Domboshava is popular for its granite outcrops. The name itself means a rock of a light brown color, and it’s true, most rocks you will come across here have a pale color. It’s an interesting place to visit for a day trip, where you can go as a solo traveler or a group of friends, family, or colleagues. Domboshava, just 30Kms away from Harare, is an ideal destination for a day trip. So in this post I feature things you can do when in Domboshava for an unforgettable experience.

Do Some Hiking

Domboshava’s is a hiker’s marvel. It has so many places where you can do some hiking. Most popular is Ngomakurira Mountain, where you will experience a test of endurance but after conquering the climb, you will have an incredible view from the top of the hill. Ngomakurira is also popular with believers, who do prayers at the top of the mountain. However, it’s said that in old times, this mountain is one of the places where traditional ceremonies such as rainmaking and offerings were held by the Shona people. The sound of the beating drum would be heard from the low lying communal area, and people thought it was the hill producing the sound of a drumbeat so they called it Ngomakurira which means beating drums.

Pay attention as you hike up Ngomakurira. You will see some interesting pools and puddles, especially during the rainy season. Some small streams also flow downhill. You’ll also see some interesting vegetation too. If you scream you will hear the sound of your voice echoing from miles away. From its summit, you can see as far as Harare, and nearby, you’ll see the mansion left by the Zimbabwean socialite Ginimbi.

The sheer stature of Ngomakurira can be terrifying, so many people are frightened by its size and end up aborting their mission to get to the summit before they even start the hike. There’s a good alternative however; Domboshava Caves. Here the hike is less taxing, but the views are still impressive. You can still have a panoramic view of Domboshava, and enjoy the sights.

Going up on a hike, put on sneakers with good grip. Follow the marked path, arrows painted in bold, and bright paint lead you on a safe route. At the summit of each of the mountains you’ll see a beacon and it’s a picturesque point. It costs $3USD to get access to Ngomakurira and Domboshava Caves. The fees are payable to the National Museums and Monuments who are custodians of the historic sites.

Explore Caves

Domboshava has a lot of caves, and an exploration of them is another great way to spend time in Domboshava. There are many spots with caves, and some of them are sacred. Before going out to any cave, make sure you have a local guide taking you around, stories are told of people who went in to never return.

Ngomakurira Caves

Ngomakurira has some caves, where you can view some rock paintings by the San. From the paintings you’ll see the stories of the lives which our forefathers lived. It’s quite an amazing experience. Please help to ensure the paintings remain visible, by just viewing and leaving them in their natural form. There are those who have drawn graffiti and spoiled some of the paintings.

Domboshava Caves

Domboshava Caves is a popular spot where people experience caves. Again, these have San rock paintings, which tell their stories of hunting expeditions. We appeal that as you experience the caves, do not make graffiti on the cave walls, this has destroyed the aesthetics and visibility of the paintings.

There are many other places where you can experience caves within Domboshava. Just make sure you know where you are headed to and respect the communities living around the features and their traditions.

Do Some Braai

Fewer things are as good as going out on a lazy weekend and setting up a braai. You can carry your braai packs and do some braai in Domboshava. At the Domboshava Caves premises, there are braai stands readily available. Charcoal and firewood will also be on sale, you can buy from the locals or can bring your own. If you are willing you can let the fellows there do the braai for you whilst you focus on other activities or you can do the braai yourself; this is usually our suggestion. It’s more fun to go through the experience of smoke stinging your eyes, burning your fingers on the braai stands, watching the flame go up as if it will devour the meat, the smell or fat burning on the stand and the sound of the dripping fat as it burns in the charcoal. You are likely to remember this than having someone do the braai for you. Another idea would be to try something new, like slaughter a goat or a rabbit there, prepare it and braai it with your folk.

Play Some Games

You can never have dull moments in the outdoors, especially when you have a tribe with a good vibe. You can carry board games, card games and some balls for ball games. The space to play is plenty! Games have a way of releasing the happiness and excitement inside you. They are also a good bonding opportunity for you and your folks.

Remember, life is about making memories, and these experiences are priceless. You won’t regret looking back at them but you’ll realize — these were the days.

Experience The Village Life

Domboshava can help you to have an appreciation of the rural life. If you have been the in city and urban areas all of your life and have never been to the rural areas and haven’t seen what life there is like, you can get that experience in Domboshava. You can pass by a household, have a feel of what it’s like to go and fetch water from the well, using a plough to cultivate the fields, ride an ox-drawn cart or even chop firewood. This can widen your perspective about life. A conversation with elderly folk, could also leave you a little wiser. You’ll also realize how in this world some people have so much happiness, even with so little.

Buy Some Craftwork

At the Domboshava Caves you’ll see the locals who make various carvings from stone and wood. They will tell you stories behind each piece of work, and in the process you’ll appreciate why the world needs art. You can also buy souvenirs from them, that way you would have supported their work, and also carried some memories to your home. From as little as $1USD you can have a small piece made for you, and have it engraved with your name. If you are enthusiastic about art, you can also ask the sculptors to give you a chance to try out making something.

Experience The Township

There is a popular place called the Domboshava Showground, it’s the township of Domboshava, and is where you find the heart and pulse of the small town. It’s a hive of commercial activity there, that’s where Domboshava’s hustle resides. It’s also a social space. You can also pass by, experience how people do things differently from the city life. Chances are high that you’ll pass by a bottle store with a loud blaring speaker on the veranda, and someone dancing, you can also join in on the dancing and have fun.

Sunset Viewing and Having Sundowners

Take a hike, and experience the sunset from the top of the world. Sunsets are beautiful and charming. Some say this isn’t for Africans, but it’s actually for us all. Watch as the sun races into the horizon, as everything turn into an orange color, as darkness approaches, experience the silence, breeze and serenity. In this moment, you can actually find some inspiration, or inner peace.

Sunsets are always reminders that there’s beauty in endings. And if we are patient enough, each ending, marks a new beginning.

You can also have sundowners from the top of the world! There’s something exciting about having some drink or a snack from the top of a mountain. Maybe it’s because of the cool breeze, the breathtaking heights, the expansive views, or maybe it’s just a heightened appreciation of nature’s beauty which makes everything better — including the taste of a drink or food. This is even more precious with a beloved one.

So carry some refreshments on your backpack, a cloth to sit on as you have a picnic, and spend memorable times.

Don’t forget to take lots of pictures! The sunset does things, your pictures will be dazzling, because of the sun’s beauty that will be kissing you.

Travel Tips

You can take a 20 minute drive to Domboshava, and there is no need for a particular vehicle, the resorts are accessible even with a light car. If communizing, public transport is available, however they may not drop you at the resorts, and you will have to walk a bit to access them.

Entrance fees to the National Museums and Monuments do not exceed $5USD per person.

It’s advisable to carry your refreshments, because you may not be able to find your particular desires in the townships.

When in Domboshava, the vibe is what you make it. So make sure you travel with excited and exciting company, who’s interested in spending a good time in the outdoor.

For group trip packages to Domboshava, contact us on WhatsApp or calls; +263719466200.