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Zimbabwe
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Our favourite place in Zimbabwe lies at the heart of the country and has about it an air of antiquity and history. If you want to get a sense of true Zimbabwe, visit the great ruins here, and the lake, and the park.
- Masvingo
In 1591 a Portuguese traveler – Picente Pegado – arrived in the middle of Zimbabwe where he discovered, “a fortress built of stones of marvellous size”. It was called Symbaoe, now known as ‘Great’ Zimbabwe. 300 years later the British Pioneer Column arrived at a place 25km from there, which they called Fort Victoria, later named Masvingo. So, Masvingo is the historic heart of this country – Zimbabwe – which took its name from the kingdom that had thrived here since the Middle Ages.
- Stay at - The Lodge at the Ancient City
The Lodge at the Ancient City
The Lodge at the Ancient City rests on a granite outcrop in Masvingo, looking out over a valley of Msasa trees, and the famous ruins. With undulating stone walls and stone interiors, the Lodge was built to blend in with its granite surroundings, and with Great Zimbabwe itself.
Everywhere are emblems and motifs of ancient Zimbabwe – which is the perfect setting from which to explore some of Africa’s most interesting archaeological treasures.
Location: 25km from Masvingo town, next door to Great Zimbabwe
The Lodge at the Ancient City
Standard Suite – From $120
Family Suite – From $170
Executive Suite – From $150
- Visit - Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Great Zimbabwe – stone ruins from an African Iron Age trading city in the heart of Zimbabwe – speaks for itself. Between the 12th and 15th century it spanned several square kilometers, of which only 80 hectares remain. The ruins are a remarkable record of a bygone African age, the walls appointed with chevron patterns and Zimbabwe bird sculptures. Like many ancient buildings their origins are uncertain, but it was likely built by the Karanga people, ancestors of the majority Shona tribe.
Location: 25km from Masvingo town
- Visit - Lake Mutirikwi and Kyle Recreational Park
With Miombo woodlands (tropical grasslands, savanna, and shrublands) and thickets round granite hills, or kopjes, Kyle Recreational Park is enchanting. Without elephants or predators the trees and the wildlife prospers and thrives. So – if you’re riding through on horseback, or driving – you can see white-rhinos and buffalo, and occasionally even leopard, amongst many other species. Not forgetting a profusion of birdlife, which is why it’s a popular destination for birders, the world over.
To the north of lake Mutirikwi lies the Park, and to the south – amid large forests – the famous stone ruins. From the dam wall you can make out the smallest chapel in Zimbabwe, St Andrews, with all of 12 seats!
- Suggested tour
Great Zimbabwe Monument full day tour from Harare
Includes:
Guiding Services, Private Transportation and Admission Tickets Collection from Harare Hotel 7am
Arrive at the monument 11.30am
Tour Hill complex, Valley Complex, Shona Village, Great Enclosure and Museum Depart for Harare at 3.00pm
Arrive Harare hotel 7.30pm
From $300 pp
9-Hour Tour Of Great Zimbabwe Ruins from Bulawayo
Includes:
Entry fees, Transport, Light Lunch, Refreshments, Bottled drinking Water Collection from Bulawayo Hotel 8.30am
Arrive midday in time for a picnic lunch at the ruins
Tour Hill complex, Valley Complex, Shona Village, Great Enclosure and Museum Depart for Bulawayo 3.30pm
Arrive Bulawayo 7.00pm
From $285 pp
Around Masvingo two-day tour from Harare
Includes:
Guiding Services, Private Transportation and Admission Tickets
Collection from Harare Hotel 7:00 am
Arrive at the monument 11:30 am
Day one: Tour Hill complex, Valley Complex, Shona Village and Great Enclosure
Day two: Visit Lake Mutirikwi, Lake Kyle Game reserve and the Museum Depart for Harare at 3.00pm
Arrive Harare hotel 7:30 pm
From $700 pp
- Tour Location