UNESCO calls Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins “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. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the very place from which the country of Zimbabwe got its name. Safe to say, it’s hugely important to many Zimbabweans, as well as anyone interested in African culture and archaeology. Plus, it is the inspiration for the name of our own website! It covers an area of over 7 square kilometres (nearly 3 square miles).
This fascinating, sometimes haunting monument comprises a number of historic archaeological sites and three main zones in particular: The Hill Complex, The Valley Complex and The Great Enclosure.
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.
We’ve updated three of our articles related to Great Zimbabwe Monument & Ruins: The Travel guide & FAQs, the Walking route guide, and the Accommodation guide for the area of Great Zimbabwe, Kyle, Lake Mutirikwi & Masvingo.
Do have a look if you’re interested in visiting this significant area of Zimbabwe! Click on one of the images below to read the article.
Travel advice about Great Zimbabwe, Kyle, Mutirikwi & Masvingo, Zimbabwe
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
Great Zimbabwe Guide: travel tips, adventure holidays, wildlife, photography, city guides and safari inspiration about Zimbabwe, Africa.
Do you have a question about visiting Zimbabwe? Start with the Quick-reference list of travel advice.
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Check out our 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.
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