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Matobo Hills and Great Zimbabwe Ruins Tour – 8 days

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Embark on an 8-day journey through the Matobo Hills and Great Zimbabwe Ruins, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase Zimbabwe’s historical and natural treasures. From exploring ancient ruins to encountering wildlife in Matobo National Park, this itinerary blends cultural immersion with captivating experiences.

Upon arrival at Bulawayo Airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will transfer you to your accommodation. Take some time to relax and soak in the local atmosphere before embarking on your adventure

Visit Matobo National Park, famous for its unique rock formations and ancient rock art. Explore the hills adorned with San Bushmen cave paintings, gaining insights into their spiritual significance and cultural heritage. Embark on a thrilling rhino tracking experience and get up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Embark on an early morning game drive, where you may encounter wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. Learn about the park's conservation efforts and enjoy breathtaking views from atop the granite domes. In the evening, witness a stunning sunset over the Matobo Hills, providing a picturesque backdrop to end your day.

Travel to Masvingo and explore the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, the largest stone structure in Southern Africa. Marvel at the intricately built walls and learn about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the mystery and grandeur of the ruins as you uncover the stories they hold.

Visit the Great Zimbabwe Museum to deepen your understanding of the site's historical and cultural significance. Engage in cultural exchanges with the local community, discovering their traditions, crafts, and way of life. Enjoy a traditional meal and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Zimbabwe.

Journey to Gonarezhou National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Embark on thrilling game drives, where you may encounter elephants, lions, buffalo, and an array of bird species. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park and capture unforgettable wildlife moments.

Experience the wilderness up close with a guided bush walk, allowing you to appreciate the smaller details of the park's ecosystems. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing sunset river cruise along the scenic Save River, where you can spot wildlife congregating near the water's edge.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the breathtaking landscapes of Zimbabwe as you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Depart with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich history and natural wonders you encountered.

•  Accommodation in selected lodges and camps
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• Experienced guide and driver
• Entrance fees to Matobo National Park, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, and Gonarezhou National Park
• Game drives, rhino tracking, and bush walks
• Cultural interactions and village visits
• Sunset river cruise
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Great Zimbabwe Ruins: The Complete Guide

Great Zimbabwe National Monument

Great Zimbabwe was the Iron Age capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe . Its ruins lie nestled in the country's southeastern hills and are recognized as the most important and extensive stone ruins in sub-Saharan Africa. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the Great Zimbabwe National Monument's surviving towers and enclosures are constructed from thousands of stones balanced perfectly on top of one another without the aid of mortar.

The Rise and Fall of Great Zimbabwe

Scientific research has shown that Great Zimbabwe was founded in the 11th century by a lost Bantu civilization, the Shona. Its inhabitants traded gold and ivory to visiting merchants from the Swahili Coast , Arabia and India in exchange for porcelain, cloth and glass. They became increasingly wealthy and the capital prospered, reaching the height of its influence in the 14th century. By this time, more than 10,000 people lived within Great Zimbabwe's impressive stone edifices, which spread across some 800 hectares of land.

The dawn of the 15th century brought about a change in the city's fortunes, however. The hinterland surrounding the settlement was stripped of timber and game and eventually became unable to sustain the capital's expanded population. By 1450, Great Zimbabwe was abandoned in favor of another medieval city, Khami . By the time Portuguese colonialists arrived in the area in 1505 in search of mythical cities of gold, Great Zimbabwe had already fallen into ruin, and yet the quality of its architecture is such that many of its buildings remain at least partially intact today.

Contested Origins

Early European explorers who stumbled upon the ruins proposed a number of different theories regarding their origins. German geographer Karl Mauch hypothesized that the ruins had a Biblical connection to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba; while amateur British archaeologist J. Theodore Bent claimed to have found evidence that the site was built by either Phoenician or Arab traders. Bent's excavations were sponsored by imperialist Cecil Rhodes and influenced by the colonial belief that native Africans were too uncivilized to have built such an architecturally advanced city.

These racist beliefs were disproved by the first scientific excavation of the site, which took place in 1905 and unearthed artifacts that were indisputably of Bantu origin. Later research by British archaeologist Gertrude Caton-Thompson confirmed the site's African heritage, which has remained uncontested since the 1950s. Various African tribes claim responsibility for Great Zimbabwe, including the Lemba and the modern-day Shona. Archaeological evidence and anthropological knowledge have led most scientists to support the theory that the site was built by Shona ancestors.

The Naming of a Nation

Colonial attempts to deny Great Zimbabwe's African origins led to the site being adopted by Black nationalist groups as a symbol of African achievement and resistance. When Rhodesia was reborn as the independent Republic of Zimbabwe in 1980, its name was inspired by that of the Iron Age capital and kingdom. Soapstone bird carvings found at the site became a national symbol and are still depicted on the Zimbabwean flag today.

The Ruins Today

Today, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe are one of the country's top attractions . They are divided into three distinct groups: the Hill Ruins, the Great Enclosure and the Valley Ruins. The first set of ruins were built atop a hill, forming an acropolis that most archaeologists believe to have housed the city's royal chiefs. The Great Enclosure comprises several community living quarters separated by a series of stone walls that date back to the 14th century. Finally, the Valley Ruins are later, brick homes built as recently as the 19th century.

Before exploring these three unique sites, make sure to visit the Great Zimbabwe Museum . It showcases many of the artifacts uncovered by archaeologists, including Arab coins and porcelain from China that prove the settlement's trade history. Examples of the city's iconic soapstone bird totems can also be seen here.

How to Visit

Great Zimbabwe's closest city is Masvingo, a 25-minute drive. There are several hotels here, making it a handy base for exploring the ruins. If you want to see the ruins at sunrise and sunset, consider staying even closer; either at the on-site campsite or at nearby Great Zimbabwe Hotel . The latter offers 38 clean and comfortable rooms in addition to a swimming pool, volleyball court, restaurant and parking. If you're traveling independently, you can hire a car and drive to the ruins then join a guided tour (or not) once you get there.

Alternatively, many Zimbabwe tour operators include the ruins as a stop on their itineraries. Check out Best of Zimbabwe , an itinerary offered by budget overland company Nomad Tours ; or request the ruins as a stop when planning a custom itinerary with luxury travel company &Beyond .

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Built in the 11th Century, this large collection of stone ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse to ancient civilisation, history and culture. Our Great Zimbabwe Ruins tour takes you through times past, and the modern, largest man-made inland lake in Zimbabwe: Lake Mutirikwi (formerly known as Lake Kyle). You will be able to see engineering genius on the dam wall as well as the recreational park, where you will find 3 of the big 5 wildlife!

Tiritose will customise the tour according to your preferences, and available travel time, so hit us up, and let’s get exploring!

Day 1: Depart Harare  

Gweru Military Museum

Shurugwi: Boterekwa scenery 

Day 2: Tour of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins

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Day 3: Departure

Price:  From  US$365.00  pp ( 2 nights 3 days)

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This has truly been a life changing experience, especially because it was my first trip outside of the United States. The program taught me to be more open to taking new experiences, exposed me to paediatrics at the children’s rehabilitation unit, which I did not think I would enjoy.

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I was pretty happy the whole time and the Tiritose staff were very supportive. What I enjoyed most about doing my internship in Zimbabwe is that it was a new continent for me, a whole new perspective on medicine, a better appreciation for the luxuries of US.

What I enjoyed most about doing my medical clinical rotation internship in Zimbabwe was seeing the differences and similarities in how medicine is practiced here vs. the U.S. and differences and similarities in disease incidence.

The programme was also very organised. Other than waiting on our supervising physicians at the Children’s hospital on some of the days, it was a pretty good internship. Oh! And it was made better by watching Black Panther in Africa.

