Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Written in Harare



Great Zimbabwe Ruins, or the Great Zimbabwe National Monument is the largest stone structure in Africa outside Egypt. The subject is a national monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe that existed in 1100-1400. It is believed that there could be up to 18,000 inhabitants then.

Zimbabwe, Khami Ruins and Matobo Hills

Day 332

Khami was the capital of Shona (Torwa) civilization in the 15-18 century. The ruins of the abandoned city of Khami are located 22 km from Bulawayo. The place is the National Monument since 1937 and the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.



The road taking to the historical site was decently marked starting already from the downtown of Bulawayo. Only the GPS showed the existence of the route only the first 15 kilometers and then the road came to an end for this instrument. A few more kilometers, and then a sign directed to turn right, and further on it was already a sandy cattle path.

Zimbabwe, Bulawayo

A view of the Zambezi River from Zimbabwe`s side. The riverfront is suspiciously empty, normally in a place like that visited by tourists there is always somebody offering a wide range of local production. But there is nobody here. I take a couple of pictures and return to the car and within a few minutes f the souvenir sellers have appeared like from nowhere. At first two, then some more.

Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls

Day 325

Victoria Falls, a view from Zimbabwe's side this time. And if to come to this area - it is worth to have a look at this special attraction from both sides - Zambia and Zimbabwe. Otherwise the picture is still incomplete.



And a decent overview could be achieved probably only on board of a helicopter flying just above the waterfall, but I missed it. Instead I found from the display an aerial photo, which gives a pretty good overview of the 1.7 km long magnificent sight.