10 Best Places to Visit in Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Attractions (2023)

If you’re looking for a fantastic destination to explore, you need to add Masvingo, Zimbabwe to your list! This beautiful country has some of the best scenery on the planet and is also home to some of the most exciting and diverse attractions.

Here are ten of the best places to visit in Masvingo, Zimbabwe:

Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou National Park is Zimbabwe’s second largest national park. Gonarezhou means “the place of elephants”. It is located in a remote corner of Masvingo Province, south of Chimanimani and along the Mozambique border. The park is full of beautiful tracts of forest, including areas full of Combretum and Mopane trees. There are also many tall Acacia Albida trees in the Runde River valley.

10 Best Places to Visit in Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Attractions (1)

The park is home to herds of elephants, black rhinos, lions, and wild dogs, as well as a wide variety of birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

Gonarezhou National Park Activities

There are plenty of activities to do in Gonarezhou National Park. You can go on game drives, guided walking safaris, or 4 x 4 safaris. If you’re lucky, you might even see some of the rarer animals like cheetahs, warthogs, and the endangered African wild dogs.

Facilities at Gonarezhou National Park

There are plenty of places to stay in Gonarezhou National Park. There are 14 different campsites in the park, each with its unique design and facilities. Every campsite is unique, from sleeping next to a pan to watching the sunset over the Chilojo cliffs. The campsites are self-catering, so you’ll have to bring your food and cooking equipment, but if you don’t want to spend the night, perhaps you could just visit for a few hours and enjoy the beautiful scenery or stop at one of the picnic spots.

Gonarezhou National Park Tips

If you’re planning on visiting Gonarezhou National Park, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

  • Bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, because distances between places at Gonarezhou National Park might be quite long.
  • Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
  • Do not feed the animals.

Visit Gonarezhou National Park

Chilojo Cliffs

Chilojo Cliffs are located in the southwestern part of Zimbabwe, and they’re one of the most visited sites in the country. There are two parts to the cliffs: the upper area, which is grassland, and the lower area, which is a desert.

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The iconic Chilojo Cliffs, located in the heart of Gonarezhou, stand more than 180 metres high and run for nearly 20 kilometres along the Runde River’s south bank. These cretaceous sandstone cliffs, formed over millions of years, provide an ideal backdrop for the wilderness below.

You can get to the Chilojo Cliffs on foot or by car. If you’re walking, then it’ll take you about an hour to get to the top, but if you’re driving, it’ll only take you a few minutes to reach the top.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

The Great Zimbabwe National Monument is about 30 kilometres from Masvingo and is located in the Lowveld at an elevation of about 1100 metres in a sparsely populated Bantu/Shona region. The property, which was constructed between 1100 and 1450 AD, spans nearly 800 ha and is divided into three sections: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Ruins.

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The Great Zimbabwe National Monument was built using stone bricks, and archaeologists estimate that over 30,000 workers were involved in building the city. The walls of the city are up to nine feet thick, which is why they were able to withstand attacks from the Portuguese and even modern-day treasure hunters!

Great Zimbabwe is thought to have served as the local monarch’s royal palace. As such, it would have served as a political power centre. The walls, some of which are eleven metres high, were among the most prominent features of the edifice. They were built without the use of mortar (dry stone). The city was eventually abandoned and fell into ruin.

Great Zimbabwe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s been described as “one of Africa’s greatest architectural achievements.”

Great Zimbabwe National Monument Activities

There are many things to do at the Great Zimbabwe National Monument.

  • YoumusthiketothetopoftheHill Complextoseethe ruins.
  • Great Zimbabwe also has a traditional centre where visitors can learn about and appreciate traditional culture and ways of life.

Accommodation at Great Zimbabwe

There are a few hotels and lodges to stay in near Great Zimbabwe which include Lodge at Ancient City and Great Zimbabwe hotel

Tips When Visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins

If you’re planning on visiting the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

  • There is an entrance fee (about $10).
  • To learn more about the history, you’ll need to hire a guide for a small fee.
  • You can climb to the top of the Hill Complex for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
  • Climbing the Hill Complex can be steep, so if you’re not feeling very fit, you should probably skip it.
  • The archaeological site is open from 8 am-6 pm, so you’ll need at least three hours to visit the ruins.

Lake Mutirikwi

Lake Mutirikwi, formerly known as Lake Kyle or Kyle Dam, is located in southern Zimbabwe, south of Masvingo. Lake Kyle is thought to have been named after the Kyle farm, which occupied the majority of the land required for the lake and was named after the Kyle district in Scotland, from which the pioneer of the Lowveld, Tom Murray MacDougall, originally came.

