Zimbabwe is a country steeped in history and wildlife and we have two tours that visit this amazing country. The Zimbabwe Botswana Game Tracker is an accommodated tour and the Zimbabwe Game Trail a camping tour, both tours explore the amazing culture and natural beauty of these countries.

Gerrit has recently returned from a Zimbabwe Botswana Game Tracker tour and here is his account of Great Zimbabwe, a ruined city in the South Eastern hills of Zimbabwe. “A highlight on the tour is our visit to the Great Zimbabwe ruins, located near Lake Mutirikwe and the town of Masvingo which was known as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the countries late iron age.

Construction of the monument started in the 11th century and continued for over 300 years spanning an area of over 700 hectares. The property is divided into 3 groups the Hill Ruins, Great Enclosure and Valley Ruins. The Hill Ruins is considered to be the ‘Royal City’ where the chief and his warriors lived, this complex was built in a defensive view with narrow corridors which could be defended by one warrior and easily defendable rooms. Six steatite upright posts topped with birds have been found these were considered to serve as a ritual purpose. The Great Enclosure comprise of huts built within stone enclosure walls, which marked off each families area. The Valley Ruins a series of living ensembles scattered throughout the valley dating back to the 19th century. With each ensemble having similar characteristics, many of these constructions are built in brick and drystone walls.

Research has shown Great Zimbabwe was a principal city of a major state extending over the gold-rich plateaux with its population exceeding 10 000 inhabitants. The capital was abandoned in about 1450 after the hinterland could no longer furnish food for the overpopulated city.