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I had a wonderful time in Zimbabwe. There are times I find myself fantasizing about going back. The administrative staff were great and really took the time to make the trip as personalized as possible.

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Great Zimbabwe Ruins Day Trip from Harare!

Great Zimbabwe monument is a Unesco World Heritage Site, it’s full of history and provides a perfect day out for visitors in Zimbabwe. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the country’s Late Iron Age. Great Zimbabwe served as a royal palace for the Zimbabwean monarch and was used as the seat of political power. One of its most prominent features were the walls, some of which were over five meters high and which were constructed without mortar. There are 200 such sites in southern Africa, such as Bumbusi in Zimbabwe and Manyikeni in Mozambique, with monumental, mortarless walls but none as large and intact as those of Great Zimbabwe.

This is a typical itinerary for this product

Day trip to Great Zimbabwe Ruins from Harare. Great Zimbabwe Ruins is very unique in the sense that it is both historical and beautiful. This adventurous tour takes you to witness the great wonders which was built by the shona people. The name of the country had been named after this scenic historical feature “Dzimbadzemabwe” which means the house of stones. We will leave Harare early in the morning and drive to Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The journey will take us approximately 3 & half hours. Our guide will take you around this magnificent shelter and you will explore the Hill complex,Conical Tower, Great Enclosure ,the Shona Village till lunch time. After lunch you will start your driving back to Harare after your great tour of the Great Zimbabwe and we expect you to be back in Harare just before dark. This tour is suitable for those on a budget with a sense of adventure! . Our Guide will look after your wish. We confirm this Great Tour only if 2 or more people are making the booking.

• Refreshments.
• Guiding Services
• Entry fees into the Ruins.
• Private Transportation.
• Light Picnic Lunch.

Not Included

• Airport Pick up
• Alcoholic drinks
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins travel guide: Everything you need to know

Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins travel guide: Everything you need to know

Last updated March 2024

Written by Beth

What’s so important about Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

UNESCO has called it “the greatest stone monument in Africa south of the Sahara”, second in size only to the Pyramids in Egypt. It was originally built between 1200 and 1500 AD, long before foreigners penetrated the African continent.

These ancient city ruins have intrigued both locals and visitors for centuries. The local name for the area was “Dzimba dza mabwe” (roughly “Houses of Stone”), or in short, “Zimbabwe”.

When Rhodesia became independent, under African rule, in 1980, the new nation was named after this ancient city, and the country itself was called Zimbabwe.

Where is Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

The ruins and monument at Great Zimbabwe are located 25 km south-east of the town of Masvingo (roughly pronounced “Ma-shing-o”), south of Lake Mutirikwi, in south-eastern Zimbabwe.

How do I get to Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

International visitors need to fly into Zimbabwe’s main airports of Harare, Bulawayo or Victoria Falls . From there, travel either by road (the most recommended option) or air to Great Zimbabwe Monument. See below for further details.

By car, Great Zimbabwe is roughly a 4-hour drive from Bulawayo and Harare respectively, and around an 8-hour drive from Victoria Falls. For this reason, we recommend staying a few days in the Great Zimbabwe area, combining your visit with a safari, spotting wildlife and going boating in the nearby Kyle Recreational Park.

Self-drive: If driving to Great Zimbabwe from Beitbridge, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo or Harare, you need to drive through the town of Masvingo. The main roads to Masvingo are tarred and fairly busy especially between Beitbridge, Masvingo and Harare, because this is a main international freight route.

TOP TIP : Don’t pull off the road in remote areas between Harare and Masvingo.

Masvingo town centre is small, with palm-lined, wide streets lined and shabby nut genteel buildings. Upon arrival in Masvingo, follow the signs to Great Zimbabwe, and turn left off the A4 Beitbridge road. Here, the road is narrower but still in good condition.

The road from Masvingo to Great Zimbabwe Monument.

Private shuttle: The easiest option is to ask your hotel or lodge in Great Zimbabwe to help book your transport; they will usually be able to book a private shuttle . There’s no scheduled reliable public transport from Masvingo to Great Zimbabwe, but many of the lodges have their own intercity shuttle facilities that take you directly to the monument. You can also see a list of private shuttle services on our page Intercity coach & bus travel in Zimbabwe  if you’d like to book one directly.

Informal transport: Alternatively, if you’re happy using cheap, unscheduled public transport, backpackers can catch a minibus or bus to Masvingo from Harare Road Port or Mbare Terminals, or from Bulawayo/Mutare. There is no website for the minibuses as there are scores of private ones, but there is a website for Zupco bus company giving times and fares. When you arrive in Masvingo, you will then need to catch a minibus from outside the Pick ‘n’ Pay supermarket on Leopord Takawira Avenue to Great Zimbabwe (this will take about 20 mins). The minibus will drop you off at a crossroad near Great Zimbabwe Ruins for around US $1.50. You’ll need to walk past Great Zimbabwe Hotel to the Ruins (about 2 km). When travelling back from the ruins to Masvingo, independent travellers could have lunch at Great Zimbabwe Hotel and ask them to book a taxi for a group of you to Masvingo, which will cost around US $12.

The flight to Masvingo Airport from other airports in Zimbabwe will take less than an hour, however only charter flights are available. You’ll then need a road transfer from the airport to the Monument.

Flight shto Great Zimbabwe: The only flights to Masvingo Airport are on a charter basis. Contact one of the charter airlines such as HAC, Executive Air and Mack Air, listed on our Internal flights in Zimbabwe page for a quote.

Do I need to book ahead to visit Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

Can I get food at Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

There is a modest restaurant/café on-site, past the entrance, where you can try a traditional sadza (maize meal dish) and perhaps have some hot chips and sodas. Another option is that you request a packed lunch pre-made by your hotel, or bring your own.

There’s a large and shady picnic area at the entrance, so I prefer to bring my own refreshments to enjoy under the trees.

You could also drive or walk to a nearby hotel for lunch: for example, Great Zimbabwe Hotel is within walking distance, about 1 km from the ruins, and serves food all day.

Are there toilets and other facilities at Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

There are toilet facilities at the main gate and the museum/restaurant of Great Zimbabwe, but not inside the ruin area itself.

There’s no supermarket or cash machine at Great Zimbabwe Monument and Ruins. Cash machines can be found in the town of Masvingo, 25 km away.

What is the entrance fee for Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

The entrance fee is US $5 for Zimbabwe residents and US $15 for non-residents. Children pay $3 for residents and $8 for non-residents (last checked March 2024; also see the NMMZ website services/products section for current prices). The fee includes entrance to the on-site museum. You do not need to pay to use the toilets.

Where can I stay in Masvingo and Great Zimbabwe?

Most of the tourist-friendly hotels are found closer to Great Zimbabwe Monument and the nearby Kyle Recreational Park / Lake Mutirikwi rather than the town of Masvingo itself.

See my dedicated post all about accommodation here: Where to stay in Masvingo and Great Zimbabwe Monument .

Can children visit Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

Yes, it is mostly child-friendly, especially as it is a large natural area enjoyed on foot.

Babies will need to be carried in a sling or carrier, or in a very hardy pushchair. The paths are sandy but bumpy. The lower parts of the ruins (Valley area and Great Enclosure) are relatively flat to walk around.

The Hill Complex or Acropolis section of the monument is less suitable for younger children who aren’t used to hiking, as the path is single file and steep in places.

Younger children can stay in the lower parts of the monument and run around the large walls and ruins there (perhaps while some members of the group climb up the hill). The picnic area at the entrance is also a fun place for children to enjoy a snack.

Older children can soak up the educational history of this iron-age experience.

Remember that between 11 am and 2pm the sun can get extremely hot, so avoid visiting at this time. The best time to arrive is around 9am (opening time is usually 8am). Always pack water, wear sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats.

