Fact File:
Build around AD 1250 – AD 1450
Located about 30km off Masvingo
The city of the Great Zimbabwe used to cover about 80ha
The Great Zimbabwe is one the most extraordinary manmade remains in Africa. It was build some around AD 1250 to AD 1450 by indigenous African people. To the Zimbabweans of today this monument is the cradle of their nation.
The only problem is that almost nothing is known about the people who build the Great Zimbabwe. In the Shona language Zimbabwe actually means “house of rock”.
Great Zimbabwe is so well known because it is not known how it was constructed nor why the civilization declined. Much of this is due to the strange fact that the people of the Great Zimbabwe left behing no record of a written language nor any oral traditions. The fact that the civilization disappeared as well as the impressive and mysterious walls make the Great Zimbabwe on of the truly lost civilizations of the world.
Pics:
Google Pics
Zapiro's view on the "Great Zimbabwe" (or Mugabe?)
How to get there?
It used to be a bit easier as Zim was not as struggled as it is today. In nowadays the easiest way of going there is joing an overland trip.
For more details check the tra:mag overland trips section.
The other option is trying to get to Masvingo in south-eastern Zimbabwe and to make it from there to the ruins. Tour operators can be found there.
For reviews check the tra:guide trips & tours forum !
Links:
Zimbabwe Tourism Official Website
Watch & discuss these videos about the current situation in Zimbabwe!
