Take a few steps back in time to the era of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe when you enter the luxury Lodge at the Ancient City.The Lodge evokes the splendour and mystery of the Great Zimbabwe Monument – the famous remains of the city that once housed a thriving African civilisation. The colonial government used to refer to it as the Zimbabwe Ruins. Built on a granite outcrop, the Lodge at the Ancient City has sweeping views of a valley filled with trees, and faces in the direction of the Great Zimbabwe monument, so that you can see the Great Enclosure with its famous Conical Tower from the Hotel. Lake Mutirikwi, the third largest man-made dam in Zimbabwe, can also be seen from the Lodge at the Ancient City. The main complex and guest lodges at our lodge are built from stone and thatch, with structures of granite stonewalling capturing the atmosphere of Zimbabwe’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the deck of the main lodge you have a wonderful view of the Great Zimbabwe Hill Complex and the imposing stone walls of the Great Enclosure just 4 km from the lodge, while enjoying your meals.
An almost equally good view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site can be taken in from the pool which blends smoothly into the natural surroundings of the lodge. Take your sundowner on the sundeck or in the spectacular bar area. Traditional mbira-music will entertain you during an atmospheric dinner under the impressive thatch roof of the restaurant. The impressive stone and thatch lounge is set high upon a granite outcrop with huge boulders forming the main part of the overall architecture. Meal times may vary depending on the game drives and the season but usually are a set time. All meals at the lodge are table d'hôte with a broad selection of dishes and are served in the thatched dining hall or open air summerhouse, depending on the season.
Room Types
The Lodge at the Ancient City provides distinctive accommodation for guests, with furnishings that provoke thoughts of royal dwellings of African legends. We can accommodate 48 guests in luxurious chalets decorated in such a way that you might feel as if you were an African emperor in a previous life. There are 4 family chalets, each accommodating 4 guests (extra beds can be arranged), as well as 14 chalets with twin or double beds.
A Superior Double Room
The superior double beds and 4 family rooms sleeping 4, are decorated with a warm and inviting ambiance.
The Chalet's Exterior
Nestled between rounded granite boulders, some of which have been incorporated in the buildings, every chalet is furnished with two double beds, a shower and a bath tub.
All lodges have the following amenities:
Things to do at Lodge at the Ancienty City
The Lodge at the Ancient City provides historical guides taking guests on tour of the ancient capital of Zimbabwe. The fascinating history of the Great Zimbabwe empire including its architecture, trading routes, social and religious practices are all covered during this tour.
Guided Tour of the Monument
Activities revolve around the Great Zimbabwe Monument. Expert guides based at the Lodge offer a variety of explorative excursions to the famous Zimbabwe Ruins where they explain the origins and history and eventual decline of the city, the various trading routes as well as religious and social practices of the once thriving community.
Boat Cruise
Enjoy your sundowner during a romantic sunset cruise on Lake Mutirikwi. With a little luck you can spot hippos and kudu as well as many species of birdsThe sunset boat cruise specially appeals to bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts as various bird species are found on the lake. Guests can also book trips to see some of the local wildlife including white rhinoceros, hippo, crocodile and various antelopes.
Rock Paintings
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe, once the kingdom of the Monomotapa people, is steeped in mystery. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, Great Zimbabwe was the centre of a vast Shona Empire, which covered most of the modern Zimbabwe. This vast complex of granite stone is second only to the pyramids of Ancient Egypt in terms of pre-colonial African architecture and size. A World Heritage Site, the breath-taking ruins are a highlight for anyone travelling to Zimbabwe.
The Lodge at the Ancient City rates
Our rates are not just about the level of accommodation or the thread count of the linen. They encompass elements that cannot be counted or measured, such as exclusive access to a wildlife sanctuary. This private land, creates a unique sense of seclusion, comfort, privacy and space. In turn, your presence helps us in the conservation of these areas.
The Lodge at the Ancient City can be booked on a fully inclusive rate.
Our rates include:
Our rates exclude:
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