To visit Zimbabwe, without visiting Great Zimbabwe, is like going to Italy and missing Rome. No it isn’t just a bunch of ruins. Avoiding it, is to miss out on one of the most historically important sites within Zimbabwe and the ancient peoples that flourished within the walls and surrounding village Afterall, it provided Zimbabwe its name after independence. Only a short 15min drive from Masvingo, Great Zimbabwe, lies atop a hill, commanding views from miles around creating a perfect defence post. Of course, only the King, and his trusted sister were allowed to reside above, with his haram of over 200 wives and children too numerous to note, living in their own dedicated stone village below.
The hilltop site, built during the 13th Century, is ingeniously constructed using existing boulder structures and natural edges with marvellous dry walling techniques. It leaves you pondering deeply in awe at the abilities and foresight of this forgotten civilisation. Invited guests could be allowed entrance to the hilltop sight to watch various political and religious events, court proceedings or even sacrificial ceremonies. The King also housed his fortunes in caves carved from the great rock boulders to keep his iron, metals and gold collections safe from his enemies.
Back on ground level, there is the stunning Great Enclosure which really shows off the craftsmanship and abilities of the stone masons and builders. At over 9m tall the walls bare down onto you and are solid within reaching up to 2m in thickness (you might just want to double check some facts here, can’t remember everything….) The greatest testament is the completely solid circular monuments rising 10m within the Great Enclosure that represented power, privilege and prestige. They are certainly still quite the imposing figures and provided the ultimate backdrop for the Kings children to leave adolescence and learn the ways required to enter adulthood and provide for their respective partners.
To complete the experience there is a small yet informative museum on the grounds that tells in words and moulded pieces of the history and construction of Great Zimbabwe. It also holds one of the most poignant images of Zimbabwe, the stone carved Great Bird that is the symbol of Zimbabwe and on their National Emblem/Coat of Arms.. There are 7 remaining, albeit slightly broken carvings of these stone birds, some even with the pillars still attached.Definitely a must see destination!
Blog and Images from Belinda Tessieri – Acacia Africa Tour Leader