What’s the best time to visit Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

TOP TIP: It can get hot in Great Zimbabwe so avoid visiting between 11 am and 2 pm. The best time of day to visit is around 9am. Make sure you have a wide-brimmed hat, water and sunscreen, and perhaps even an umbrella to use as shade. Opening time is usually 8am and closing time is 5pm.

The best time of year to visit Great Zimbabwe is between April and September when there is little rain.

There are scores of aloes around this area of Zimbabwe, so it is wonderful to time your visit when the aloes are flowering (May to August). If there was one month I’d pick as the best, it would be in May, when the vegetation and grasses are still a little green and the temperatures aren’t too high.

Rain usually only falls in Zimbabwe between November and March, in the summer. The hottest months are September and October. Zimbabwe is at a high altitude, which means the heat doesn’t usually feel as oppressive as in coastal countries, but the African sun is powerful no matter which month you visit. In June and July (winter), it gets frosty at night but stays mild, beautiful and warm during the day. Read more about Zimbabwe’s climate and weather here .

What else is there to do near Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

In the nearby Kyle Recreational Park , you can track wild rhino and other wildlife, see the dam wall, and go boating or fishing.

You can also visit the incongruously Italian Chapel of St Francis of Assisi , located just outside the Masvingo Army Barracks on the Mutare Road.

Can I do a guided tour of Great Zimbabwe from Harare or Bulawayo?

Yes, you can. This and That Safaris  and Black Rhino Safaris  have  guided tours and day trips of Great Zimbabwe Ruins from Bulawayo or Harare (contact them to ask about other locations), which can include transport.

Many of the lodges in the Great Zimbabwe area can also book guided tours of the ruins for you, but you need to specify whether you would like a government guide or a private guide. A government guide is easy to book on arrival at the monument yourself.

Here at Great Zimbabwe Guide Travel Blog, we do not run our own tours of Great Zimbabwe Monument: we’re an online guidebook rather than a tour guide 🙂

Large groups could contact the NMMZ reservations telephone number: +263242774208/752876 or email address [email protected] .

Do I need a guide to show me around Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

A guide isn’t necessary, as there are signs and booklets, so it’s personal preference whether to hire a guide or not. If you’re part of a tour group with a private company, a private guide will no doubt add colour, insight and humour to your visit to Great Zimbabwe Monument.

It’s easy to follow the signs and walk around Great Zimbabwe without a guide . There are information booklets available at the curio shop and directional signs around the monument.

I’ve put together a Google map and information about walking around the different areas of Great Zimbabwe Monument and Ruins : be sure to give it a read.

If you don’t have much time and you’re a fast walker, you could see the whole site in couple of hours, but it’s best to dedicate about 4 hours to walk around it, to have some food and soak up the historical and sometimes haunting atmosphere.

How do I contact Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins?

Great Zimbabwe Monument is managed by the Zimbabwe Government department called National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) – visit their website and click on the ‘Contact us’ for their head office address, email and telephone number. At the time of writing, the NMMZ reservations telephone number was +263242774208/752876 or email address [email protected] .

Peter Garlake was considered one of the key students of Great Zimbabwe, and he wrote an important book in 1973 which contains many interesting facts and pictures of Great Zimbabwe Monument and Ruins. It is available on Amazon here: Great Zimbabwe: New Aspects of Antiquity (affiliate link).

Travel advice about great zimbabwe, kyle, mutirikwi & masvingo, zimbabwe.

Read more about Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins

• Here’s a route map and detailed info on Walking around Great Zimbabwe Monument
• A short history of Great Zimbabwe Monument
• Where to stay in Great Zimbabwe and Masvingo area
• Visiting Great Zimbabwe Monument: Photo post
• An excellent in-depth video from BBC’s Gus Caley-Hayford about Great Zimbabwe
• All posts about  Masvingo and Great Zimbabwe

#ironage #africanhistory #blackhistory #blacktravel #archaeology

Check out my Zimbabwe travel quick reference guide for more articles about the country.

Planning a Zimbabwe holiday?

If you’re planning your Zimbabwe holiday (hooray!), I can recommend  Go2Africa , Africa’s Leading Safari Company (and one of our affiliates). Go2Africa has been tailor-making safari holidays for thousands of clients from across the globe since 1998. You can research African destinations, accommodation, and more. Even better, you can directly contact their safari specialists who can help you get the African experience that’s perfect for you.

Please do visit the  Go2Africa website , or check out their Zimbabwe tours here .

• About Author
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Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)

Beth is the founder and chief writer of Great Zimbabwe Guide Travel Blog. Practical Zimbabwe travel advice since 2010.

Latest posts from Beth (Travel Editor/Writer)

• New flights from London to Cape Town: a cheaper option for SA and Zimbabwe travellers - April 24, 2024
• We’ve updated our travel advice about Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins - March 14, 2024
• Giveaway with Impala Collection and GreatZimGuide - February 21, 2024

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Last updated March 2024 Written by Beth Where to stay around Great Zimbabwe, Lake Mutirikwi & Masvingo...

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11 Responses

Chogurweyi m..

Hy I am Chogurweyi M of Rushinga primary School and need Great Zimbabwe’s email and contact addresses.

thank you in advance.

Chogurweyi M.(School Committe Member for Trips).

Great Zimbabwe Guide

Hello, please contact National Museums and Monuments: http://nmmz.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=203

Hi, I was also wondering about the opening hours. Is it open on a Saturday? Are the hours also 8am to 5pm? Thanks so much.

Francis Chagonda

Educational Tour I write on behalf of Rock Foundation Schools, our school intends visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins on the 8th of August 2017. The total of the learners and educators is 53. Can we be afforded a slot on this day of our lord.

Thank You Francis Chagonda Trip Organizer

GreatZimbabweGuide

Dear Francis, Thank you for leaving a comment. GreatZimbabweGuide.com is an independent travel blog giving information about Zimbabwean travel – like an online guidebook. Unfortunately it is not a tour guide service. I suggest you contact NMMZ with your enquiry. The phone number on their website is +263 775 398 917 or +263 773 456 633. Their web page for Great Zimbabwe is: http://nmmz.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=203 . Best wishes, Beth

Anywells Chagaresango

my name is Anywells Chagaresango . am representing a group from Midlands state university, we like to visit great Zimbabwe ruins on the 7th of october. i would like your assitance

Hello Anyways, please contact National Museums and Monuments: http://nmmz.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=203 . I write about Great Zimbabwe on an online guidebook, but unfortunately I am not a physical tour guide. Best wishes.

Is there any way to contact Great Zimbabwe campground & lodges hotel? I would need either a phone number or an email address to contact them.

Thank you very much. Borja.

Hi Borja, thanks for your message. I’ve written an article all about accommodation near Great Zimbabwe and you can find it here: http://www.greatzimbabweguide.com/where-to-stay-great-zimbabwe-masvingo-accommodation . The article starts with my top picks of accommodation and then moves on to other options. All of the headings contains hyperlinks to the website of the accommodation in question.

If you are asking about the campsite located at Great Zimbabwe monument itself, I have outlined this towards the end of the article in the link above. To be honest you shouldn’t need to book for the camp site as it is unlikely to be full. However you can view their prices and contact details here: http://nmmz.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=203

Best wishes, Beth

I can’t find anywhere the opening hrs. Everywhere it is said that GZ is terribly hot but is it open in the cool morning hrs (like Palmyra, Taj Mahal, Petra and other similar sights)?

Hi, it is usually open 8am to 5pm and yes, it is cooler in the mornings. In June and July it is not as hot during the day there.

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Explore Great Zimbabwe Monument Tour

The Great Zimbabwe ruins (UNESCO) are impressive, built over hundreds of years between the 11th and 14th centuries. The site is massive, covering almost 1800 acres, and includes some incredible architectural details in the staircases, interlocking walls, granite boulders, and mortar-less walls. The site also includes a small museum with houses, artifacts, displays of building techniques, and a history of the site.

