Masvingo

Masvingo – Februrary 21

We were up early since today is a moving day. I could have stayed in Bulawaya a lot longer. It is a happy place and there is plenty of wildlife and landscapes to explore in Matobo National Park. We travelled 360 kms to Masvingo, the oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe. Masvingo is the base we used to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. 

After setting up camp and lunch, we set off to the ruins for our three hour tour up to, down to, through and around the structures that make up the ruins. Beads of perspiration bubbled on top of our skin and literally soaking our clothing. We pretty much drank every drop of water we had. It was interesting to listen to some of the stories created about life in this settlement. The city's exact history is unknown, but research suggests a gold-rich civilization thought to be flourishing between 1200 and 1450 AD. The site consists of three main groups of stone structures: the Hill Complex, once thought to be the home of the witch doctor, but now believed to be the King's residence: the Great Enclosure, and the Valley Complex. A walk through the museum clarified some information lost in trying to understand the guide. The tour ended with, of course, a song and dance and tip bowl as well as a large spread of crafts and carvings for our purchase.

Once back in camp, we enjoyed a refreshment, email/blog time, dinner and finally, MY TURN for the shower!!!

                                                        Great Zimbabwe Ruins