Great Zimbabwe has been described as “one of the most dramatic architectural landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa.” It is the largest stone complex in Africa built before the modern era, aside from the monumental architecture of ancient Egypt. It was constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries and was continuously inhabited by the Shona peoples until about 1450 (the Shona are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe). But Great Zimbabwe was by no means a singular complex—at the site’s cultural zenith, it is estimated that seven comparable states existed in this region. Great Zimbabwe Ruins are found just south of the historical town of Masvingo. The word Zimbabwe was actually derived from the word 'Dzimbabwe' meaning house of stone. The stone structures are up to 6 metres thick and 12 metre wide. The work of great craftsmen indeed and a unique stone wall all over the world. This is not a place to be missed to all the visitors to the country. They are two main stone wall enclosures the, the hill complex and the great enclosure. It was declared a national monument in 1937 and later a World Heritage Site in 1986. View the soapstone birds are one of Zimbabwe’s symbols that is part of the Zimbabwean Flag. They are eight birds carved in soapstone that were found in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe and it is believed they represented royalty. For more information visitors can contact the Masvingo Publicity Association.

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.

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