South Africa
Southern Africa
UK
Campsites (Africa)
Great Zimbabwe (S20 16.143 E30 55.721) is a World Heritage site and was a large town of imposing stone buildings - Zimbabwe means 'houses of stone' - which was built and occupied between the 11th and 15th centuries.. There are over 250 zimbabwes in Southern Africa (mostly in Zimbabwe) but this is by far the largest one. It comprises 3 sections, the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex and the Great Enclosure. It's difficult to show the truly amazing construction of these sites - you really have to go and see them for yourselves. From the campsite we could see the Hill Complex, which was the first part to be built, but until you climb to the top you don't realise how amazing it is. At the top of the centre of the photo is a rock with a couple of 'chimneys' - this is the main entrance to the site. We chose to follow the original route to the top To start with the stone paths and steps were qute wide.... ....but as we got higher they became much narrower. Kevin at the main entrance to the Hill Complex. From the top, a great view: Inside drystone walls have been built amongst the rocks to create passageways - we soon got lost and, as Kevin said, it would make a great place for a game of hide and seek! All the walls throughout all three sectionsof the site had rounded corners. Near the main entrance is a reconstructed house This bird is the emblem of Zimbabwe. The original birds were carved from soapstone and taken fromGreat Zimbabwe in the late 19th century. Most have now been returned and are in the Museum at the site. The King's Seat overlooking the Western Enclosure where the birds were originally discovered. From the King's Seat there was an excellent view of the surrounding countryside, including the Valley Complex and the Great Enclosure. We sat up here for ages enjoying the view. The Valley Complex and Great Enclosure. The Great Enclosure. When you get close to the Great Enclosure you realise just how massive it is. It consists of an inner wall, encircling a series of structures and a younger outer wall. The stone walls of granite blocks have no mortar. There's a narrow passage between the inner and outer walls. The Conical Tower, was constructed between the two walls. It's not known what it was used for. Part of the outside wall has been decorated. We met Clive and Tanya, at Great Zimbabwe. They are from the UK but now live in France and have driven down from there over the past 18 months via the Western and Central side of Africa which they said had been wonderful. They intend to carry on down to Cape Town and then drive back up the Eastern side of Africa – RESPECT!! 1, Kokomori Bush Camp, South Africa 9. Senyati Safari Camp. Botswana Diary (Word '97 document) More information about Great Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe 2010 - Great Zimbabwe Ruins
The Great Enclosure is the largest single ancient structure south of the Sahara. 
