in Zimbabwe
The stone city that gave a country its name
Great Zimbabwe is the largest ancient stone ruin in sub-Saharan Africa, and the country takes its name from it. Built between roughly the 11th and 15th centuries by the Shona ancestors of today's inhabitants, the city was the centre of a wealthy trading kingdom, with links to the Swahili coast. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1986.
The ruins sit near Masvingo in the south-east and consist of three areas: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure with its high curved walls, and the Valley Ruins. The walls are made of granite blocks fitted without mortar, and the Great Enclosure is thought to have been a royal residence.
It is a fascinating stop for anyone who wants to learn about Zimbabwe's history, and it fits into a journey between Harare, Gonarezhou and Matobo.
Great Zimbabwe is a cultural site rather than a wildlife area, but the grounds are home to monitor lizards, vervet monkeys and a good range of birds. Lake Mutirikwi, nearby, has hippos and crocodiles, and the Kyle Recreational Park has white rhino and antelope.
Look out for
Granite hills, dry-stone walls and open woodland, with views across Lake Mutirikwi. The walls glow at sunset.
Activities here
Masvingo has a warm, mild climate, with hot, wet summers and dry, cooler winters. The rains fall from November to March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27 | 17 | 150 |
| Feb | 27 | 17 | 120 |
| Mar | 26 | 15 | 70 |
| Apr | 24 | 12 | 25 |
| May | 22 | 8 | 10 |
| Jun | 20 | 5 | 5 |
| Jul | 20 | 5 | 5 |
| Aug | 23 | 7 | 5 |
| Sep | 26 | 11 | 10 |
| Oct | 28 | 14 | 35 |
| Nov | 27 | 16 | 100 |
| Dec | 27 | 17 | 140 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry and sunny, which is best for exploring the ruins on foot.
November to April is warm and wet, with storms in the afternoon. The ruins are green, and paths can be slippery.
April to October is the most comfortable time for walking, though the site can be visited all year.
Best time to visit Mar to Oct
Great Zimbabwe is about 30 kilometres from Masvingo, which is five hours by road from Harare and about 4 hours from Bulawayo. It is on the route between Harare and the Gonarezhou lowveld.
Entry fees to the site are included in our tours. Please see the Zimbabwe page for visa details.
Masvingo is a low malaria area, but please take advice. Bring a hat, water and sturdy shoes, as the climb to the Hill Complex is steep in places.
Scenic AreaVictoria FallsThe smoke that thunders
National ParkMana Pools National ParkWalking and canoeing on the Zambezi
National ParkHwange National ParkGreat elephant herds and painted dogs
Lake & IslandsLake Kariba and MatusadonaSunsets over a drowned forestOur take
“Our take”
Hire a good local guide, who can bring the stones to life, and plan a morning visit, before the heat.
Safaris from
US$3,384 per person
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