ZIMBABWE - Great Zimbabwe

The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona word for ‘houses of stone’ and was historically used to refer to the places where rulers would live or be buried.  There are many such ‘zimbabwes’ around this region of the country but Great Zimbabwe is the largest. It was built and developed over a period of approximately 400 years between 1100 AD and 1500 AD. When Rhodesia became independent in 1980, the country took its new name from the historic site. Little detail is known of the origins of Great Zimbabwe and theories submitted in the past were usually based on the politics of the day rather than any historical evidence.  However, the site was definitely the work of the local native people. Visiting the site today is a fascinating experience and you should plan on spending at least three or four hours to explore fully.  The Hill Complex is really the most interesting part of the site and is accessed either by the modern path (longer but gentler ascent) or by the ancient path (steep but shorter).  The strange mixture of natural granite boulders and interwoven manmade walls makes a spectacular complex with fine views over Lake Mutrikiwe (previously Kyle) and the Valley Complex below.

You will also see plenty of Vervet Monkeys who are quite accustomed to the tourists and are equally at home eating fruit from the trees or collecting pickings from the cafeteria. The local attendant uses a catapult when they become over intrusive !   The sharp eyed will also note their bright blue colouring in a rather delicate part of the anatomy ! The rocks also make the perfect home for lizards which you can spot all over the place.

The main wall of the Great Enclosure has tight fitting stone work and the person at the bottom gives an impressionof the scale. The recently opened Lodge at the Ancient City has copied the ancient style of building and incorporated the naturally occurring rock into the architecture of the lodge.