The modern state takes its present name, Zimbabwe, from this national monument. The beautiful setting also has resident impala and eland. Great Zimbabwe, as the ruins are known, is the largest complex of its kind in sub-Sahara Africa, and was built 700 years ago by the ancestors of the Shona.

Trip Highlights:

The Huge Enclosure at Zimbabwe Ruins – is one of the great sights of Africa – an aging monument to what was once a booming city of 40,000 people.

Standard Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Masvingo

Meet in the foyer of your hotel after breakfast and you depart for the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. Arrive in time for lunch. Check into a hotel/ lodge of your choice. Afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Take our time to explore both the ruins in the valley and the so-called acropolis on the hill, and marvel at the skill of those ancient architects and stone masons. According to historians, it was a sophisticated complex of buildings that could have housed over 40,000 people at its peak. ‘Archaeological findings have shown that it was a religious and temporal capital of great significance. The tour will be presented by local experts.

Overnight: Standard hotel/ Lodge, Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Day 2: Tour Ends

Morning tour to a local village, followed by a sightseeing tour of the Mutirikwi dam wall. Afternoon return to Harare by road where the tour ends.

Price Includes:

Accommodation, including breakfast, a return road tour to Great Zimbabwe, entrance fees, activities included, and the services of a qualified guide.

Price Excludes:

Gratuities, laundry, beverages, or expenses of a purely personal nature.

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How To Visit The Great Zimbabwe Ruins

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Visiting Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Are you visiting Zimbabwe and wanting to learn more about their history and culture? The Great Zimbabwe Ruins is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Zimbabwe and is really worth the visit. Let me explain where it is, how to get there and what you will learn once at the site. No visit to Zimbabwe or a southern Africa tour would be complete without a visit to the ruins of Great Zimbabwe – a veritable sea of fascinating rock formations. This lost and crumbling city was once home to the Zimbabwean monarchy.

Table of Contents

About Greater Zimbabwe Ruins

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins is the name of the stone ruins of an ancient city built by the Shona cattlemen between the 11th and 14th centuries near modern-day Masvingo. Beautifully located in a lush and flourishing valley situated at the head of the Mutirikwi River, it extends over almost 800 hectares.

Once the home of the people of Greater Zimbabwe and the monarch's royal palace, it was the seat of political power and a real force to be reckoned with in the Iron Age. An impressive African palace, perhaps the largest of its time in southern Africa.

Upon entry into the ruins, you find that the site is divided into three main areas: The Hill Complex (Ruins), the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Ruins. The ruins are considered an archaeological site of great importance, and that is why in 1986 they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins from the veiwpoint.

The Three Sections of Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The ruins are divided into three large complexes. On one side we have the Hill Complex, then there is the Valley Complex and the Great Enclosure.

The Hill Complex (formerly the Acropolis)

The first section is the Hill Complex, formerly called the Acropolis. It is a series of structural ruins that sit atop the steepest hill of the site. According to local guides, it is believed to have been the religious center and the oldest part of the site. The remains of the daga houses believed to have housed the city's royal chefs can be seen within the walls.

The Great Enclosure

The ruins of the Great Enclosure (and the second are of the site) are perhaps the most exciting. Lying south of the hill complex, it is a walled, circular area with walls over 32 feet high in places, making it one of the largest single ancient structures in sub-Saharan Africa. The solidly constructed walls were built without mortar, are similar to the Inca ruins in South America, the walls rely on the positioning of the stones to hold the wall in place.

Following the same curve as the outer wall the inner enclosure mimics the curve leading to a stone tower about 33 feet high. While the main purpose of this enclosure is unknown, it has been suggested that it may have been one of the royal residences. The tower is thought to have been a grain store, possibly a secret grain store available only to the ruling family.

The Valley Ruins

The third section of the site is the Valley Ruins. The Great Zimbabwe valley ruins consist of a large number of homes which date back to the 19th century. Constructed mostly of mud-brick (daga) near the Great Enclosure, the distribution and number of houses suggest that Great Zimbabwe boasted a large population, possibly between 10,000–20,000 people.

History of Great Zimbabwe Ruins

It is said that in the area, the Kingdom of Zimbabwe flourished between 1,200 and 1,500 AD. Using carbon dating, the palace or royal building is estimated to have been built in the 14th century AD. In contrast, the wall dates from the 12th century, approximately so is much older. Although the stone structures were not built until at least the 12th century, before that, the first civilizations settled in that space that cultivated the valley, and extracted and worked the iron.

Among the most important objects recovered from that era are the eight soapstone birds of Zimbabwe, as well as numerous ceramic artifacts, gongs, worked ivory, iron and copper wire, and iron tools. Copper ingots, gold beads, bracelets and pendants, as well as glass beads and porcelains from China and Persia (modern day Iran) were also found, along with other foreign artifacts.

With all this information, archaeological evidence emerges that Great Zimbabwe became a central point of trade and was the main source of gold and ivory, mined from the surrounding caves. In addition to international trade, it also stands out for the local agricultural trade between the cattlemen, farmers and growers that kept the community alive.

Why Was Great Zimbabwe Abandoned?

The most common reason for abandonment that can be agreed upon, is that Great Zimbabwe was abandoned because the surrounding area could no longer furnish food for the overpopulated city. Over farming and deforestation could have changed the once lush lands into barren soil, unable to sustain the huge population. It could also have been that the rich mining in the region became depleted, leaving the Zimbabweans nothing to trade.

Again the similarity to the disappearance of the Mayan culture rang loud and true to me here. After visiting the Yucatan and learning about the Mayan people, I watched quite a few docos about their disappearance and a lot make reference to either a great drought causing famine on a massive scale OR that they simply did what we are doing today and destroyed their region by over farming. The similarities to Great Zimbabwe seemed pretty decent to me and again, I wonder “have we learnt nothing?”

How To Get To Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are located in southern Africa, in present-day Zimbabwe. Specifically, between some hills in the south-eastern part of the country. The complex is located within the Masvingo province, 30km from the city, and has an area of 722 hectares.

The ruins are a four-hour drive from the capital, so the easiest way to get there is from the nearest city Masvingo, which is about 25 minutes away by car. You can board a combi behind the TM Pick n Pay in Masvingo. It costs around $1, but it takes time to fill up. If you are not interested in the wait time, you can also take a taxi from Masvingo or join other organized tours if available.

The combi will drop you off at around 2 km from the Great Zimbabwe gate and the driver will yell out to you when you get there. Just be sure to tell them where you want to go when you get on. Then you will walk past the remnants of a craft market and walk through the Great Zimbabwe Hotel to the ruins. There is another road entry to the Great Zimbabwe Information centre but that tends to confuse the drivers and you feel a bit lost as they drop you off at the street corner in what seems like the middle of nowhere. The best thing to do is ask to go to the Great Zimbabwe Hotel.

If you stay in Masvingo, your hotel or accommodation can also probably organise transport for you, however I recommend getting a combi. You haven't lived until you've been packed into a tiny van in Africa wondering how on earth you are going to get out! Spoiler Alert – you try to stand when the van stops and people just fall out the door, you get out and they pack back in. It's pretty easy really.

Entry Fee To Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Entry to the ruins is around $10 – 15 US dollars for foreigners per person. Without a guide it costs 10 US dollars but having a guide is definitely worth the extra money as there are not a lot of signs on the monuments that explain what you're looking at.

This is Zimbabwe and prices are not often posted so this may change but it won't vary massively. They do try to get you to do a tour so if you have a group of a few people, you may be asked to wait until more arrive so that the guide can be utilised better.

