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Stories in Stone
Private Tour 6 days

Stories in Stone

Ancient ruins, sacred hills and timeless cave paintings

Duration6 Days
Regions2
Max guests8
Activity levelModerate
Priced per personFrom $2,600per person
Best monthsMay to October (dry season, best wildlife viewing)

Overview

Six days exploring Zimbabwe through its most enduring material — stone. Begin at Khami Game Sanctuary, where UNESCO heritage ruins meet 6,500 acres of private wilderness and community conservation. Continue to Bulawayo's Art Deco quarter. End in the Matobo Hills, staying at Matobo Hills Lodge among ancient granite boulders. San rock art caves, sacred burial sites, and balancing rocks that have stood for millennia.

Khami Sanctuary Heritage Walk
Sacred Balancing Rocks
Matobo Hills Lodge Stay
San Cave Art Sites
Bulawayo Art Deco Tour

Why book direct with ZimTravellers?

Owner-plannedYou deal with Josh, directly
Generations deepFive generations in Zimbabwe
Private by defaultYour guide, your vehicle
A direct lineMessages answered by Josh himself
Stories in StoneThe route, day by day

Itinerary

Day by day.

Six days exploring Zimbabwe through its most enduring material — stone. Begin at Khami Game Sanctuary, where UNESCO heritage ruins meet 6,500 acres of private wilderness and community conservation. Continue to Bulawayo's Art Deco quarter.

KHAMI
Day 1

Ruins & Arrival

Ruins & Arrival

Arrive in Bulawayo and head straight to Khami. After settling in, take a guided sunset walk around the surrounding bush to set the tone. Your guide introduces the site's rich history and connection to the Kingdom of Butua. Gather for a relaxed welcome dinner at the lodge.

DINNER

Day 2

Kingdoms in Stone

Kingdoms in Stone

Spend the day exploring the UNESCO-listed Khami Ruins with a historian guide. Walk through intricate stone terraces, ancient passageways, and the royal enclosure. Learn about trade, architecture, and the legacy of this once-powerful city. Return for sunset and an optional storytelling fireside session.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

MATOBO HILLS
Day 3

City & Museum

City & Museum

Travel into Bulawayo for a full day. Visit the Natural History Museum, one of Africa’s best, to understand the region’s geology and prehistory. Then walk through colonial streets, railway yards, and historic buildings with your guide. In the evening, head toward Matobo Hills for your next stay.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Day 4

Rock Art & Culture

Rock Art & Culture

Begin your Matobo experience with a visit to San rock art caves—some of the oldest in Southern Africa. Learn how these ancient artworks convey stories, rituals, and early worldviews. In the afternoon, join a community visit to a nearby village. Hear about local traditions passed down through generations.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Day 5

View of the World

View of the World

This day is dedicated to the sacred landscapes of Matobo. Hike to the famous Rhodes Grave with sweeping views, then explore more granite formations and balancing rocks. Your guide shares insights on both colonial and spiritual symbolism in the area. Enjoy your final night in the hills with dinner under the stars.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

KHAMI
Day 6

Departure Reflections

Departure Reflections

Enjoy a slow breakfast and take a short reflective walk through the granite-studded terrain. Transfer back to Bulawayo with optional stops en route. Share final thoughts with your group or guide. Depart enriched, inspired, and connected to Zimbabwe’s layered legacy.

BREAKFAST

Khami — The walled passage through the Hill Complex.
KhamiThe walled passage through the Hill Complex.
Khami — The lodge and pool from the air.
KhamiThe lodge and pool from the air.
Khami — The dam below the lodge.
KhamiThe dam below the lodge.
Khami — Giraffe and zebra at the waterhole.
KhamiGiraffe and zebra at the waterhole.
Matobo Hills — Granite country at the end of the day.
Matobo HillsGranite country at the end of the day.
Matobo Hills — On foot with a ranger, close to rhino.
Matobo HillsOn foot with a ranger, close to rhino.
Matobo Hills — White rhino at golden hour.
Matobo HillsWhite rhino at golden hour.
Matobo Hills — The valley from the rocks.
Matobo HillsThe valley from the rocks.
Where you could stay

Worth staying the night for.

Things to know

Cancellation policy

25% charge (deposit) — 90+ days out.

50% charge — 61–90 days.

75% charge — 31–60 days.

A 25% deposit confirms your itinerary.

Booking basics

Requested and confirmed within one working day.

Prices per person, based on two travelling together.

Private (max 8 guests).

Operated by ZimTravellers / Matobo Hills Lodge (own operation).

Participation & safety

Physical level: Moderate.

Private and tailor-made journey cancellation
  • A 25% deposit is required to confirm your itinerary and is non-refundable.
  • If we receive your written cancellation more than 90 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 25% of the total booking price.
  • For cancellations received 61-90 days before departure, the charge is 50%.
  • For cancellations received 31-60 days before departure, the charge is 75%.
  • For cancellations received 30 days or fewer before departure, or in the event of a no-show, the charge is 100%.
  • Certain camps, lodges, private vehicles, permits and special arrangements may impose earlier or higher non-refundable charges. Any such condition will be itemised and disclosed before you pay your deposit and will apply only to the affected component.
  • Changes requested after services have been confirmed are subject to availability, supplier charges and repricing. A reduction in the number of travellers may increase the per-person price for those who continue to travel.
How booking works
  • Send your dates and party size — we confirm availability within one working day, usually sooner.
  • Nothing is charged until your booking is confirmed.
Deadlines are measured in calendar days, Central Africa Time, from the scheduled start of the first affected service. Cancellation must be submitted in writing. Full booking terms: zimtravellers.com/terms-of-service · Policy version 2026-07-11.v1

What’s included

Included

  • All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) unless otherwise noted
  • Private guide and safari vehicle throughout
  • All national park and conservancy entry fees
  • Airport/airstrip meet-and-greet and transfers
  • All activities and game drives as described
  • Mineral water and soft drinks during game drives
  • Laundry service at lodges
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Direct WhatsApp line to Josh — before, during and after the tour

Not included

  • International and domestic flights (unless specified)
  • Visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Premium imported wines and spirits
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
  • Optional activities not listed in inclusions
  • Items of a personal nature

Practical

Best timeMay to October (dry season, best wildlife viewing)
PaceModerate
StartsBulawayo
EndsBulawayo
Group sizePrivate (max 8 guests)

6 DaysPriced per person from $2,600

WhatsApp Josh Send an enquiry