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The lake, which covers approximately 90 km² (35 sq mi), was formed in 1960 as a result of the construction of the Kyle Dam on the Mutirikwi River. Concor Construction built the dam to provide water to farming estates on the Lowveld to the southwest, around Triangle, where the main crop has been sugar cane.

Lake Mutirikwi Activities

There are many things to do at Lake Mutirikwi, including swimming, game drives, hiking, and bird watching. It’s also a popular spot for fishing.

  • Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park is only 33 kilometres from Masvingo and is home to three of the Big 5, namely the buffalo, leopard, and rhino. You can do a self-guided game drive for only US$3.
  • You can get to Lake Mutirikwi by car, but you will have to rent a boat if you want to explore the islands.

Pokoteke Gorge

Pokoteke Gorge is located north of Lake Mutirikwi in Zimbabwe’s Masvingo province, where the Pokoteke River cuts through the Beza Range of hills.

10 Best Places to Visit in Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Attractions (5)

Mushandike Sanctuary and Dam

Mushandike Sanctuary is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary. Inside the sanctuary, you can see the wildlife being fed and cared for.

10 Best Places to Visit in Masvingo, Zimbabwe | Attractions (6)

This means you’ll have exclusive access to the antelope, zebras, and leopards. Winter is the best time for scenic drives because the leaves of the Mopane trees illuminate the forest with their autumnal colors.

The Mushandike Sanctuary is a lovely place for recreation, picnics, and game viewing. It has a diverse range of primarily plains game species roaming its 13,360 ha. There is also the Mushandike Dam, which covers 417 ha and allows visitors to take boat rides or go fishing.

Malilangwe Dam

The Malilangwe Reserve has one of the highest concentrations of endangered black rhinos in the world, and its abundance of wildlife provides unparalleled game-viewing opportunities. Guests can immerse themselves in nature on twice-daily game drives, bush walks, sundowner boat cruises, excursions to rock art sites, and more, thanks to private access to this untouched wilderness.

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Singita-Pamushana on Malilangwe is a four-star lodge and the Malilangwe Trust’s eco-tourism arm. Key activities include:

  • Guided safari walks
  • Game drives
  • Bush dinners
  • Bird watching
  • Community visits
  • Boat cruises
  • Rock art site visits
  • Fishing
  • Wellness

Chiredzi Crocodile Farm

Shangashe Game Park

These are just a few of the amazing places to visit in Masvingo, Zimbabwe! If you’re looking for a new and exciting destination to explore, you need to add Masvingo, Zimbabwe to your list!

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FAQs

What is Masvingo famous for? ›

Masvingo Province is home to the Great Zimbabwe ruins, a World Heritage Site and major tourist attraction.

What is found in Masvingo? ›

There is gold and asbestos mining in the vicinity. Masvingo is a tourist base for Kyle National Park, Mushandike National Park, and the Zimbabwe (Bantu: “Stone Dwelling”), or Great Zimbabwe, ruins. These ruins, the oldest of which date from the 8th century, are a significant archaeological site.

What are things Zimbabwe is famous for? ›

Zimbabwe is famous for its beautiful landscape, Limpopo, and Zambesi rivers. It is also known for its diverse wildlife and rich history. Many interesting landmarks and facts about Zimbabwe make it an attractive destination, particularly for nature and culture lovers.

How much is the entrance fee at Great Zimbabwe? ›

Monuments and Sites Entrance Fees
Monument/SiteAge GroupNon-Residents
Great ZimbabweAdults15
Children8
DomboshavaAdults10
21 more rows

What are two well known sacred places in Zimbabwe? ›

Top Religious Monuments in Zimbabwe
  • St Mary's Catholic Cathedral Bulawayo.
  • Njelele Shrine Matopos Bulawayo.
  • Mutemwa Prayer Mountain & Leprosy Centre.
Apr 21, 2022

What is the oldest town in Zimbabwe? ›

The City of Masvingo is the oldest urban settlement in Zimbabwe founded by the Pioneer Column in 1890 then called “Fort Victoria”. The City of Masvingo is the provincial capital of Masvingo Province located in the southern part of the country.

Is Masvingo a malaria area? ›

Accordingly, significant areas in most of the districts in the watershed are characterized by high and moderate in malaria risks. In general, out of the total area of the watershed which accounts 2773 km2, about 54.8% (1522km2) identified as high and moderate malaria risk area.

What are the 5 archaeological sites in Zimbabwe? ›

Pages in category "Archaeological sites in Zimbabwe"
  • Bambandyanalo.
  • Bambata Cave.
  • Bumbusi National Monument.

