Lost city — Half a millennium ago, Great Zimbabwe was a powerful religious and trading center. Today it's practically deserted. AFP/Getty Images Labyrinth among the rocks — At its center, you can find a hill complex where different chambers are linked by a labyrinth of narrow passages. Griffin Shea Conical tower — Within the inner walls, a conical tower is the most distinctive landmark in the whole of the ancient city. Rory Bester Important discoveries — The ancient chambers yielded a set of carved birds that have become important symbols of modern Zimbabwe. Griffin Shea Dry stone walls — The stones of Great Zimbabwe were assembled without mortar. Each layer was slightly recessed, creating a slope that held it all together. Griffin Shea Monkey standoffs — With few visitors, monkeys have free rein, occasionally leading to standoffs with travelers. Griffin Shea Great Enclosure — The Great Enclosure is the largest pre-colonial structure south of the Sahara. Rory Bester Huge structures — The Great Enclosure's walls, seen here in the distance, rise up 36 feet and stretch 820 feet around. Griffin Shea Tourism revival? — After hitting rock bottom in 2008, Zimbabwe is experiencing a tourism revival, but visitors have yet to rediscover Great Zimbabwe. Griffin Shea Prev Next