Their tour, including a visit to the Great Zimbabwe museum which showcases many of the artifacts uncovered by archaeologists, takes about 2-3 hours. I've read others comments that the tour also includes a short dance/singing performance from a local group , however Zimbabwe is in the grip of a horrific crisis and the man who did our tour was on site on his own. I'm pretty sure he survives on just what we paid for the tour and isn't getting paid by the government, and probably hasn't for some time, so no dancing and singing was on offer.

We met some local artiste/craftsmen on-site and if you can see your way to purchasing something from them it will undoubtably enable them to feed their families for a few days.

Accommodation Near Greater Zimbabwe Ruins

There are several hotels nearby the ruins and around the lake edge, however I wouldn't rely on them being open. It is very hard to explain the knife edge that Zimbabweans are living on so please, if you get there and they aren't open, its because it hasn't been sustainable. Greater Zimbabwe Hotel is shown in the accommodations below and it is situated right next to the ruins. I did have lunch there and the restaurant was great.

If you want to see the ruins at sunrise and sunset, or if none of the hotels are operating, consider staying even closer; either at the on-site campsite (there are campsites just outside the ruins, with dorms and rondavels) or at the nearby Great Zimbabwe Hotel. Watch the monkeys at the camp sites though – they are not just sneaky but vicious too!

Accommodation In Masvingo

There are a few good hotels in Masvingo if you would prefer something more than camping. They are similar prices and easy to book via Agoda.

Regency Lodge Panyanda Masvingo

• Free Wifi In Rooms
• Restaurant & Bar

$140-$209 AUD Per night dependant on booking conditions.

Regency Hotel Chevron Masvingo

• Restaurant, Bar & Room Service

$175 AUD Per night dependant on booking conditions.

Great Zimbabwe Hotel

• 24 hour front desk
• Cheaper single rooms available

$166-$260 AUD Per night dependant on booking conditions.

The Zimbabwe ruins are definitely worth a visit, the road is easily accessible, and it is open every day of the week, every day of the year, from 6am to 6pm (though many websites say otherwise), however this is Zimbabwe and things change in an instant.

It's a very historic place, and I can't explain all the details. You have to visit to understand how awesome it is.

Tours To Greater Zimbabwe Ruins

If you are travelling in Zimbabwe and don't have transport or wish to try to local buses, there are a few companies that offer trips to Greater Zimbabwe from Harare. They do usually include other destinations in the trip so it is a little more cost effective than it initially looks.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins From Harare (Private Tour)

• Viator Traveler Rating: 5 Stars
• From $550 AUD so not cheap but it is a private tour .
• Hotel pickup available
• Cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Greater Zimbabwe Ruins From Bulawayo (Private Tour)

• From $395 AUD but does get slightly cheaper with more people.
• Snacks and Lunch included.

Great Zimbabwe Overnight Tour From Harare

• From $915 AUD but does include your accommodation.
• Cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Reserve Now Pay Later
• Shona village visit, Kyle Dam visit & a stop for local handicraft market

Visiting Other Zimbabwe Locations

In addition to visiting the complex, you can visit various other places in Zimbabwe such as Harare, the capital and the most populated city in the country. You can also visit the Khami Ruins outside of Bulawayo and Wildlife Conservation safari which is located only two hours from the capital. If you have been enjoying Zimbabwe's World Heritage Sites, you should not miss the cave paintings of Matobo Hills.

And finally, of course, Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and part of the UNESCO World Heritage list) that are probably Zimbabwe's most visited natural icon. If you would like to know more about what to see in Zimbabwe, check out my Best Places to Visit in Zimbabwe article.

More Zimbabwe Posts

Visiting Khami Ruins From Bulawayo Chinhoyi Caves & the Blue Grotto

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$4,279 pp (USD)

Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 15 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Harare (Start) , Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) , Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Airport (End)

Zambezi Expedition Travel and Tours   Tour operator has an office in Zimbabwe

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9-Day Zimbabwe Explorer

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You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Hwange NP, Matobo NP, Masvingo (Town) , Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Harare (End)

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11-Day Victoria Falls to Harare Accommodated Safari Tour

Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 20 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Hwange NP, Matobo NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) , Harare (City) , Harare Airport (End)

Africa Zim Travel & Tours   Tour operator has an office in Zimbabwe

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10-Day Zimbabwe Heritage and Wildlife Tour

$4,021 pp (USD)

Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Harare (Start) , Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls town (Victoria Falls) , Victoria Falls Airport (End)

DK Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Zimbabwe

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$3,256 pp (USD)

You Visit: Harare (Start) , Imire Conservancy (Wildlife Sanctuary) , Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) , Vumba Mountains (Mountain Range) , Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Harare Airport (End)

11-Day Harare to Victoria Falls Safari Tour in Zimbabwe

12-Day Zimbabwe Tour

$3,900 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Chobe NP, Hwange NP, Bulawayo (City) , Matobo NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) , Harare (City) , Harare Airport (End)

13-Day The Best of Zimbabwe

$4,455 pp (USD)

Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 30 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Guest House

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Hwange NP, Bulawayo (City) , Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Chiredzi (Town) , Gonarezhou NP, Eastern Highlands (Mountain Range) , Harare (City) , Harare Airport (End)

17-Day Zimbabwe - Okavango Delta Wildlife Safari

$6,765 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Harare (Start) , Harare Airport (Harare) , Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls, Chobe NP, Savuti (Chobe NP) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Okavango Delta, Maun (City) , Maun Airport (End)

12-Day Exploring Zimbabwe with Handicapped Vehicle

$4,180 pp (USD)

You Visit: Victoria Falls (Start) , Hwange NP, Matobo NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Eastern Highlands (Mountain Range) , Harare (City) , Harare Airport (End)

10-Day Tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe

$2,523 pp (USD)

South Africa & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Town (End)

Sunway Safaris

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Zambia & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Livingstone (Start) , Victoria Falls, Kafue River, Chinhoyi Caves (Highlight) , Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) , Chimanimani NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls Town (End)

16-Day Zimbabwe Botswana Game Tracker

$3,262 pp (USD)

Botswana, South Africa & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls, Chobe NP, Nata (Town) , Okavango Delta, Khama Rhino, Johannesburg Airport (End)

16-Day Zimbabwe Botswana Game Trail

$2,527 pp (USD)

Botswana, South Africa & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) , Matobo NP, Hwange NP, Victoria Falls, Chobe NP, Gweta (Town) , Okavango Delta, Khama Rhino, Johannesburg (End)

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Great Zimbabwe Ruins Tours & Safari Packages

18 Tours to Great Zimbabwe Ruins, ordered shortest to longest trip. Prices are from R26000 $1386 £1110 €1296 A$2121 C$1896 NZ$2334 to R112500 $5997 £4802 €5607 A$9178 C$8204 NZ$10098 per person. Use our Tour Search → to filter by price, duration, start point, travel style and more.

6 Day Zimbabwe Safari Adventure (Overland Camping Tour)

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6 Day Best of Zimbabwe Safari (Lodge Overland Tour)

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Kruger, Zimbabwe & Vic Falls Budget Lodge Safari

10 Day Zimbabwe & Kruger South Africa Lodge Safari

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About Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Built between the 11th and 14th century, these incredibly well-preserved ruins are the biggest in Sub-Saharan Africa and second-oldest to Mapunguwe in South Africa. Made up of three distinct areas, they cover over 7 km2. The structures, walls and sculptures, made mostly of granite, are intricately put together without mortar. They are, in short, an architectural and archeological wonder.

Find out more with our Great Zimbabwe Ruins safari travel guide page.

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The Breathtaking Great Zimbabwe National Monument: Next to the Pyramids of Egypt!

