The greatest medieval stone city in sub-Saharan Africa.
Great Zimbabwe is the ruined capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe — a monumental city of dry-stone walls, towers and enclosures built entirely without mortar between the 11th and 15th centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the namesake of modern Zimbabwe.
At its height around 1300 AD the city housed up to 18,000 people and controlled gold and ivory trade routes to the Swahili coast. Its iconic Great Enclosure walls rise 11 metres; the site gave the nation its name and its emblem, the Zimbabwe Bird.
The Hill Complex acropolis; the Great Enclosure and Conical Tower; the site museum with carved soapstone birds; sunset over the valley ruins.
The site is vast — allow half a day. Wear hiking shoes for the hill climb. Guided tours add essential context.
Contact us to arrange a private expedition to Great Zimbabwe National Monument.
