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These very impressive buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are spread out over a large area of hilly plateau close to the town of Masvingo. They are built of granite stones, without mortar to join them together, and were constructed over a period of approximately 300 years. Three complexes can be distinguished. The “Hill Complex”, so called because it is elevated above the plain on a huge granite hill, was probably used as a temple and as the residence of the king and his closest family. Also it was allegedly used for judging court cases and to negotiate conciliation between parties. Below this complex are the “Valley Complex” and the “Great Enclosure” in which the wives of the king resided, along with his counsellors and other chosen people. At the high point of Great Zimbabwe’s existence, it is said that more than 10.000 people lived here. It must be noted that people lived in mud and thatch huts in and around the massive stone walls. They raised cattle, mined for gold and other ore, and they traded, as is proven by artefacts of Asian and Arab origin that were discovered within the site.
We have incorporated a visit to Great Zimbabwe National Monument into our guided tour "The Rhino Route". The details of the tour are available here:
The Rhino Route
Please find an introduction to our work in Zimbabwe here:
Introduction
Some general tips and information can be found here:
General tips and info
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