Great Zimbabwe was a large iron-age settlement that existed from the 13th to 15th centuries and lent its name to modern-day Zimbabwe, which derives from a Shona word meaning ‘house of stone’. The Great Enclosure, with its 250m (820ft) wide and 11m (36ft) high perimeter wall, is the largest single ancient structure south of the Sahara Desert, while the Hill Complex rises 79m (260ft) above the surrounding area on a steep, granite hill. For many years, the origins of Great Zimbabwe and its inhabitants were the subject of much debate; various claims for it were made by different groups of white colonisers following its discovery in the 1870s, who raided it for its many treasures and gold. However, archaeologists have proved that it is actually an authentic native African site, developed by a long-dead civilisation advanced enough to trade with people as far away as China.
Contact Addresses
For more information on Great Zimbabwe, contact Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (see Tourist Information above).
Transportation
Air: Harare International Airport, Masvingo Airport (domestic flights). Rail: Train: Masvingo Station. Road: Bus: Services to Morgenster Mission which is one kilometre (0.6 miles) from Great Zimbabwe (from Masvingo). Coach: Services to Great Zimbabwe (from Harare and Bulawayo).
Tourist Information
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA)
PO Box CY286, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: (04) 758 730. Fax: (04) 758 826/8.
E-mail: info@africaonline.co.zw
Website: www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw
Zimbabwe Tourism Office
Zimbabwe House, 429 Strand, London WC2R OQE, UK
Tel: (020) 7240 6169. Fax: (020) 7240 5465.
E-mail: zta.london@btclick.com
Location
Zimbabwe
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