Great Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most important and impressive historical sites. A vast stone city built between roughly the 11th and 15th centuries.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of massive stone ruins spread across hills and valleys. The name “Zimbabwe” comes from the Shona phrase “dzimba dza mabwe” meaning “houses of stone.”

This is the area where the King resided.

When a new King took over he would have a new home built at a higher level than the last, as shown in the photo below.

At its peak, the city may have supported 10,000–20,000 people, making it one of the largest urban centers in sub-Saharan Africa at the time.

On the site is a model traditional village with huts built on a stone base which was to avoid any potential fire from spreading.

You can sit to watch a traditional dance, accompanied by the least enthusiastic band I have ever encountered!

It seemed to be a school outing day when we visited and we were kept on our toes trying to keep ahead of these enthusiastic youngsters.

They eventually caught up with us resulting in very many high fives and fist pumps along with a few photos which was a lovely moment.

In the valley are the remains of stone village houses and the impressive Great Enclosure.

The enclosure has walls up to 11 metres high and 5 metres thick. Made from carved stone granite blocks and held together without motar.

The conical tower stands 9 metres tall and it’s purpose is unknown.

We were told a European explorer had removed some of the top bricks hoping to find hidden gold but none was found in the solid structure.

The image below of the tower between two trees can be found on national bank notes.

Some ancient sun dials remain in place below.

The city was abandoned in the 15th century for reasons still not fully understood.

This place is well worth a visit, we had the most passionate history graduate guide us around and he really brought the place to life for us!

Our next stop was the nearby Kyle Dam, we have grown to become fascinated by dams!

This was built in the 1950’s during colonial times and serves water to the nearby town of Masvingo providing for agriculture and irrigation.

Back to our ancient like lodge for the night.

Tomorrow we drive to Bulawayo.