Which orphanage is found in Masvingo? ›

In Zimbabwe the KMG concentrates, in the areas education and children, on the Bondolfi boarding school as well as the Masvingo orphanage ‚Alpha Cottage' with the aim to help as many orphans and needy children as possible to a better future.

What is Zimbabwe famous food? ›

1 – Maizemeal – Sadza/Isitshwala

Maizemeal is one of the most common and popular Zimbabwean foods. Sadza is a carbohydrate staple, eaten in many homes across the country. It is eaten with a variety of stews and relishes such as collard greens, beef, chicken, or pork stews, and even Mopani worms.

What is the Favourite food in Zimbabwe? ›

The main staple of Zimbabwean cuisine is maize/ corn and is used in a variety of dishes. Food in Zimbabwe has remained traditionally African for the most part, however British colonization certainly left its mark. Common British spices, breads, sugar and tea have become part of the daily life in Zimbabwe.

What is Zimbabwe national food? ›

Sadza is the national dish of Zimbabwe. It is a type of bread where corn flour is used and the mixture is molded using the hands to form balls. What is this? It can be cooked alone or with the most-used product in their country…

What should I wear to Great Zimbabwe? ›

Wear comfortable clothing (what you deem comfortable to hike in) as there are a lot of climbs and walking that needs to be done. Set up a date at Great Zimbabwe and explore the historic grounds by foot whilst you learn about the iconic stories of over 200yrs ago.

Why do tourists visit Great Zimbabwe? ›

Activities. Exploring this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute 'must-do' experience when travelling through the southern regions of Africa. Explore the 722 hectares and take in the remains of the stone buildings that were constructed, without the aid of mortar, from the beginning of the 11th century.

How do I get into Great Falls without paying? ›

All holders of America the Beautiful Interagency Passes, Golden Passports, Great Falls Park passes and those under 15 years old and younger will be exempt from payment of fees. Passes allow free entrance to individual pass holders under the conditions stated on the pass.

What are two common beliefs in Zimbabwe? ›

Most Zimbabweans are Christians. Statistics estimate that 74.8% identify as Protestant (including Apostolic – 37.5%, Pentecostal – 21.8% or other Protestant denominations – 15.5%), 7.3% identify as Roman Catholic and 5.3% identify with another denomination of Christianity.

What is the sacred animal in Zimbabwe? ›

More probably, the Zimbabwe birds represent sacred or totemic animals of the Shona – the bateleur eagle (Shona: chapungu), which was held to be a messenger from Mwari (God) and the ancestors, or the fish eagle (hungwe) which it has been suggested was the original totem of the Shona.

What is the most sacred place in Zimbabwe? ›

The Matobo rocks are seen as the seat of god and of ancestral spirits. Sacred shrines within the hills are places where contact can be made with the spiritual world.

What does Masvingo mean in Shona? ›

Within a few months, the name was changed to Masvingo, which means "fort" in Shona, and the Great Zimbabwe, which is essentially a walled fort, is often referred to as "Masvingo eZimbabwe" or sometimes "Masvingo eVitori,", a translation of the original name.

What was Zimbabwean old name? ›

Zimbabwe was formerly known as Southern Rhodesia (1898), Rhodesia (1965), and Zimbabwe Rhodesia (1979).

What was Zimbabwe original name? ›

Prior to its recognized independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the nation had been known by several names: Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia.

What injections do I need for Zimbabwe? ›

Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera.

Where is malaria worst in the world? ›

Africa is the most affected due to a combination of factors: A very efficient mosquito (Anopheles gambiae complex) is responsible for high transmission.

Which African country has the most malaria? ›

Children under 5 years of age accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region. Four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (31.3%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.6%), United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%).

What is the most visited archaeological site? ›

Located just outside of the outskirts of Cairo on the esplanade known as the Giza Plateau, the Great Pyramids of Giza is Egypt's most famous archaeological site.

What is the most famous archaeological site? ›

Troy, with its 4,000 years of history, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The first excavations at the site were undertaken by the famous archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1870.

Who built Great Zimbabwe and why? ›

Begun during the eleventh century A.D. by Bantu-speaking ancestors of the Shona, Great Zimbabwe was constructed and expanded for more than 300 years in a local style that eschewed rectilinearity for flowing curves.

