Great Zimbabwe National Monument
Location: Southern Zimbabwe
Year of Inscription: 1986
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Great Zimbabwe is an ancient ruined city in the southeastern hills of Zimbabwe. The city, which was constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries AD, is made up of three main structures: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Complex. The ruins are considered to be one of the greatest examples of medieval architecture in sub-Saharan Africa and have been a source of pride and inspiration for Zimbabweans for centuries.
Prominent Features: The main features of Great Zimbabwe include:
Hill Complex: The Hill Complex is the oldest and most imposing part of the city, featuring towering stone walls and a series of platforms and terraces.
Great Enclosure: The Great Enclosure is the most impressive part of the city, with a massive stone wall and an interior space that may have been used for religious or political purposes.
Valley Complex: The Valley Complex includes a series of smaller ruins and structures, including the Eastern Enclosure, which may have served as a royal palace.
History: The origins of Great Zimbabwe are shrouded in mystery, but the city is believed to have been built by the Shona people, who lived in the region between the 11th and 15th centuries AD. The city was a hub of trade and commerce, with goods such as gold, ivory, and cattle being exchanged with neighboring societies. The city was abandoned in the 15th century, likely due to environmental factors such as drought and soil depletion.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the ruins, explore the surrounding wilderness areas, and learn about the history and culture of the Shona people.
Fun Fact: Great Zimbabwe was the inspiration for the name of the country of Zimbabwe, which was formerly known as Rhodesia.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for Great Zimbabwe vary depending on your nationality and whether you are visiting the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, or both. The entry fee for international visitors was $20 USD.
How to Reach It: From Bulawayo:
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate daily services from Bulawayo to Masvingo, the city closest to Great Zimbabwe. Some popular bus companies include Pathfinder, Citiliner, and Intercape. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by road, and tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Bulawayo or online in advance.
By car: If you prefer to rent a car and drive, the journey from Bulawayo to Great Zimbabwe is approximately 300 km and takes about 4-5 hours.
From Harare:
By bus: Several bus companies operate daily services from Harare to Masvingo, the city closest to Great Zimbabwe. Some popular bus companies include Pathfinder, Citiliner, and Intercape. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours by road, and tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Harare or online in advance.
By car: If you prefer to rent a car and drive, the journey from Harare to Great Zimbabwe is approximately 300 km and takes about 4-5 hours.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around Great Zimbabwe, including:
Great Zimbabwe Hotel: This hotel is located just a few kilometers from the ruins and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Norma Jean's Lakeview Resort: This resort is located on Lake Mutirikwe, just a short drive from the ruins. It offers a variety of accommodations, including campsites, chalets, and lodges.
Lodge at Ancient City: This luxury lodge is located just a few kilometers from the ruins and offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Next Stop: Matobo Hills
Year of Inscription: 1986
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Great Zimbabwe is an ancient ruined city in the southeastern hills of Zimbabwe. The city, which was constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries AD, is made up of three main structures: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Complex. The ruins are considered to be one of the greatest examples of medieval architecture in sub-Saharan Africa and have been a source of pride and inspiration for Zimbabweans for centuries.
Prominent Features: The main features of Great Zimbabwe include:
Hill Complex: The Hill Complex is the oldest and most imposing part of the city, featuring towering stone walls and a series of platforms and terraces.
Great Enclosure: The Great Enclosure is the most impressive part of the city, with a massive stone wall and an interior space that may have been used for religious or political purposes.
Valley Complex: The Valley Complex includes a series of smaller ruins and structures, including the Eastern Enclosure, which may have served as a royal palace.
History: The origins of Great Zimbabwe are shrouded in mystery, but the city is believed to have been built by the Shona people, who lived in the region between the 11th and 15th centuries AD. The city was a hub of trade and commerce, with goods such as gold, ivory, and cattle being exchanged with neighboring societies. The city was abandoned in the 15th century, likely due to environmental factors such as drought and soil depletion.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the ruins, explore the surrounding wilderness areas, and learn about the history and culture of the Shona people.
Fun Fact: Great Zimbabwe was the inspiration for the name of the country of Zimbabwe, which was formerly known as Rhodesia.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for Great Zimbabwe vary depending on your nationality and whether you are visiting the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, or both. The entry fee for international visitors was $20 USD.
How to Reach It: From Bulawayo:
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate daily services from Bulawayo to Masvingo, the city closest to Great Zimbabwe. Some popular bus companies include Pathfinder, Citiliner, and Intercape. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by road, and tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Bulawayo or online in advance.
By car: If you prefer to rent a car and drive, the journey from Bulawayo to Great Zimbabwe is approximately 300 km and takes about 4-5 hours.
From Harare:
By bus: Several bus companies operate daily services from Harare to Masvingo, the city closest to Great Zimbabwe. Some popular bus companies include Pathfinder, Citiliner, and Intercape. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours by road, and tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Harare or online in advance.
By car: If you prefer to rent a car and drive, the journey from Harare to Great Zimbabwe is approximately 300 km and takes about 4-5 hours.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in and around Great Zimbabwe, including:
Great Zimbabwe Hotel: This hotel is located just a few kilometers from the ruins and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Norma Jean's Lakeview Resort: This resort is located on Lake Mutirikwe, just a short drive from the ruins. It offers a variety of accommodations, including campsites, chalets, and lodges.
Lodge at Ancient City: This luxury lodge is located just a few kilometers from the ruins and offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Next Stop: Matobo Hills