Unveiling The Rich History Of Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe Monuments A Gem For Domestic Tourism

By Steve Ephraem

Tourism is often driven by a desire for leisure, fun, and exploration. However, when combined with education, it becomes a unique and enriching experience. The Great Zimbabwe Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, offers just that. This ancient wonderland provides a glimpse into the powerful Mutapa Kingdom, which ruled from the 14th to the 17th centuries.

Located in the heart of Zimbabwe, the monuments showcase the kingdom’s impressive architecture, trade, agriculture, politics, and religion. On September 8, a group of media practitioners had the privilege of exploring this heritage site, courtesy of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, as part of a pre-Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo tour.

Champion Ndigunei, a knowledgeable tour guide, emphasized the importance of domestic tourism at the site. “This is our heritage, and every Zimbabwean should experience it firsthand. Schools, from pre-school to universities, should visit to learn about our country’s rich history. I want every Zimbabwean to see the monuments, not just hear about them,” he said.

Beyond the historical significance, visitors can also enjoy the scenic Lake Mtirikwi, the country’s second-largest inland water body. The lake offers a range of activities, including tourism fishing, skiing, boating, game viewing, and yachting. A hydro-power generation project is currently underway, which will generate 5MW of electricity, sufficient to power Masvingo Town.

The Great Zimbabwe Monuments are an ideal destination for domestic tourism, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and leisure activities. By visiting this incredible site, Zimbabweans can reconnect with their heritage and experience the country’s rich history firsthand.