Masvingo

Overview

Located about 150 miles north of Beitbridge, Masvingo is a small mining and farming town. Originally one of the earliest colonial settlements, Masvingo is the closest town to the famous Great Zimbabwe Ruins. These complex stone ruins, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, are evidence of a sophisticated and civilised early African culture, the Monomatapa Empire. Consisting of the Hill Complex, Valley Complex and Great Enclosure, the winding corridors between perfectly balanced stones will not fail to impress. This is also where the name of the country was derived from, Dzimba dzemabwe (houses of stones).

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are a must-see and reveal much about the history and culture of Zimbabwe. Within the ruins were discovered mysterious soapstone bird carvings, now known as the Zimbabwe Bird, which features on the Zimbabwe Flag and currency. The remarkable scale of the ruins was such that the colonists initially refused to believe that it could have been built by Africans. Today, however, the ruins are testimony to the impressive and sophisticated Monomatapa Empire.

Masvingo is also home to the Lake Mutirikwi National Park, formerly Lake Kyle, which is a fantastic spot for game viewing and fishing. 

History