Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Situated on the southern shores of Lake Mutirikwi, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins are the largest collection of ruins in Africa, south of the Sahara. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, this 80-hectare Iron Age city and the valley around it, once supported a Shona community of 10 - 20 000 residents.

Its economy was built on cattle and crop farming, as well as gold trade which reached as far as the Indian Ocean coastline. The word ‘zimbabwe’ is Shona for ‘houses of stone’. The ruins were declared a National Monument in 1937 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. They’re located 30 kilometres southeast of Masvingo in southeastern Zimbabwe.

The site is made up of three main areas, namely the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure and the Valley Ruins. The Hill Complex, also called the Acropolis, is believed to have been the sacred centre of the city and dwelling place of Shona royalty. It is distinguished by the remains of mortarless stone structures and is the oldest section of the Great Zimbabwe site. Natural granite blocks create enclosures accessed via small, partially-covered alleys. The walls are up to 6 metres thick and 11 metres high, and contain the remains of daga (clay and mud) structures. The Hill Complex was permanently inhabited from the time it was established in the 11th century until it was abandoned in the 15th century.

The Great Enclosure, dating to the 14th century is situated south of the Hill Complex. This is the biggest ancient edifice in
sub-Saharan Africa, with a perimeter of 250 metres and a height of 11 metres. An inner wall skirts a section of the outer wall, forming a narrow passage leading to a pointed 10-metre tower. The exact purpose of the tower is unknown, though some experts say it served as an ancient grain bin. The remains of family huts can be found within the walls of the Great Enclosure, with community areas demarcated by smaller, inner walls.

The Valley Ruins, situated close to the Great Enclosure, are characterised by the remnants of a large number of daga houses. The widespread distribution of these ruins indicates a community of up to 20 000 inhabitants. The Valley Ruins comprise the Upper and Lower Ruins, each with architecture showcasing a different period of residency.

Over the years, archaeologists have uncovered artefacts in the ruins which include Chinese pottery shards, Arabic coins, glass beadwork and other non-local items, all suggesting that Great Zimbabwe was once part of an international trade network. Many of these relics can be viewed at the Great Zimbabwe National Monument Museum on site.

In the latter part of the 19th century, several soapstone effigies in the shape of a bird were found at the ruins. This ‘Zimbabwe Bird’ later became an emblem of national importance and was incorporated into the country’s flag. There are two walking route options to the popular Hill Complex, namely the ‘ancient path’ and the ‘modern path’. The former is a short 350-metre walk, but quite steep. The latter is less steep but a little longer at 460-metres. The walking paths are very narrow, allowing single file only.
Nearby, the Sikato Lion Park is a new addition to the southern shores of Lake Mutirikwi. Established in 2020, it is home
to a few lion (4-5 during our visit) which have been removed from areas where there was human-animal conflict. A guided tour through the camp is recommended to get the full history of the animals. Note: while the animals are kept in largish camps - this experience may not be for everybody. There is also a nice picnic area overlooking the lake, and a rustic campsite.

If you continue in an easterly direction, past Clever’s Lakeview Resort, you will soon reach Lake Mutirikwi dam wall, where you can enjoy great views over the lake; this is the second largest lake in Zimbabwe after Lake Kariba, and supplies water to Masvingo. The adjacent picnic site is also home to St Andrew’s Chapel, the smallest chapel in Zimbabwe, which only seats 12 people. You will need a Zimparks permit to visit the dam wall.

Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00; Sat and Sun: Closed.

From Masvingo take the A4 towards Beit Bridge. Directions are from the railway line, immediately before the Masvingo / Great Zimbabwe Publicity Association. 1.42 KM proceed directly over the road junction, 4.31 KM turn left at signpost for Great Zimbabwe, 27.30 KM turn right at National Monuments sign for Great Zimbabwe, 28.2 KM reach entrance.

ROADS:
The roads from Masvingo CBD to the ruins are in reasonable condition and manageable for any vehicle type.

ENTRY & TIMES:
Visitors are required to park at the entrance to the ruins and explore on foot. The park is open between 08h00 and 17h00. Entry fees are payable.

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