Great Zimbabwe National Monument
Great Zimbabwe National Monument
4.5
About
This is now the great capital of great significance ancient monument south of the Sahara; in Africa it is second in size and importance to the Egyptian Pyramids. The towering stone houses Dzimba Dzamabwe were home of 2000 Shona speaking people that prospered between 12th and 15th centuries and it's 270 hectares in size. That's where the beautiful stylish fish eagle was found i.e, the Zimbabwe bird on the national flag. The country was later on named Zimbabwe derived from the ruins. Every structure was built using a dry stone technique- entirely without mortar-involving millions of stones, each one supporting another.
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4.5
341 reviews
Excellent
212
Very good
104
Average
22
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Klaus G
Pretoria, South Africa1,045 contributions
Feb 2020
The site which consists of the hill top where the king lived, the valley complex and the enclosure give an insight into the culture and life of the inhabitants some 600 years ago. The museum although limited in scope and content, does give some insight into the history and artifacts of the site. But take cash along, US$ as they often have no credit card facilities.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LFCKOPITE4EVER
Rancho Mirage, CA239 contributions
July 2022
To better immerse in the history of old Zimbabwe visit this site. The Shona culture is well characterized across this immense and impressive set of ruins. Most fascinating is the physical marriage of manmade structure to natural surroundings. In places it is as compelling as many other world-famous ruins. We were assigned Gift as guide at the entrance (yes, Gift :)) and he added much to the story which also comprises Khami to the east. Thanks again to Bonisa Excursions and Lesley as multi-day guide and driver. +263 77 755 1142
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milton Peta
Harare, Zimbabwe31 contributions
Mar 2020 • Business
I always used to admire the national monument virtually. On this occasion as part of the workshop excursion, we visited the Great Zimbabwe ruins. The creativity, art and witty innovations that stood the test of time in this national heritage are just amazing. It reminded me of my visit to the Great Egyptian Pyramids of Giza, and thought provoked we have an equally good national asset to share with the world: show case our cultural identity, cuisine, tenasity, creativity, richness, amongst others. If you haven't been here, this is a must visit
Written 20 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolGorillaLinkTours
Kampala, Uganda1 contribution
Sept 2019
I visited The Great Zimbabwe National Monument in 2019. We were a group and we were driven to the starting point to the monument where we were met by one of the most professional guides of the site who was so knowledgeable about the site. It is a very historical place that I cannot explain every detail about. You need to go visit to understand how great it it.
Written 16 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terence R
Macheke, Zimbabwe42 contributions
June 2022
Great Zimbabwe is foundational to the Shona culture. I was fortunate to have an excellent guide - Mr Champion. He explained the whole site (which is massive and impressive) as we walked round. He was knowledgeable and clear; his English was excellent. The only disappointment was that the cafe was closed, and the shop had almost no stock to sell.
Written 19 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camper06960621452
7 contributions
June 2024 • Family
Amazing experience thanks to excellent tour guide Miriam. 11m high dry stone walls are astonishing. I am proud of the skills and societal management of our African ancestors. They seems to have been more organised and humane than the Vikings of the same period.
Written 22 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EaSu
Earth1 contribution
June 2011
This was the home of Enki, on the north side of the Abzu, which is South Africa. It has NOTHING to do with 12 th century or ANY century. This is the home of one of our creators....this is where they set up the gold mining (mono atomic).....OR DOES NOBODY UNDERSTAND OUR HISTORY?? Too much federally paid for education i guess. I wish people would stop reading false history and stating it as fact.
Written 17 June 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjy
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe60 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
A masterpiece of ancient Rozvi people architecture. Unbelievable civil works and enginuinity applied desmostrating modern warfare strategic thinking. The great enclosure walls and spy cone resemblance great military strategy which was adopted. The retreating hiding place placed on top of the mountain with its artifacts , trapping hiding places would them advantage to oncoming enemies. A must view for all visiting Zimbabwe
Written 21 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inga O
Stockholm, Sweden16 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
Oct 2017:
The park is open Sun-Fri 6 am - 6 pm, Sat 6 am - lunchtime-ish. The museum is open 8 am - 4.45 pm (probably closes by lunchtime on Sat, I didn't ask). Admission is 15 usd/day for foreign nationals and covers the park and the museum.
To get there on public transport from Bulawayo hop on a bus at Renkini or by Evelin college. At Renkini you have a better chance to get a good seat (or any seat) but prepare for the bus station to be hectic.
