The Hill Complex

The oldest part of Great Zimbabwe, on a granite kopje with commanding views

The Hill Complex occupies a large granite kopje at the northern end of the site, reached by a steep path that winds up through the boulders. This is the oldest and most dramatic part of Great Zimbabwe, built on and around a natural outcrop whose boulders were incorporated into the walls and platforms.

At the top, the views across the surrounding valley are extraordinary — on a clear day you can see for many kilometres in every direction, which explains why this position was chosen. The enclosures here are smaller and more irregular than the Great Enclosure below, with narrow passages threading between natural rock faces. The site where the Zimbabwe Birds were found is marked. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the climb and exploration.

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A story
The Hill Complex was occupied continuously from around the 11th century — some 200 years before the Great Enclosure was built below. It was here that the famous Zimbabwe Birds were found: eight soapstone sculptures of birds on tall columns, probably representing the Shona spirit medium who communicated between the living and the ancestors. Seven of the eight birds were removed by colonial-era archaeologists and ended up in museums and private collections abroad. One was returned to Zimbabwe in 1981; the others remain in South Africa and Europe. The birds are now the national emblem of Zimbabwe.

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