Great Zimbabwe is 27 km from Masvingo, the nearest city, and about 290 km south of Harare via the A4 highway. The drive from Harare takes 3–4 hours on generally good road.
From Masvingo. The site is signposted from the main road south of town. Shared taxis (kombis) run between Masvingo and the ruins; the journey takes about 30 minutes. Taxis from Masvingo to the site cost a small flat rate and can be arranged to wait or collect you at a fixed time.
From Harare. Buses run from Harare's Mbare bus terminus to Masvingo regularly throughout the day; the journey takes 3–4 hours. From Masvingo take a kombi or taxi to the ruins. If you are driving, the route is straightforward on the A4 south from Harare through Chivhu to Masvingo.
Accommodation. The Great Zimbabwe Hotel is immediately adjacent to the ruins — staying there means you can visit at opening time before the day-trip crowds arrive, which is well worth doing. There are also options in Masvingo itself.