What is the biggest orphanage in the world? ›

Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage
Prinkipo Greek Orphanage
Coordinates40°51′39″N 29°07′24″E
Current tenantsPrinkipo Environmental Center
Construction started1898
InauguratedMay 21, 1903
14 more rows

What is the oldest orphanage in the world? ›

Six Hundred Years of Care for Children at Innocenti. Ospedale degli Innocenti, the building which houses both the Office of Research – Innocenti and its host organization the Istituto degli Innocenti, is arguably the oldest continuously operating children's care institution in the world.

Which is the biggest orphanage home in Africa? ›

Dorian Home, the biggest Orphanage Home in Africa. The orphanage home is located in Akure, Ondo state.

What is the most popular drink in Zimbabwe? ›

Beer is the most popular alcoholic drink in Zimbabwe. Whawha is a traditional maize beer, however Zambezi is Zimbabwe's national beer. Other major beers include Bohlingers, Lion, Eagle and South African Carling Black Label and Castle. Imported wine, spirits and liqueurs are available in hotel bars.

Do people in Zimbabwe eat pork? ›

What do Zimbabweans eat? The staple food of Zimbabweans is called "Sadza", which is a porridge made of white cornmeal, with beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables.

What do Zimbabwe eat for breakfast? ›

Breakfast is simple and may consist of sadza , porridge made from cornmeal or oatmeal, cereal or bread, and tea. Sometimes leftovers from the dinner before are eaten. Lunch and dinner are simple as well. Sadza with relish is common, served with vegetables and meat, if available.

What are 10 exotic fruits in Zimbabwe? ›

Shambahuro, Masekesa (Piliostigma thonningii), Magwingwiziri, Hubva (Vitex payos), Matohwe (Azanza garckeana), Chechete (Mimusops Zeyheri), Makwakwa, Matamba (Strychnos spinosa) to name but a few.

What are exotic foods in Zimbabwe? ›

Vegetarian travelers will find a variety of sub-tropical products and very high-quality options.
  • Sadza. It is a star food for the people of the country, essential for them. ...
  • Mopane Worms. One of the foods to try in Zimbabwe are worms. ...
  • Muriwo Unedovi. ...
  • Maheu. ...
  • Mabhonzo emombe. ...
  • Nyama. ...
  • Kapenta. ...
  • Muriwo na Nyama.

What do people wear in Zimbabwe? ›

Modern, Western-style clothing is the usual outfit in Zimbabwe. There are very few people who wear traditional clothes on a regular basis. Traditional dress include a headdress, a wraparound cloth, and ornaments such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

What is Zimbabwe staple meal? ›

Though bread and rice are eaten in Zimbabwe, maize/corn remains the staple food. And as starches go, Zimbabwe's national carb is sadza. Made from cornmeal, it accompanies just about every meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What do they eat for Christmas in Zimbabwe? ›

The special food eaten at Christmas in Zimbabwe is Chicken with rice. Chicken used to be an expensive food in Zimbabwe. Chicken and rice is often eaten at the Christmas Day parties. The streets in the big cities also can have colorful Christmas lights.

What is the tipping culture in Zimbabwe? ›

In Zimbabwe, it's customary to tip waiters in restaurants (10 to 15% is standard), and to give car guards who watch over your car in supermarket or shopping mall car parks US$1, and give porters a small amount for carrying your bags. Most people leave tips for their safari guide and lodge or camp staff.

Is Great Zimbabwe worth visiting? ›

The Great Zimbabwe ruins are a reminder of what the Shona ancestors achieved. Their ingenuity is a real testimony that apart from the pyramids in Egypt, Africa did have wealthy cities that were once well managed. Great Zimbabwe is now a world heritage site and worth visiting.

How do I pack for Zimbabwe? ›

What should I pack?
  1. Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours.
  2. Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes.
  3. T-shirts.
  4. Shorts or a light skirt.
  5. Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.
  6. Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives.

Are Zimbabweans friendly? ›

Zimbabweans are renowned for being friendly; however, it is courteous to ask permission before snapping away.

Why is Great Zimbabwe so rich? ›

With an economy based on cattle husbandry, crop cultivation, and the trade of gold on the coast of the Indian Ocean, Great Zimbabwe was the heart of a thriving trading empire from the 11th to the 15th centuries.

Why is Zimbabwe considered beautiful? ›

It is a country of superlatives, thanks to Victoria Falls (the largest waterfall in the world) and Lake Kariba (the largest man-made lake in terms of volume). National parks such as Hwange and Mana Pools teem with wildlife, making Zimbabwe one of the continent's best places to go on safari.

Are there bears in Great Falls? ›

Grizzly bears are less commonly seen but also frequent this area. Directions: From Great Falls, travel Interstate 15 north for 121 miles north to the Canadian border.

