It is not clear how long the Nambya people have lived in their home area (the Hwange district in Zimbabwe) but the oral history records at least centuries there. The archaeological record suggests a similar timeframe (see Culture and Travel).
Hwange (Hwange district) was established by Dendelende Swanga from the Nyai. He was the son of Mambo of the Rozvi Dynasty king. He is said to have fought and captured many tribes.
Below is the history of the Dendelende Sawanga kingship with approximate dates of ruling:
| Name of Nambya King | Period of Kingship | No of years in power | |
| 1 | Dendelende Sawanga | 1737 to 1780 | 43 |
| 2 | Chilobamago | 1780 to 1807 | 27 |
| 3 | Shakwa Dembetembe | 1807 to 1822 | 15 |
| 4 | Nyanga Chazho | 1822 to 1834 | 12 |
| 5 | Shana Chazho | 1834 to 1860 | 26 |
| 6 | Lusumbami Debwelezilawa | 1860 to 1868 | 8 |
| 7 | Chilisa Mhuru | 1868 to 1873 | 5 |
| 8 | Chilota Chimukutu | 1873 to 1895 | 22 |
| 9 | Nchengwa Nengasha | 1897 to 1903 | 6 |
| 10 | Shambwa Nekatambe | 1903 to 1955 | 52 |
| 11 | Chimbipo Nemananga | 1903 to 1948 | 45 |
| 12 | Ndunduli Nedundwi | 1950 to 1974 | 24 |
King Nchengwa Nengasha was the last King of the baNambya people in terms of authority before white settlers opened the Wankie colliery company. The rebellion from 1893 to 1896 brought down the Wange kingdom. After the death of Nengasha, instead of kingdoms, all leaders were appointed as chiefs of chiefdoms. Thus chief Nemananga and Chief Nekatambe ruled from 1903 to 1950.