VisitZimbabwe.com
GUIDES
THINGS TO DO
EVENTS
TRAVEL
EAT
STAY
INTERESTS
EXPLORE
Contact Us
VisitZimbabwe.comAbout Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, Hwange, Harare and the Eastern Highlands — reviewed by travellers who actually made the trip.

Linkedin

Zimbabwe Tours & Tickets

  • Adventure & Outdoor
  • Cultural & Historical
  • Day Trips & Excursions
  • Entertainment & Shows
  • Food & Wine
  • All Things to Do

Zimbabwe Places to Stay

  • Hotels and Apartments in Zimbabwe
  • Hotels
  • Lodges
  • Guesthouses
  • Apartments
  • Resorts

Best Of Guides

  • Best Safari Tours in Zimbabwe
  • Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Harare
  • Best Rooftop Restaurants in Harare
  • Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Harare
  • Best International Restaurants in Harare
  • All Curated Guides

Zimbabwe Interests

  • 🍷 Food & Wine
  • 🏛️ Art & History
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family
  • 💕 Romance
  • 🧗 Adventure
  • 🌿 Nature
  • 🎭 Culture
  • 🛍️ Shopping
  • All Interests

Zimbabwe Highlights

  • Bulawayo
  • Chinhoyi Caves
  • Eastern Highlands
  • Gonarezhou National Park
  • Great Zimbabwe
  • Harare
About UsContactPrivacy Policy
Victoria Falls, Hwange, Harare and the Eastern Highlands — reviewed by travellers who actually made the trip.
This site may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
    Great Zimbabwe - travel guide
    1. Home
    2. Cities
    3. Great Zimbabwe
    1. Home
    2. Home
    3. Cities
    4. Great Zimbabwe

    Great Zimbabwe

    Great Zimbabwe is an ancient city known for its impressive stone structures and rich historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Find tours, hotels, restaurants, and guides in Great Zimbabwe

    Great Zimbabwe is located near Masvingo, Zimbabwe, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the city center. The site is situated along the A4 highway and is easily accessible, with entrance fees around $5 for adults and $2 for children.

    Great Zimbabwe, dating from the 11th century, features massive stone ruins like the Great Enclosure and Hill Complex. Once a thriving trading hub, it reflects advanced architecture and social organization in southern Africa. The site remains a key archaeological and cultural landmark.

    Looking for things to do near Great Zimbabwe?

    Browse all tours & activities →

    Practical Info

    🏛️ Attractions
    • Great Zimbabwe RuinsHistorical Site

      An ancient city in the southeastern hills of Zimbabwe near Lake Mutirikwe and the town of Masvingo, known for its impressive stone structures built in the 11th century.

    • The Great EnclosureLandmark

      The largest single ancient structure south of the Sahara, characterized by its towering walls and conical tower, believed to have served as a royal palace.

    • Hill ComplexHistorical Site

      The oldest part of the ruins, offering panoramic views and believed to have been a spiritual and religious center in Great Zimbabwe.

    • The Valley RuinsHistorical Site

      A series of living ensembles made up of daga (earthen and thatch) structures that spread out from the Hill Complex and the Great Enclosure.

    • The Museum of Great ZimbabweMuseum

      A museum located near the Great Zimbabwe Ruins that houses artifacts from the site, including pottery, jewelry, and tools, providing insight into the culture of its ancient inhabitants.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is Great Zimbabwe located?
    Great Zimbabwe is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Masvingo, along the A4 highway in Zimbabwe. This archaeological site features remarkable stone structures that date back to the 11th century, providing insight into the region's historical significance.
    What are the opening hours for Great Zimbabwe?
    Great Zimbabwe is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. Visitors can walk through the ruins and surrounding area during these hours, allowing ample time to appreciate the historical significance of the site.
    What is the significance of Great Zimbabwe?
    Great Zimbabwe is significant as the largest ancient stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. It showcases advanced dry-stone construction techniques and reflects the wealth and power of its former inhabitants.

    Great Zimbabwe at a Glance

    Population
    unknown (ancient city)
    Founded
    11th century AD
    County
    Masvingo Province
    Elevation
    1,080m
    Best time to visit
    May to September
    Summer temp
    25°C
    Nearest airport
    Masvingo Airport (25 km)
    Known for