There are few things that define us as a country as the Great Zimbabwe Monuments…they are quite simply a microcosm of the macrocosm.
You would think as Indians flock to the Taj Mahal, Zimbabweans flock to Great Zimbabwe. But perhaps not so much.
“As Zimbabweans we don’t do justice to the national monuments. Look at the national emblems, everything is about the Great Zimbabwe. But people talk about the Victoria Falls, so if as locals we don’t value the monuments, the source of our national emblems, who then will?” says local tourism player Steve Manyangadze.
Awe-inspiring, majestic, remarkable and outstanding. These are just some of the words typically used to describe the monuments. Great Zimbabwe’s stone walls, up to 6 meter thick and 12 meter high, are built of granite blocks without the use of mortar. And the Great Enclosure is the largest single ancient structure south of the Sahara.
Huge granite bricks pile one upon another without mortar, yet in such perfect order; so perfect they have and will continue to stand the test of time, while propelling the wisdom of the architect to generations yonder.
Great Zimbabwe is a complex of massive stone walls spreads across almost 1 800 acres.
No words can do justice to this monument. One needs to see to believe!
WHERE TO STAY
Now I might be biased here, but if Great Zimbabwe is a microcosm of Zimbabwe, then Lodge At The Ancient City is about as perfect a miniature representation of the monuments themselves.
The draw here is definitely the attention to detail, both inside and outside. The environs are a walk through history, and the perfect way to experience Great Zimbabwe royalty as it existed for centuries.
If the Great Zimbabwe monuments were the main reason for your visit, then this should be your very next stop. The Lodge At The Ancient City is quintessentially emblematic of the ruins.
Its Great Zimbabwe-esque stone work, its expertly-crafted chevron pattern of thrush weaving and the crocodile detail are extremely enticing, especially after having spent your day moseying around the real ancient monuments, having followed paths trodden by past kings and chiefs.
So what better way to relax than to encamp at this deliciously comfortable analogous royal ruin residence.
The Lodge at the Ancient City has 19 chalets nestled between rounded granite boulders.
Masvingo is granite territory (which probably half-explains the stunning stonework that is Great Zimbabwe), and it explains too this granite-defined lodge, which desegregates seamlessly with the surrounding trees and boulders of the site, while providing exquisite views across the valley of Msasa towards the monuments.
And if you are lucky, you might get a granite boulder jutting out next to your bed.
The lodge’s pool area is expertly and tastefully built around huge boulders of balancing rocks.
But perhaps above all these intricacies is the warm team that is ever willing to go above and beyond to cosset you as Great Zimbabwe’s kings and queens of old would have been treated.
A tip for the traveller; don’t use Google Maps to seek out the lodge, it can be a disconcerting experience. Just make your way to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, and there it will be – the Lodge At The Ancient City. – Sunday Mail