The Great Zimbabwe Hotel is an ideal place to soak up some of Zimbabwe's history and culture
Location
Great Zimbabwe Hotel occupies a serene spot less than 1 km from the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as Africa’s largest ancient stone structure and the heart of the mighty Shona civilisation. Surrounded by landscaped gardens in Masvingo, the hotel puts you within easy strolling distance of this incredible archaeological treasure.
Rooms
The hotel features approximately 47 well-appointed rooms, ranging from standard, executive and deluxe rooms to family suites, each designed with spacious layouts and garden views. Rooms are furnished with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee facilities, television and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms overlook the greenery of the hotel courtyard, creating a calm, restful atmosphere.
Facilities
Great Zimbabwe Hotel offers a welcoming restaurant and bar that reflect the traditional stonework of the nearby ruins, creating a warm and convivial dining environment. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, communal lounge spaces, two curio shops and secure parking. There’s also a campsite on the grounds with access to hotel facilities, ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors but still want comfort close by.
Activities
The hotel’s prime location means guided heritage tours of the Great Zimbabwe Monument are a highlight, with options to explore the Hill Complex, Great Enclosure and surrounding archaeological museum. Beyond the ruins, you can enjoy Lake Mutirikwi boating, fishing and sunset cruises, as well as wildlife viewing at Kyle Game Park.
Sustainability
While not a wilderness lodge in the traditional sense, Great Zimbabwe Hotel embraces local heritage and community engagement, positioning itself as a responsible gateway to one of Africa’s great cultural sites. The hotel supports local Shona performers by hosting on-request evenings of mbira music, jerusarema dance and oral storytelling, helping preserve living traditions while creating meaningful income opportunities for the surrounding community.
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Best places to stay in Great Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Trip Inspiration
When to visit Zimbabwe
Find out the best time to visit Zimbabwe with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is an excellent time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives.
February
February is the best time for birders. The days are warm, with the risk of afternoon rain showers, but they clear as fast as they arrive.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray, it is perfect if you want to see the gorges and geology of the area.
April
The world famous Mana Pools re-open in April. The days feel fresher as the wet season ends leaving the landscapes looking lush green, making it perfect for walking safaris.
May
In May, the days continue to feel fresh and bright making it a perfect time to venture out on walking safaris.
June
June heralds the return of winter, nights turn colder and the temperature dips - take plenty of layers as the temperature can drop below freezing. It is the perfect time for photographers to explore Hwange National Park before the busy holiday period.
July
Winter temperatures continue into July so take plenty of layers. Much like June, it is perfect for photographers looking to view wildlife from a different angle.
August
If you want clear, bright blue skies and continuous wildlife sightings, August is the month for you. Camps are likely to be fuller, however, if you visit private concessions you can still experience exclusivity and no crowds.
September
Much like August, September is an amazing time for wildlife spotting and weather, in particular it is considered the best time of year to see elephant herds in Hwange National Park.
October
In October wildlife sightings are at their peak as the dry season ends. If you travel during this month you can experience hot days with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees.
November
November is the best time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives. It is low season and one of the best times to go white water rafting at Vic Falls, the volume and speed of the water is reduced exposing the rapids.
December
In December the days are warm with the risk of rain showers mid afternoon. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
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Alistair