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Many ruins around the globe that have become notable tourist attractions. The Acropolis in Greece, Pompeii, Arundel Castle in the UK and to a degree, the pyramids in Egypt. However, equally, as notable attractions exist that do not get the attention they deserve like the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

A perfect example of one of the notable tourist attractions is the Great Zimbabwe Ruins; yes, the granite blocks soapstone birds sculpture with a vast amount of outer walls built that dates back to between the iron age and the 19th century.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins is a national monument that attracts tourists from around the world to the south of the Sahara in the southern Africa region.

The Back Story on Ancient Zimbabwe Ruins

Many people are very aware of the more recent history of the Zimbabwe empire with the rise and fall of the Mugabe regime that saw a once-thriving economy crumble into a mess of hyperinflation and land invasions that have left Zimbabwe on its knees.

However, as present-day Zimbabwe seeks to recover from a recent past, the much older past is helping grow tourism in Zimbabwe . Something perhaps a little less “African” or “Safari” than most tourists would expect from the region is playing an essential part in tourism growth.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The massive ancient structure, second in size to the pyramids of Egypt is part of the once great Zimbabwe empire, now known as the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Covering around 198 acres, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins can be found a few miles South East of Masvingo.

The ruins in the center of Zimbabwe are about 150 but much smaller ancient African ruins that can be found between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

For anyone with a passion for exploring ancient ruins and uncovering a distant past, the story of the Great Zimbabwe Empire and a visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins create an unforgettable experience.

What is Known about Great Zimbabwe Pyramids

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are part of what is referred to as the Great Zimbabwe Empire dating backing to a period from 1100 to 1500. The meaning of the word Zimbabwe is linked to the stone ruins of the country as the name literally means “ Stone Houses ” in Shona.

It may be no surprise to you that the Great Zimbabwe Ruins contain the remains of a vast number of stone houses. This is a far cry from the stereotypical image of huts in Africa at the time.

It is believed that the Central Zimbabwe ruins that are located in a vast valley was a thriving economic and social hub for between 10,000 and 20,000 people. The heart of the economy was very similar to what Zimbabwe has been well-known for, despite the challenges the nation has been through in recent times.

Agriculture, mainly cattle and crops, was a major part of the economy with trading gold as a currency between people from the inland territories to the coast of the relatively close Indian Ocean. Very little has changed in modern times on how the interaction with local traders as they barter.

The ruins are evidence that Zimbabwe can very much rise up again as the breadbasket of Africa.

What to See on the Great Zimbabwe Ruins Tour

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins cover a vast area and to really experience the site each of the three main areas should be visited and explored. The three parts include:

• The Hill Complex
• The Great Enclosure
• The Valley Ruins

Each gives clues of what life was like in the once-thriving Great Zimbabwe Empire.

The Hill Complex and the Great Enclosure are the primary areas dominated by the dry stone construction of houses and buildings interspersed with the ruins of mud and brick buildings.

The mud and brick structures are known as Daga and were assumed by many as more grandeur in design than the stone buildings. The Valley ruins have more significant numbers of the Daga buildings.

Zimbabwe Pyramids: The Largest Sub-Saharan Ancient Structure

There are primarily two points of interest for most visitors – the Hill Complex and the Great Enclosure. The first is the Hill Complex itself. Spiritual and religious activity was an essential part of ancient life in Africa, much as it is today.

The Hill Complex in the Great Zimbabwe Ruins is thought to have been a high fortified area or place of worship. This is the oldest part of these spectacular ruins, and at over 80 meters high, the Hill Complex is a real sight to see.

Despite the size and importance of the Hill Complex, it is still small in comparison to the Great Enclosure. The Great Enclosure magnificent ancient structure is a sight to behold. The architecture is 250 meters in circumference and 38 meters tall in some areas.

However, what is mind-boggling is when you stop to think about how the materials for the construction were quarried, transported, carved, and laid to create an enormity of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

The Fall of the Great Zimbabwe Empire

No one understands why the seemingly thriving Great Zimbabwe Empire fell around 1500. The archaeological site points to several logical reasons, however, the main reason that supports the fall of an empire has not been determined in its entirety.

During the Great Zimbabwe decline, the skills of the people drifted to other regions of what is now called Zimbabwe.

Pottery and other essential crafts found throughout the country have their origins traced back to Great Zimbabwe prior to the fallen empire. In some ways, Great Zimbabwe did not really fall but instead spread out.

It took around another three to four centuries for the ruins to be recognized for what they indeed are – an African soapstone figurine created by the Shona people. The European and the Portuguese had some encounters with the ruins in the 16th Century.

However, the accuracy of the precise origin of the ruins originating from African and not European was only unearthed in the early 1900s with the actual findings being accurately documented in 1929.

The Great Zimbabwe Empire and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins are an exceptional part of the vibrant African history, and no visit to Zimbabwe would be complete without a visit to the site.

There are a growing number of tours to this historical site. Once you get a first-hand experience of the site, a broader, more profound story of Zimbabwe will come to life, leaving you changed and inspired.

Final Words About Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The development of the vast and vital ruins as part of a prosperous ancient economy is something that even by today’s standards is hard to comprehend building.

If you love learning about history and submerging yourself into experiencing other culture, the Zimbabwe ruins is a go-to destination for any traveler visiting the country.

You can also read our post on the 12 Safest Countries to Visit in Africa for other Africa travel destination ideas.

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I was very lucky to have been born in this beautiful country and to have visited these magnificent ruins and the thundering Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) ❤

Hello Muffy, you’re lucky! What tips can you provide to our readers that related to traveling to Zimbabwe or its neighboring countries?

This is a fascinating read. I’m somewhat familiar with Zimbabwe’s history, but I like the way you have put so much perspective to it.

Hello Pubali, I’m glad you enjoyed reading our post on the Great Zimbabwe Ruin, and it gave you a different perspective. That’s precisely our goal as we want to showcase the best places to visit in Africa so more travelers can add it on their list.

Wow, what a great place to visit – full of really important history and culture! I really enjoyed reading this and learning all this new stuff!

Thanks for the comment, Jenn! I’m glad you like our post about the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. We would love to hear your feedback from other posts as well as information you need that we’re not providing yet.

Thank you for exposing me to a new piece of history. We love visiting ruins and now we can add these to our list! The history sounds very intriguing.

Michelle, I’m glad you learned something from the post. Most people don’t know that the majority of African countries have a rich history and we want to share that information with everyone so that they can visit Africa.

I’d really love to have the opportunity to visit Africa!

Ha, Sage, I agree with you. Once you take that first step, you’re going to love it so much that your life will never be the same again!

Interesting articles, I didn’t know anything about the Great Zimbabwe Empire and the ruins. I have always dreamt to visit Zimbabwe, now I have another reason to go!

Hello Milena, hurry up and go already! 🙂 I have to double in my mind that you’re going to love it! Please let us know about your Africa experience. We would love to share it with our readers.

I love ruins and had never heard of these. The detailed guide to these ruins makes me want to go!

I’m glad you enjoyed the blog post, Brenna! That’s exactly our goal with the Africa Wanderlust – to provide the best resource for those people that want to visit Africa.

Thanks for writing an in-depth article on Zimbabwe Ruins. I enjoyed reading the article. Do you plan on writing on other historic sites?

Hello Chris, thanks for taking the time to read my post. I’m glad you found it helpful. Yes, I plan on writing on other historical sites. I’ll be sure to ping you once we work on those sort of posts.

I’m an amateur historian and I enjoyed reading your post. I plan on visiting Zimbabwe in the winter and I’ll have to stop by at the Zimbabwe Ruins.

Hello James, thanks for stopping by on AW. I hope you enjoy your trip to Zimbabwe.