From Masvingo take the minibus from Hughes Street opposite Pick n Pay. You'll be dropped by the Great Zimbabwe hotel from where you'll have to walk. The fare is 1 usd + maybe another dollar for your backpack. If you're up early on a weekday you may be able to get a lift with the schoolbus all the way to the bus station in Masvingo going back. If not you'll have to walk to the main road, or ask the lady at the curio shop to drive you to the road for the hefty price of 5 usd.
Rondavels are 20 usd/night for one person. They're alright but upkeep is lacking. Don't lock the doors on the (shared) toilets or you may have to climb out.
DO NOT expect to find any food there. The restaurant has a menu covered in decades old grease and a fridge filled with beer, Sprite and mouldy cucumbers. The curio shop sells cold drinks, biscuits and crisps. Head to the Great Zimbabwe hotel for food, refreshments and wi-fi.
The park itself is spectacular. Climb the hill early in the morning before it gets too hot. The view from the summit is sublime.
The park is open Sun-Fri 6 am - 6 pm, Sat 6 am - lunchtime-ish. The museum is open 8 am - 4.45 pm (probably closes by lunchtime on Sat, I didn't ask). Admission is 15 usd/day for foreign nationals and covers the park and the museum.
To get there on public transport from Bulawayo hop on a bus at Renkini or by Evelin college. At Renkini you have a better chance to get a good seat (or any seat) but prepare for the bus station to be hectic.
From Masvingo take the minibus from Hughes Street opposite Pick n Pay. You'll be dropped by the Great Zimbabwe hotel from where you'll have to walk. The fare is 1 usd + maybe another dollar for your backpack. If you're up early on a weekday you may be able to get a lift with the schoolbus all the way to the bus station in Masvingo going back. If not you'll have to walk to the main road, or ask the lady at the curio shop to drive you to the road for the hefty price of 5 usd.
Rondavels are 20 usd/night for one person. They're alright but upkeep is lacking. Don't lock the doors on the (shared) toilets or you may have to climb out.
DO NOT expect to find any food there. The restaurant has a menu covered in decades old grease and a fridge filled with beer, Sprite and mouldy cucumbers. The curio shop sells cold drinks, biscuits and crisps. Head to the Great Zimbabwe hotel for food, refreshments and wi-fi.
The park itself is spectacular. Climb the hill early in the morning before it gets too hot. The view from the summit is sublime.
Written 19 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Global_Travel_Star
43 contributions
Apr 2015
Knowing more about the cultural heritage of the native people of this region was an important part of my visit to Zimbabwe. Great Zimbabwe is an understated treasure. The locale is so lovely in these rolling hills with large lakes nearby. The compound show how people lived long before negative outside influences. It is great that the nation is preserving this valuable part of history.
Written 5 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yes they do open during weekends from 8-5pm
Written 21 July 2019
Am I right in understanding that the ruins are closed on Sundays? Will they be open on Easter Monday or are they also closed public holidays? Many thanks!
Written 15 March 2017
We went on. Sunday in January.....
Written 16 March 2017
Am I right in understanding that the ruins are closed on Sundays? Will they be open on Easter Monday or are they also closed public holidays? Many thanks!
Written 15 March 2017
Hi, Unfortunately I have no information on the opening times.
Cheers
Mike
Written 16 March 2017
The influence of Great Zimbabwe on smaller town is a boost in hotel and other accommodation providing businesses from tourists who flock to see Great Zimbabwe monuments. It has also led to local people in small town to engage in tour guiding activities, cultural and traditional performances and crafts that entertains the tourists thereby earning a living from payments for such services.
Written 16 February 2017
Will the park be closed on December 17 and 18, and when it's closed, can we still walk around the grounds if we are staying in the campground?
Written 25 September 2016
the park is always open everyday
Written 18 November 2016
I was just wondering how long we would need to set aside for a visit to the ruins? If we arrive at 12-1pm on Friday, is this enough time?
Written 12 February 2016
A very rushed visit to the ruin would require at least 3 hours. But I suggest that you do not rush it because there is quite a bit to be seen--the ruins, queen's village, cultural village and a small museum with artifacts collected from the site.
Written 15 February 2016
Hello! Is the site open over the weekend? I am hoping to visit either on Saturday afternoon or Snday morning. Thanks!
Written 23 January 2016
Yes it is. From my personal experience I would advise you to give yourself ample time to fully tour the site, take some photos etc. Its quite vast.
Written 26 January 2016
How high is the climb from the bottom of the ruins to the very top?
Written 6 November 2015
Hi if you mean to climb the hill complex its about 6 to 700 meters approximately.
Written 6 November 2015
Will the Great Zimbabwe be open normally from Monday to Saturday over holidays - Christmas specifically?
Written 25 October 2015
Hi Marie,
Yes its open normally o holidays.
Written 28 October 2015
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