Zimbabwe · UNESCO Heritage Sites

2-Day Zimbabwe Ancient Ruins Tour with Khami and Great Zimbabwe

2 Days Round trip from Gweru Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the architectural evolution of the Shona civilisation at Khami, Great Zimbabwe, and Nalatale
02 Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Great Zimbabwe and Khami, centres of historic Shona kingdoms
03 Enjoy guided storytelling on Shona history, religion, and trade at these ancient cities
04 Experience panoramic views from the hill complexes of these three historical sites

Embark on a 2-day cultural journey through Zimbabwe's rich history as you explore the ancient ruins of Khami, Great Zimbabwe, and Nalatale. Discover the fascinating heritage of these important centres of early Shona state civilisation, known for their historical, socio-economic, and architectural significance. Guided visits and scenic drives bring to life the progression of stone masonry and the legacy of these influential regional trade and administrative centres.

Embark on a 2-day cultural journey through Zimbabwe's rich history as you explore the ancient ruins of Khami, Great Zimbabwe, and Nalatale.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Bulawayo, Masvingo, Gweru

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Khami Tour and Transfer to Great Zimbabwe

Clients are collected from their hotel or lodge around 08:00 and arrive at Khami at approximately 08:30.
A tour of Khami takes about 3 hours, and at around 12:00, we return to Bulawayo.
We will have lunch before leaving for Great Zimbabwe at 13:00.
We arrive in Masvingo town at around 17:00 and enjoy a free tour of the ancient city before dropping clients at their accommodation.

Day 02

Great Zimbabwe and Nalatale Ruins Excursion

At 07:00 the following day, clients are collected from their lodgings, and by 07:30, the tour of Great Zimbabwe begins.
By 12:00, we leave Masvingo town after lunch and head for Gweru en route to Nalatale Ruins.
Expected arrival at Nalatale is 15:00, with departure for Bulawayo at 17:30 and arrival at around 19:00.

Where this trip takes you

Khami hill complex, Great Zimbabwe stone enclosures, Nalatale hill ruins

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Gweru 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport
Light lunch
English-speaking guide
Refreshments

What's Not Included

Park fees
Dinner
Alcohol
Visa fees
Tipping

What to bring

Bring suitable attire for walking and some hiking up the hill complex present on all sites.
Carry mosquito repellent lotions.
Bring sunscreen.
Bring sun hats.
Carry suitable clothing depending on the season.

Know before you go

This is a unique tour that combines the three most important ancient cities of modern-day Zimbabwe. Together, they share a rich and complete cultural and socio-economic history that traces the trajectory of early Shona state civilisations. The three ancient cities are of great historical significance to Southern Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular.

Great Zimbabwe and Khami were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At one point in history, these ancient cities were administrative centres of large and expansive Shona kingdoms. They were also highly influential regional trade centres.

In terms of the important stone architecture, they exhibit a progression from the crude stone masonry present at some early sites of Great Zimbabwe through to the elaborate and decorated structures of Khami and Nalatale ruins. They have similar structured layouts comprising a Royal Enclosure and Hill Complex, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Logistics