Can I swim in Great Falls? ›

Remember, NO SWIMMING, NO WADING, keep your feet out of the river. Many people have died after entering the Potomac River Gorge, as-well-as slipping and falling in the river along the rocky shorelines in Great Falls Park.

Can you see Great Falls without hiking? ›

Three overlooks give different views of the Great Falls. All are within a five to ten minute walk from the Visitor Center. Access to the Falls is by walking only.

What is the important building in Masvingo? ›

The Curfew Tower is a historical building located in Masvingo town. It is located about 100m northwest of the Bell Tower and was built in 1893 as an extension of the fort. It was declared a National Monument in 1938. The Curfew Tower houses guns, which were used in the First Chimurenga war.

What is one well known place in Zimbabwe? ›

The crowning jewel of Zimbabwe and certainly one of the best places to visit in the country, Victoria Falls is a small town on the east side of one of the world's great waterfalls. On the Zimbabwe side, the falls lie within the wildlife-rich Victoria Falls National Park.

What was Great Zimbabwe also known as? ›

They are known as the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex and the Great Enclosure. The Hill Complex is the oldest, and was occupied from the 9th to 13th centuries. The Great Enclosure was occupied from the 13th to 15th centuries, and the Valley Complex from the 14th to 16th centuries.

Which crops are grown in Masvingo? ›

Livestock production is mostly centered on cattle, goats, and sheep, with indigenous poultry being important for meat and eggs. Food production is based on the farming activities, and crops grown include maize, millet, rapoko, sorghum, groundnuts, round nuts, soya beans, sugar cane, and fruits.

Which heritage site is found near Masvingo? ›

Great Zimbabwe National Monument is approximately 30 km from Masvingo and located in the lowveld at an altitude of some 1100 m in a sparsely populated region of the Bantu/Shona people.

What are the 3 main structures found at Great Zimbabwe? ›

The site is generally divided into three main areas: the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Ruins.

How many villages are there in Masvingo? ›

Travelers are voting Mupandawana, Ndanga and Ngundu as the best of 12 towns & villages in Masvingo Province. Also popular are Renco, Rutenga and Sango in Masvingo Province. Want more? Check out our map of towns & villages in Masvingo Province.

What is the most beautiful city in Zimbabwe? ›

Bulawayo is One of Zimbabwe's🇿🇼 most Beautiful Cities And a Noteworthy Vehicle Hub For Southern Africa named The "City of Kings and Queens".

Is Zimbabwe tourist friendly? ›

Exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to crime. Country Summary: Opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, theft, and smashing of car window with intent to steal, is common. Violent crime, such as assault, carjacking, and home invasion, also occurs.

What is Zimbabwe most famous food? ›

1 – Maizemeal – Sadza/Isitshwala

Maizemeal is one of the most common and popular Zimbabwean foods. Sadza is a carbohydrate staple, eaten in many homes across the country. It is eaten with a variety of stews and relishes such as collard greens, beef, chicken, or pork stews, and even Mopani worms.

What are people from Zimbabwe called? ›

Demonym(s) Zimbabwean. Zimbo (colloquial) Government. Unitary dominant-party presidential republic.

What was the old name of Zimbabwe? ›

Prior to its recognized independence as Zimbabwe in 1980, the nation had been known by several names: Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia.

Where did Shona people come from? ›

The Shona people (/ˈʃoʊnə/) are an ethnic group native to Southern Africa, primarily living in Zimbabwe where they form the majority of the population, as well as Mozambique, South Africa, and a worldwide diaspora including global celebrities such as Thandiwe Newton.

What are 3 crops that gives us staple food in Zimbabwe? ›

The major crops grown in Zimbabwe are: maize, cotton, soybeans, wheat, tobacco and horticultural crops such as roses, cut flowers and vegetables. Maize is the country's staple crop and accounts for a substantial proportion of the fertilizers applied.

What are 3 cash crops in Zimbabwe? ›

Leading Sub-Sectors
  • Agricultural Machinery. Zimbabwe has a great need for new and updated equipment to improve agricultural production. ...
  • Tobacco: Tobacco is the most important cash crop in Zimbabwe in terms of generating foreign exchange. ...
  • Soybeans. ...
  • Cotton. ...
  • Corn.
Aug 2, 2022

Which plants are only found in Zimbabwe? ›

Non-vascular plants known only from Zimbabwe include the mosses Neophoenix matoposensis (ResearchGate) (GBIF) and Barbula salisburiensis (GBIF). Fungi known solely from Zimbabwe include Russula terrena (figs.

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