2-Day Great Zimbabwe Tour from Harare: Ruins & Lake Kyle

Walk through Sub-Saharan Africa's largest stone ruins, then watch rhinos and hippos at Lake Kyle

A 2-day tour from Harare to Great Zimbabwe and Lake Kyle with private transport, air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board and park entry included. Day one takes you 4 hours south through farming towns to the ancient stone city, once Zimbabwe's capital, where a guide leads you through the Museum, Hill Complex, Great Enclosure and valley ruins. Day two is a game drive at Lake Kyle, where you can spot white rhinos, buffalo, hippos, antelopes and zebras, plus a visit to the crocodile farm and park museum. Overnight accommodation is arranged in the Masvingo area.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Great Zimbabwe Excursion From Harare

• Depart early from Harare
• Pass through Chivhu farming town
• Stop for break in Mvuma
• Arrive at Great Zimbabwe ruins
• Visit site museum
• Explore Hill Complex and Great Enclosure
• Tour Shona village and valley ruins
• Drive to Masvingo for light lunch
• Return to Harare

Day 2: Lake Kyle Expedition

• Drive to Lake Kyle recreational park
• Game viewing of rhinos, buffalos, hippos, and more
• Visit crocodile farm and park museum

The experience

The drive south from Harare passes through Chivhu, a farming town 140 km away that was Zimbabwe's first white settlement, founded by Boer farmers around 1850 and nicknamed "the Republic of Enkeldoorn" for its Afrikaner character. Further on, you'll stop in Mvuma, a small mining town where you can grab snacks and stretch your legs: the old Athens Mine chimney, built in 1913, still stands visible on a hilltop. After about 4 hours on the road, you arrive at Great Zimbabwe around midday.

The ruins themselves are the largest stone archaeological complex in Sub-Saharan Africa, built by the Shona people and the reason the country bears the name "Dzimbadzemabwe": the Great House of Stone. Your guide takes you through the site museum first, then to the Hill Complex, the Great Enclosure, a reconstructed Shona village and the valley ruins, walking you through the architecture and history as you go. After the tour, you drive back to Masvingo for a light lunch before heading back toward Harare.

Day two shifts to wildlife. You'll drive to Lake Kyle recreational park for game viewing, where white rhinos, buffalo, hippos, antelopes, zebras and kudus move through the reserve. The itinerary also includes a stop at the crocodile farm and the park museum. You return to Harare after the game drive.

What’s included

• Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board.
• a live guide in English.
• entry to Great Zimbabwe ruins and Lake Kyle park.
• a visit to the crocodile farm and park museum.
• overnight accommodation in the Masvingo area.
• light lunch on day one after the ruins tour.

Options for this experience

2 options

Great Zimbabwe: a 1-day tourGuide in English · 06:00, 07:00 and 07:30Lasts 12 hours. Lunch, water and drinks are provided. Travel from Harare to Masvingo. Pickup is included.

Great Zimbabwe from Harare: a 2-day tourGuide in English · 07:00Accommodation is arranged for clients at Clevers Resort, Great Zimbabwe Hotel or Lodge at the Ancient City. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 07:00 and 07:30

AgesAdult (20 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bonisa Excursions

Is this one for you?This 2-day format lets you see both the ruins and the wildlife without rushing (a full morning and afternoon at Great Zimbabwe, then a separate day for the game park), which a 1-day tour cannot fit. If you only have one day, the operator offers a 1-day option. If you want to add more of the region, they also run a 4-day version.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly will I see at the Great Zimbabwe ruins?

The site includes the Museum, the Hill Complex (the hilltop stone structures), the Great Enclosure (a large walled area), a reconstructed Shona village showing how people lived there, and the valley ruins spread across the lower ground. Your guide walks you through each section and explains the Shona architecture and history.

How long is the drive from Harare to Great Zimbabwe?

The drive south takes about 4 hours, passing through Chivhu and Mvuma where you can stop for snacks and a break. You arrive at the ruins around midday on day one.

What animals might I see at Lake Kyle on day two?

Lake Kyle is home to white rhinos, buffalo, hippos, antelopes, zebras, kudus and smaller game species. The game drive also includes a visit to the crocodile farm and the park museum.

Where do I stay overnight?

Overnight accommodation is arranged at one of several lodges in the Masvingo area near Great Zimbabwe, including Clevers Resort or Great Zimbabwe Hotel, depending on availability and your preference.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, park entry fees for both Great Zimbabwe and Lake Kyle, and a live English-speaking guide are all included. Meals and gratuities are separate.