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Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins can be found in Southern Zimbabwe, about two hours from the country’s second largest city, Bulawayo. No visit to Zimbabwe or tour of Southern Africa would be complete without a visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins – a lost and ruined city that was once the home to Zimbabwe’s monarchy.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins were built between the 11th and 14th centuries and cover over 722 hectares. Once home to the people of Great Zimbabwe and the royal palace of the monarch, over 18 000 people once lived here. It was the seat of political power and was a true force to be reckoned with in the Iron Age; a formidable African palace, perhaps the largest during its time in Southern Africa.

Today, remains of this archaeological treasure can still be seen. The walls were built up to five meters high and where constructed without mortar – it is a true miracle that the structures can still be seen today over six centuries later. It was first encountered by Europeans in the 19th century and is now a national monument of Zimbabwe, conserved and looked after as a proud piece of heritage.

Nomad Tours will take you to this enchanted African palace, enlightening you to the history surrounding the Zimbabwe Kingdom and the political climates which it’s survived. Embark on the Nomad Tours 12 day Great Zimbabwe Explorer to see this beautiful historical fortress and national monument.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins Tour from Bulawayo with Picnic Lunch !

• Private Transportation
• Light picnic lunch
• Refreshments & Guiding Services
• Entry/Admission - Great Zimbabwe National Monument
• Airport Pick up
• Telephone Calls
• Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, Corner 10th Avenue, Josiah Tongogara Rd, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Great Zimbabwe National Monument

