Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe is ancient city built by Rozwi rulers who supplied gold to coastal Arab traders. Construction dates from 11th century over 300 years before the powerbase fell into decline. Among the artefacts are eight Zimbabwe birds used for pillar decoration, now the national symbol.

Impressive ruins display a distinct architecture of dry stone construction in repeated patterns, merging into the rock formations and balancing boulders. The Great Enclosure is the largest ancient structure south of the Sahara.

Greatest significance lay in proof of a sophisticated trading civilisation in sub-Saharan Africa. This was a bitterly disputed subject in colonial times, threatening the supremacist heart of European rule. Zimbabwe is though to refer to stone or possibly revered houses.

The location is close to Masvingo, one time colonial presence at Fort Victoria. Adjacent to the ruins are boating and fishing at Lake Mutirikwe with buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a wide range of antelope at Kyle game park on the north shore.