Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park at a Glance

Location
Masvingo & Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-20.269775, 30.935724
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for game viewing. February to May for Victoria Falls at peak flow.

Getting to Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

Nearest airport: Murowa, 60 km away.

Nearest international airport: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), 243 km away.

Big Five in Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: White Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

The warmest temperatures in Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park occur in November, averaging 22.4°C (up to 27.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 13.5mm. Average humidity: 61.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 21.1°C (rainfall: 236.7mm)
  • February: 21.1°C (rainfall: 181.4mm)
  • March: 20.1°C (rainfall: 81.5mm)
  • April: 18.7°C (rainfall: 57.2mm)
  • May: 16.8°C (rainfall: 14.3mm)
  • June: 14.7°C (rainfall: 33.1mm)
  • July: 14.4°C (rainfall: 13.5mm)
  • August: 17.0°C (rainfall: 23.9mm)
  • September: 19.6°C (rainfall: 23.1mm)
  • October: 21.1°C (rainfall: 44.8mm)
  • November: 22.4°C (rainfall: 93.1mm)
  • December: 22.3°C (rainfall: 208.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

The best months to visit Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park are May, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 21.11°C, rainfall 236.7mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • February: Good, temperature 21.08°C, rainfall 181.4mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 79.5%
  • March: Good, temperature 20.12°C, rainfall 81.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.72°C, rainfall 57.2mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 74.8%
  • May: Great, temperature 16.84°C, rainfall 14.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 67.4%
  • June: Good, temperature 14.73°C, rainfall 33.1mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 66.6%
  • July: Good, temperature 14.37°C, rainfall 13.5mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 61.2%
  • August: Good, temperature 16.97°C, rainfall 23.9mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 57.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 19.6°C, rainfall 23.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 56.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 21.15°C, rainfall 44.8mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 60.4%
  • November: Great, temperature 22.44°C, rainfall 93.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 63.8%
  • December: Good, temperature 22.31°C, rainfall 208.5mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 73%

Wildlife in Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

Home to 19 recorded species including 6 iconic birds, 4 waterbirds, 4 birds of prey, 1 primates, 1 big five, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

Based on average temperature of 19.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 68%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

9 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Masvingo & Great Zimbabwe

Visitor Tips - Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

We love the sheer scale and mystery of Great Zimbabwe; it feels like stepping back in time. The way the ancient stone structures rise from the landscape is truly awe-inspiring. We recommend taking a guided tour to truly understand the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gate Times

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. While we haven't encountered seasonal variations in gate times, it's always wise to confirm locally or with your accommodation. No advance booking is usually required for park entry, but permits are needed for overnight stays in the park's chalets or camping sites. We recommend arriving with ample time to explore before closing.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For guides, we suggest around $10-20 USD per person per day, depending on the quality of service and length of the tour. For lodge staff, a general tip of $5-10 USD per person per day can be pooled and distributed. Rangers often do not expect tips, but a small token of appreciation for exceptional service is never out of place. Always tip in USD.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park FAQs

What is the main attraction at Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park, and is it a traditional wildlife safari destination?

This park is primarily renowned for its magnificent medieval stone city ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the architectural prowess of a powerful ancient civilization. While some general wildlife like impala, zebra, and various bird species can be spotted, it is not a big-five safari destination but rather an archaeological and cultural heritage site.

When is the best time to visit Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park for optimal exploration?

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is cooler and drier, making it more comfortable for exploring the extensive ruins on foot. This period also offers clearer skies for photography and easier navigation of the site's pathways.

What are the typical entry fees and accessibility considerations for visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins?

Entry fees for international visitors are generally around $15-20 USD, with separate charges for local visitors and children. The site involves a fair amount of walking, including some uphill climbs to the Hill Complex, so comfortable shoes are essential, and accessibility for those with mobility challenges might be limited in certain areas.

What safety precautions should I take when exploring the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, beyond general malaria awareness?

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes due to uneven terrain and be prepared for sun exposure with hats and sunscreen. It's advisable to carry sufficient water, especially when ascending to the Hill Complex, and to stay on marked paths to preserve the delicate archaeological structures.

How does Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park offer a unique experience compared to other national parks in Zimbabwe?

Unlike typical wildlife-focused parks such as Hwange or Mana Pools, Great Zimbabwe offers an immersive journey into ancient history and culture, centered around its impressive stone architecture. It provides a profound insight into pre-colonial southern African civilization, making it a distinct cultural heritage destination rather than a traditional game viewing safari.

Recommended Books

  • Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller - Raw and unflinching memoir of growing up in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe during the civil war. One of the most honest accounts of life in southern Africa.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zimbabwe by Paul Murray - The most detailed guide to Zimbabwe including Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls. Written by a Zimbabwe specialist with decades of experience.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.

Bookable Safari Packages in Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park

Curated safari packages featuring Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park, bookable through Safari.com.

  • 3 Day Victoria Falls Fly-in Safari - Waterfalls, Wildlife & River Sunsets: Discover the magic of Victoria Falls on this unforgettable 3-day safari. Fly from Johannesburg to one of Africa’s most iconic destinations, where you’ll explore the falls on a guided tour, enjoy a Zambezi River sunset cruise, and stay at the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. (From $1,412)
  • 4-Day-All-Inclusive Victoria Falls Safari at Elephant Camp - The Elephant Camp is rated one of the top luxury lodges in Zimbabwe, being in close proximity to the Victoria Falls. (From $2,221)
  • 7-Day Safari in Kapama Game Reserve and Victoria Falls - Travel through the Greater Kruger National Park into the Kapama Game Reserve to stay at Kapama River Lodge in a suite with uninterrupted views of this game-rich, big 5, reserve. To the ultra-lux Victoria Falls Safari Club where the luxurious rooms have unspoilt views of the bushveld and spectacular sunsets. (From $4,970)
  • 7-Day Safari Promotion: From Sabi Sands to Victoria Falls - Big Five Safari & Victoria Falls Elegance: From the wild heart of Sabi Sands to the iconic thundering spray of Victoria Falls, this seamless journey offers an unforgettable blend of luxury, wildlife, and natural wonder. (From $8,797)
  • 4 Day Victoria Falls Rovos Rail Journey - Experience a four-day journey through the most scenic areas of Southern Africa starting in Pretoria and ending at the magnificent Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. (From R57,600)
  • 7-Day Madikwe to Vic Falls Luxury Safari - This six-day safari offers the perfect mix of luxury and adventure. Begin with three nights at Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, enjoying opulent accommodation, gourmet dining, and Big Five game drives. Then, head to the Victoria Falls Hotel for three nights by the world’s largest waterfall, with options for guided tours, scenic flights, and river adventures. Experience Africa’s natural wonders in comfort and style for an unforgettable journey. (From $6,163)