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Great Zimbabwe National Monument Stop: 8 hours - Admission included Great Zimbabwe Day Trip – Depart from Bulawayo Day trip to Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Great Zimbabwe Ruins is very unique in the sense that it is both historical and beautiful. This adventurous tour takes you to witness the great wonders which was built by the shona people. The name of the country had been named after this historical feature “Dzimbadzemabwe” which means the house of stones. We will leave Bulawayo very early in the morning and drive to Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The journey will take us at list 3 to 4 hours from Bulawayo. Our resident guide will take you around this magnificent shelter and you will explore the hill complex till lunch time. After lunch you will start your driving back to Bulawayo after your great tour of the great Zimbabwe and we expect you to be back in Bulawayo just before dark. This tour is suitable for those on a budget with a sense of adventure! The tour covers great history of Zimbabwe with lots of tales to tell. Late afternoon the tour ends & drive back. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• jayH9227BA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Magical Motobo! It's a fascinating place, full of history, rhinos and bonkers rocks. It would be even better if the roads could be repaired so that more of the caves could be explored - a 4x4 would also help. My guide, Thembo, did his best to make sure I saw everything, and that included hauling me up some of the more difficult rocks! He was also very knowledgeable and interesting. A great day. Read more Written January 25, 2024
• AdeleCour 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles If you can, avoid going to Matopos and Great Zimbabwe with This and That Safaris It all started well. We contacted This and That Safari to do two full day-tours: Matobo and Great Zimbabwe. Thembi answered us quickly and came later that day to our hotel to collect the money and explained how the tours would be done. On the next day, we are ready at 6:30 AM to go to Great Zimbabwe. Thembi comes a little late and tells us his car broke down last night so we can’t go. Instead, we will go to Matobo Hills with another guide at 9:00 AM for only a half-day tour and we would do the other half two days later. That’s fine, these things happen and he found an alternative. We had a great guide at Matobo, very knowledgeable and professional. The day after, we go to Great Zimbabwe with Thembi and a driver. Thembi offered to stop in a village were they process illegal gold, presenting it as an extra experience for the tourists. We actually stopped at his cousins’ place and, at the last minute, were strongly recommended to give them some money for the explanation. This stop is no extra for the clients, it’s a way for Thembi to make his family earns a little extra cash. The drive to Great Zimbabwe is 4-4.5 hours so I would advise you skip this stop because you will end up being rushed at Great Zimbabwe as you have to be back to Bulawayo before dark. When we got to Masvingo, Thembi went out of the car, chatting with some relatives and then told my dad and me to come inside a fast food to order lunch. This is the cheapest and slowest fast food ever; we lost an unnecessary 30 minutes. (I saw in some comments from 6 months ago of someone complaining about the way lunch is done. The company replied that they would make a change but I’m telling you, they haven’t. For a 200 USD tour, this lunch and its organization are a joke). We got to the monument at 12:15 (instead of 10:30-11) and Thembi tells us that instead of him guiding us like he said he would, we will go with a guide from the site so he could take a nap. It’s not what was agreed but OK, we had a great guide and wonderful tour. At 3:00 PM, we started driving back to Bulawayo. After 20-30 min, Thembi realized he forgot his phone in some hotel close to the monument so we had to drive back, extending the already long drive by 45 min to an hour. We finally arrived to Bulawayo at 8 PM. As we still had to do the half-day tour to Matopos to visit View of the World and Rhodes’ grave the next day, I asked what was the organization. Thembi say he would find someone to take us in the afternoon. The next morning, he sent a message saying he couldn’t find a solution so he would come to our hotel at 6 PM to refund us. We managed to find a taxi to take us to Matopos (we ended up paying 140 USD for the entrance tickets and the taxi). At 6:02 PM that day, he sends a Whatsapp message saying he can’t come but will come the next day with the money or refund us via Paypal (he well knew we would have left Bulawayo by the time he offered to come and by then, we don’t trust him so Paypal isn’t an option. We want our refund before leaving Bulawayo). I wrote to him that we agreed on a time and he has to come within the next 30 min to solve this. I tried to call him several times but no answer. I asked our hotel manager, Clive, at Bulawayo Club to also call him as they sometimes work together but no answer either. We decided to go to the police and Clive also suggested me to file a complaint with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority as it’s not acceptable. When we told Thembi we were at the police, he finally picked up the phone and said he couldn’t come because he was out of town. After some discussions, involving us, the hotel manager, and the driver, Thembi finally showed up at our hotel at 9 PM to refund us 100 USD – which doesn’t cover the cost of what we had to pay to go to Matopos on our own. So to us, This and That Safari still owes us 40USD. He lied to us, making excuses for why he suddenly didn’t pick up the phone anymore. He also admitted that he took some German diplomat on a tour that day, instead of us…A great dirt show, honestly. When he left, I asked for his boss’ contact details but he refused to give it to me saying I could search for it on the internet. He clearly knew he didn’t do right by us. My advice to future tourists if you still want to go with This and That Safaris: DON’T pay the full amount upfront. To go to Great Zimbabwe, just hire a local taxi and pay for the entrance and the guide when you get there. It’s cheaper and easier. I’ve been travelling over the world for the last 15 months and never had such poor service. Read more Written November 10, 2023
• MelinZim 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience Such a great experience! Do not hesitate into contacting this company. They know everything and everyone in the region, and will design you a perfect tour, personalized to what you are interested in. As a solo traveler, it's sometimes hard in Zimbabwe to do tours, but I got exactly what I wanted. If I had more time in Bulawayo I would've done more tours with them. Read more Written November 5, 2023
• andreasmE6471ES 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A guide for you alone, away form touristic tours A great Matopos experience, away from the very touristic Matopos park center. I had a guide, Thembi, for me alone that day. Thembi is a very knowledge guide, full of experiences he will tell you with pleasure if you ask. He knows a lot about the region and it's "secret" ;) It's worth the experience. Read more Written March 11, 2023
• 86saarg 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Service needs to improve Unfortunately, Thembi who I think is the proprietor of this company Thisandthat Safari had a very bad week. We tried to book two tours, one a pun expensive one day tour of Motopos and another, a city cultural tour of Bulawayo. In both cases we never ended up doing the tour and had to make last minute arrangements. thembi was not communicative and gave very bad service. He would start arranging tours via email, phone, or WhatsApp and then disappear and not give answers. We agreed on certain itinerary and then he would change the times. Very frustrating. Thembi, I am sure you are a very professional tour guide and I saw you have a proper website for your business. But you cannot give this kind of service to tourists. Sending response at 2am in Bulawayo is not good enough. If you agree on a schedule, you must honor this. I hope your service improves for tourists who want to support the country and see the lovely sites of a Bulawayo. Read more Written November 5, 2022
• babaomari 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Did not show up Booked and paid online through Tripadvisor and they never showed up. Did not respond to emails, messages or phone calls. Wasted an entire day of my holiday. Read more Written January 8, 2022
• Craig H 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Under Visited The site is well kept, but not well visited. I had a private guide Paul Hubbard. Without Paul the site would not have been well explained. I recommend Paul. There is also a nice small museum on site. Read more Written December 25, 2021
• G9563CRrobertos 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely great! Thank you Thembi for the day tour and for the opportunity even in a difficult covid-19 time. The guide Blessing was very helfull and very friendly. Hope to have more opportunities in the future to travel again. Matopo is very amazing and the Ndebele colture very interesting. The local guide Dube was so passionate, thank you a lot! Read more Written July 4, 2021
• Leopard 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles TREATED SO WELL, WE THOUGHT WE WERE FAMILY... I found Thembi and ThisAndThat Safaries through an online search. He was quick to respond and made me several offers for day trips and transfers. As always, I used several different platforms to find reviews. He had outstanding comments on them all so I gave him our business. The money issue in Zimbabwe way is truly sad, difficult to navigate, and time-consuming...as well as frustrating for the tourist. His connection with WorldRemit made it all seamless and we did not have to carry a large amount of US currency. We booked three-day tours, one to the cave paintings and Kami ruins, one to Matapos to see the rhinos (and we did see several) and one to visit the downtown sites. The museum was really well done and the railway museum was grand fun. We climbed all over the trains, into many of the passenger cars on display, and even made it into a couple of the locomotive boilers...bear in mind, our group ranged in age from 65 to 79,,,.smile. Our drivers and cars were clean, modern and comfortable. Our safari rover was huge, open and offered a grand day in the park, and our guides were all amazingly friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. Thembi was onstop with communication and a delight to work with. Make sure you tip the drivers and guides. These folks are wonderful and a few extra dollars goes a long, long way in making their lives a bit more comfortable. Read more Written September 15, 2019
• Nitin_Nomad 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Khami Ruins & Silunguzi Village - Excellent tour!!! Had the most amazing experience with This & That Tours (now called Zebra Safaris). Did 2 tours with them....the Full Day Khami Ruins & Silunguzi Village tour (ancient rock art )and the Bulawayo half day city tour... Our guide, Shephard, was incredible ....he really went out of his way to make us enjoy the tours....very friendly, cheerful, insightful and a truly genuine person Thembi, who is the head of this company, was also amazing and helpful....from the coordination of the tours to giving us all sort of information regarding the logistics etc I fully recommend this company....and Zimbabwe is an amazing country as well. Lots of history (Khami and Great Zimbabwe ruins) and epic wildlife (Huwange NP, Motopos NP etc) When there, reach out for Thembi and Shephard....You will have a super tour!! Read more Written August 16, 2019
• pbarham48 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very Experienced and Informative Guide We had read about This And That Safaris from previous reviews & arranged for Thembi to be our guide over the three days we were in Bulawayo. We are so pleased that we decided on this. Thembi was an excellent guide in every respect, friendly, considerate, knowledgeable about the region and its history, informative about the current situation in Zimbabwe, and also (and this was a bonus) an experienced ranger, his eyes always scanning the horizon, and one day we got lucky and Thembi spotted a rhino. Life in Zim is a considerable challenge at the present time, not least because of the fuel shortages, and these obviously put strains on the services that Thembi and his company were able to provide, but we could appreciate that they were doing their best and with good humour. We took a couple of tours around the Matopos National Park, visiting villages and caves for their remarkable paintings, and also schools. We had learned about the shortages of exercise books and other resources in local schools before we reached Bulawayo, and with Thembi's help we were able to purchase a supply of books and pens and distribute them in a couple of schools. Visiting Zim is a challenge in many respects, and it is not for everyone, but for those who decide to come we can thoroughly recommend This and That Safaris, and above all Thembi, as providing a safe, reliable and hugely informative insight into the history and current conditions in the region. Read more Written January 27, 2019
• joannecZ4281LB 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Walking tour of Bulawayo If you find yourself in Bulawayo do take the half day city tour. Really informative and our guide Thembi showed us all the sights and gave us a real insight into the history and life in Zimbabwe today. I booked the tour ahead and they were efficient and responsive, turning up to collect us as pre-arranged Read more Written January 15, 2019
• andiamo2019 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top-Notch Guiding and Tours My extraordinary three-day visit to Bulawayo was highlighted by the tours I took with ThisandThat Safaris. My guide Thembi had worked with me several months ahead of time to organize an itinerary and activities that were perfect for me. I found him to be patient, flexible and creative as we tweaked the program down to the smallest detail. On the afternoon of my arrival,Thembi and his colleague Homage met me at the Bulawayo Airport and transferred me to my hotel in the city. Over the next two days we visited -- among other sights -- the Khami Ruins, Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, Bulawayo Railway Museum and two of the most fascinating of Bulawayo's numerous Townships. In Mzilikazi Township we spent time with the director and students at the Art and Craft Center, while in Makokoba we visited the vibrant local market. On one day we ate lunch in a traditional restaurant and on the other we shopped together for the ingredients and then had a lovely picnic. (These meals were included in the tour package.) Thembi is a very knowledgeable guide and Homage is an excellent driver. Both are courteous, respectful and professional and go out of their way to make a guest feel special. When they learned that I had lost a small backpack, they went out of their way to accompany me to various shops and market stalls throughout Bulawayo until I found a new one that was "just right." Even though, as I've been told, the agency is about to undergo a name change and become African Zebra Safaris, I think the current name -- ThisandThat -- perfectly describes the wide variety of tasks and challenges its employees are asked and willing to undertake. I highly recommend this company and especially Thembi and Homage. Read more Written January 9, 2019
• Yise N 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Huge disappointment I booked This and That Safaris for Boxing day 2018. This was a full day Rhodes and Matopos National Park tour. On the day we were picked up in a small car that failed to negotiate the inroads at the national park limiting our chances of seeing any wild life. The poor guides then suggested we walk around 10km one way to see the animals where other guides had seen them, we turned this down as it was a very hot day. The tour was terminated at 3pm due to the problem so we only managed to visit Rhodes grave, the white rhinos caves and the Moth shrine which were all accessible by tarred road. If we had known that refreshments would be a packet of crisps and a juice we would have packed left overs from our Christmas day dinner. I complained to Thembi from This and That safaris after this and asked for a part refund as they had clearly known that their car was not fit for purpose for a national park terrain but he/She wasn't interested. He started to tell me about their fuel problems but that is not my problem. I paid good money for a service which unfortunately I did not fully enjoy or get. If thinking of going on a Matopos safari I suggest you find another provider. Read more Written January 7, 2019
• Håkan P 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Three Ruins tour Something for us into history. As archaeologists we enjoyed this tour. Good accommodation and experienced guides. Especially Eugene at the Kami ruins was sensational. Some logistic problems due to the roads and time underrestimating in planning made it more of a two ruins tour. Sadly for us but still well worth it. Perhaps should day 2 started earlier. Thembi and his crue is service willing, friendly and passionate in what they provide but one of the safari car we drove with needs safety belts! especially with the roads and trafic culture of Zimbabwe. They promised though that they would fix it. We however recommend thisandthat safaris to others. Read more Written November 12, 2018

More to explore in Bulawayo

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Great Zimbabwe Ruins Tour from Bulawayo with Picnic Lunch ! provided by ThisAndThat Safaris