22 km west of the city, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. There is also a daily bus service from Bulawayo to Khami Ruins National Monument. Buses leave from the city center and take approximately 45 minutes to reach the site.
Where to Stay: Some popular options for accommodations in Bulawayo include:
The Nesbitt Castle: This historic hotel is located in a restored castle and offers luxury rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
The Holiday Inn Bulawayo: This modern hotel is located in the city center and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and several dining options.
The Musketeers Lodge: This lodge is located just outside of Bulawayo and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool
Next Stop: Mosi-oa-Tunya/ Victoria Falls
Year of Inscription: 1986
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: Khami Ruins National Monument is a site that is home to the remains of the ancient city of Khami. The ruins, which date back to the 15th century, are believed to have been the capital of the Kingdom of Butua. The site includes a number of stone walls and terraces that were constructed without the use of mortar, as well as several large dams and reservoirs.
Prominent Features: The most prominent features of Khami Ruins National Monument include:
Stone walls and terraces: The site features a series of stone walls and terraces that were built without the use of mortar. These structures were used for both defensive and agricultural purposes.
Dams and reservoirs: Khami is home to several large dams and reservoirs that were used for irrigation and water storage.
Interpretive center: The site has an interpretive center that provides visitors with information about the history of the site and the culture of the Kingdom of Butua.
History: Khami was founded in the 15th century by the Torwa dynasty, who ruled over the Kingdom of Butua. The city served as the capital of the kingdom until the mid-17th century, when it was abandoned. The ruins were rediscovered by Europeans in the late 19th century and were declared a national monument in 1937.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the site, explore the ruins, and learn about the history and culture of the Kingdom of Butua.
Fun Fact: The stone walls and terraces at Khami were constructed using a technique known as the "dry-stone" method, which involves fitting stones together without the use of mortar. This technique is still used in some parts of Zimbabwe today.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for Khami Ruins National Monument vary depending on whether you are a resident of Zimbabwe or an international visitor. As of May 2023, the entry fee for international visitors was $10 USD.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Khami Ruins National Monument is Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or private car hire to the site.
By Land: Visitors can reach Khami Ruins National Monument by car or taxi from Bulawayo. The site is located approximately 22 km west of the city, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. There is also a daily bus service from Bulawayo to Khami Ruins National Monument. Buses leave from the city center and take approximately 45 minutes to reach the site.
Where to Stay: Some popular options for accommodations in Bulawayo include:
The Nesbitt Castle: This historic hotel is located in a restored castle and offers luxury rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
The Holiday Inn Bulawayo: This modern hotel is located in the city center and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and several dining options.
The Musketeers Lodge: This lodge is located just outside of Bulawayo and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool
Next Stop: Mosi-oa-Tunya/ Victoria Falls