Home › Destinations › Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Great Zimbabwe is home to one of Africa's most significant archaeological sites and UNESCO World Heritage treasure. The ancient stone city, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, represents the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe and showcases remarkable dry-stone architecture without mortar. The site spans nearly 1,800 acres and consists of three main areas: the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex, and the iconic Great Enclosure with its massive circular wall. Today, visitors can explore these magnificent ruins while learning about the sophisticated civilization that once thrived here, controlling trade routes between the interior and the coast. The nearby modern town of Masvingo serves as the gateway to Great Zimbabwe, offering accommodation and services for travelers. The site provides a profound connection to African heritage and demonstrates the advanced engineering and organizational skills of the Shona people who built this remarkable stone city.

Top Great Zimbabwe

the Great Enclosure

Walk through the largest ancient structure south of the Sahara, featuring massive granite walls up to 36 feet high and 20 feet thick. The Great Enclosure contains the famous conical tower and intricate stonework that demonstrates the architectural mastery of medieval African civilizations. The circular wall stretches for over 800 feet and creates an awe-inspiring experience as you imagine the bustling activity that once filled these spaces.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are around $15 for international visitors, with guided tours available for an additional $10-15. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Local guides provide invaluable historical context and can point out architectural details easily missed.

Climb the Hill Complex

Ascend the granite kopje to explore the oldest part of Great Zimbabwe, where the spiritual and political elite once resided. The Hill Complex offers spectacular views over the entire site and surrounding landscape while showcasing the most sophisticated stonework. Ancient passages wind between massive boulders, leading to sacred areas where important ceremonies took place.

Booking Tip: Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the climb involves navigating rocky paths and steep sections. The climb takes 30-45 minutes and can be challenging in hot weather, so bring water and start early. Photography is permitted but flash is not allowed in certain areas.

the Site Museum

Discover artifacts and exhibits that bring Great Zimbabwe's history to life, including the famous Zimbabwe Birds (soapstone carvings) and ancient trade goods. The museum provides essential context about the site's significance, the people who built it, and its role in regional and international trade networks. Interactive displays help visitors understand the sophisticated society that flourished here for over 300 years.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is included with site admission. Allow 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits before or after exploring the ruins. The museum has air conditioning, making it a good midday stop during hot weather. Guided museum tours are available for an additional fee.

the Valley Complex

Wander through the residential area where the general population lived, featuring numerous stone enclosures and evidence of daily life in medieval Great Zimbabwe. This area demonstrates the site's urban planning and social organization, with different enclosures serving various functions from housing to craft production. The Valley Complex connects the Hill Complex to the Great Enclosure, showing how the entire city was integrated.

Booking Tip: This area requires significant walking on uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. Early morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities as various birds and small animals inhabit the ruins. Allow 2-3 hours to properly explore all the enclosures.

Lake Mutirikwi Recreation

Enjoy water activities and wildlife viewing at Zimbabwe's third-largest lake, located just 20 minutes from Great Zimbabwe. The lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities while the surrounding area provides excellent birdwatching and occasional game viewing. Several lodges around the lake offer sunset cruises and water sports equipment rental.

Booking Tip: Boat rentals cost $30-50 per hour, while fishing permits are around $10 per day. The best fishing is early morning and late afternoon for bass and bream. Several operators offer sunset cruises for $25-40 per person, which should be booked in advance during peak season.

Getting There

Great Zimbabwe is located near Masvingo, about 300 kilometers southeast of Harare and 180 kilometers northeast of Bulawayo. Most visitors fly into Harare's Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and drive or take a bus to Masvingo, which takes approximately 4 hours by road. Several bus companies operate daily services between major cities and Masvingo, while car rental is available at the airport. The site is located 27 kilometers from Masvingo town center, accessible via a good tarred road with clear signage.

Getting Around

A private vehicle is highly recommended for visiting Great Zimbabwe, as public transport to the site is limited and infrequent. Car rentals are available in Masvingo town, or visitors can arrange tours through local operators that include transportation. Taxis from Masvingo to the site cost around $30-40 for a round trip with waiting time. The archaeological site itself is explored on foot, with well-maintained paths connecting the three main complexes, though some areas require moderate hiking ability.

Where to Stay

Masvingo Town Center
Great Zimbabwe Hotel
Lake Mutirikwi Lodges
Norma Jean's Lodge Area
Cheviot Hills Golf Resort
Camping Sites Near the Ruins

Food & Dining

Dining options are primarily located in Masvingo town, featuring a mix of local Zimbabwean cuisine and international dishes. Popular local specialties include sadza (cornmeal staple), grilled meats, and fresh fish from Lake Mutirikwi. The Great Zimbabwe Hotel offers the most upscale dining experience near the site, while Masvingo town has several restaurants, cafes, and takeaway options including Chicken Slice, Flamboyant Hotel restaurant, and various local eateries serving traditional food. Visitors should try local specialties like matemba (small dried fish) and fresh bream from the lake.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zimbabwe

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Lookout Cafe - Wild Horizons

4.6 /5
(2048 reviews) 2
bar cafe store

Dusty Road Township Experience

4.6 /5
(313 reviews) 2

KwaTerry The traditional restaurant

4.6 /5
(297 reviews)

Baines Restaurant

4.8 /5
(261 reviews)
bar cafe

MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(252 reviews)

Khaya Nyama Wombles

4.7 /5
(210 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Great Zimbabwe is during the dry season from April to October, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. May through August offers the most comfortable weather with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), though nights can be quite cool. September and October are warmer but still pleasant, while November through March brings the rainy season with hot, humid conditions and afternoon thunderstorms that can make exploring the ruins uncomfortable and potentially dangerous due to slippery rocks.

Insider Tips

Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water as there's limited shade at the ruins, and the granite stones can become extremely hot during midday
Hire a local guide for the full experience - their knowledge of the site's history, archaeology, and cultural significance far exceeds what you'll get from guidebooks alone
Visit the Hill Complex early in the morning when it's cooler and the lighting is perfect for photography, then explore the other complexes as the day progresses

Activities in Great Zimbabwe