Khami Ruins & Matopos Village tour: History and Ndebele culture

Two archaeological sites and a working Ndebele village in one day

A full-day tour from Bulawayo combines Khami Ruins, a 13th-century stone settlement, with Silunguzi Village in Matopos, where you meet Ndebele people, see Bushmen cave paintings, and share a traditional lunch. Private transportation, guide, and entry fees are included. The day runs eight hours and ends at sunset.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Khami Ruins and Silunguzi Village

• Depart to Khami Ruins
• Tour Khami Ruins and Hill complex
• Visit Portuguese Cross and toss a coin
• See dam wall and natural stone gong
• Enjoy hot traditional Ndebele lunch
• Visit Elephant Cave and Fish Cave paintings
• Trek nearby hills in Silunguzi Village
• Enjoy traditional refreshments in village
• Watch sunset from viewpoint
• Drive back to Bulawayo City

The experience

The tour splits into two halves. The morning takes you to Khami Ruins, where you explore the Hill complex and the Portuguese Cross: a site dating to the 13th century that sits on a dam wall overlooking the landscape. Your guide points out the natural stone gong nearby and, if the light is right, a water monitor lizard that moves through the water. A hot lunch of traditional Ndebele dishes happens at the site before you drive toward Matopos.

The afternoon moves into Silunguzi Village, where a local guide takes over. You walk to the Elephant Cave and the Fish Cave to see the Bushmen cave paintings, then trek to nearby hills. The village guide tells stories as you move through the settlement and watch people at their daily work. The arrangement lets you see how the community actually functions rather than a staged version of it. You can taste local food if you want to. The day ends watching the sunset from the village viewpoint before the drive back to Bulawayo after dark.

The tour runs eight hours total and covers ground on foot and by vehicle. A private guide speaks English throughout. Pickup from your Bulawayo accommodation is included. The route involves walking at a moderate pace across uneven terrain at both sites, and the cave sections require ducking and moving through narrow passages.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Bulawayo.
• English-speaking guide for both sites.
• entry fees to Khami Ruins and Silunguzi Village.
• hot lunch of traditional Ndebele dishes.
• village refreshments.
• cave painting access.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday

AgesAdult (17 to 62 years) · Under 17: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ThisAndThat Safaris

Is this one for you?The day involves steady walking on uneven ground and narrow cave passages, so it suits travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity and uneven terrain. The early start and eight-hour commitment work best for those with a full day free and no need for airport transfers.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Khami Ruins and why does it matter?

Khami Ruins is a 13th-century stone settlement: one of Zimbabwe's major archaeological sites. The Hill complex is the centerpiece, and the Portuguese Cross is a landmark visitors photograph and make wishes at. The dam wall and natural stone gong are part of the same site, and water monitor lizards sometimes appear in the water nearby.

What do you actually see and do in Silunguzi Village?

You walk through the village with a local guide who shows you the Elephant Cave and Fish Cave, where Bushmen cave paintings are visible. You trek to nearby hills, watch villagers at their everyday work, and have the option to try local food. The guide tells stories about village life as you move through it.

How much walking is involved across the eight hours?

Both sites require moderate walking on uneven terrain. The caves involve ducking and moving through narrow passages. The pace is steady but not strenuous, and the day includes a lunch break at Khami Ruins and refreshment stops in the village.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to arrange separately?

Entry fees for both Khami Ruins and Silunguzi Village, private transportation, a hot lunch of traditional Ndebele dishes, and guiding services in English are all included. Tipping, airport transfers, and alcoholic drinks are not covered.

When does the tour start and end?

Pickup happens from your Bulawayo accommodation in the morning. The tour runs eight hours total and returns to Bulawayo just after dark, so you arrive back in the city in the evening.