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Lodge at The Ancient City

2.5 star property
Travelers find a modern retreat near ancient history, where poolside relaxation pairs perfectly with English breakfast and convenient amenities

Choose dates to view prices

Lodge at The Ancient City blends comfort with historical proximity. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, English breakfast, and free self-parking. The property offers in-room WiFi, two restaurants, and a bar for evening refreshments.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
The current price is €128
includes taxes & fees
5 Aug - 6 Aug

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Executive Room

A room with a TV mounted on the wall, two wooden chairs, a small table, and a thatched roof ceiling.

Executive Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Single Room

A room with a high ceiling, a thatched roof, and a bed with a headboard featuring geometric patterns.

Deluxe Single Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

A room with a high ceiling, a thatched roof, and a bed with a headboard featuring geometric patterns.

Deluxe Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Family Room

A room with two beds, a wooden headboard, and a decorative wall piece.

Family Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Single Bunk Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi
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About the area

Masvingo is home to Lodge at The Ancient City. Great Zimbabwe National Monument is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park and Lake Mutirikwi. Visit our Masvingo travel guide
View more Lodges in Masvingo
Map
1 Shepherd's Plot, Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo

What's nearby

  • A historical stone structure with a cylindrical tower surrounded by brick walls.
    Great Zimbabwe National Monument
    9 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Lake Mutirikwi
    11 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Church of St Francis of Assisi
    40 min drive - 37.9 km

Restaurants

  • Mutapa Bar
    8 min drive
  • The Great Enclosure Restaurant
    8 min drive
  • The Lion & Elephant
    11 min drive

About this property

Lodge at The Ancient City

  • Property highlights
  • At Lodge at The Ancient City, you can look forward to dry cleaning/laundry services, a bar and 2 restaurants. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
  • Other perks include:
    • An outdoor pool
    • Free self-parking
    • Smoke-free property
  • Room features
  • All guest rooms at Lodge at The Ancient City feature perks, such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi.
  • Other amenities include:
    • Wardrobes/cupboards and balconies
    • Electric kettles, daily housekeeping and desks

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The price is €181
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge

Restaurants on site

  • Summershed

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Ceiling hoist
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch plasma TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Desk
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 11:30 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Payment types at the property

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Frequently asked questions

Does Lodge at The Ancient City have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Lodge at The Ancient City?

As of 21 Jul 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lodge at The Ancient City on 5 Aug 2026 start from €128, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Lodge at The Ancient City pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Lodge at The Ancient City?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Lodge at The Ancient City?

Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 11:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Lodge at The Ancient City?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Where is Lodge at The Ancient City located?

Situated in Masvingo, this lodge is steps from Great Zimbabwe Ruins National Park and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Great Zimbabwe National Monument. Church of St Francis of Assisi is 19 mi (30.6 km) away.

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Reviews

Lodge at The Ancient City Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ekke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous location near the Great Zimbabwe. I loved the architectural style of the lodge that matched the ruins.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Graham

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed for a couple of nights to visit the Great Zimbabwe Monument. The proximity to this world heritage site was the draw. Received an excellent guided tour from Ernest, who also serves as the bar man in the evening. He makes good cocktails too ! As for the hotel, the architecture and layout is amazing but the condition of our rooms and common restaurant/bar area, whilst comfortable, are definitely past their best and looking a little tired. The staff are very friendly and go out of their way to make you feel at home. We ate breakfast and dinner at the restaurant, both of which were good.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicolas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very nice place where to stay for enjoying both Great Zimbabwe National Monument and Lake Mutirikvi (bikes free on request). Staff is efficient and helpful, premises and individual lodges are great, clean and comfortable. Food is tasteful and the swimming pool provides a nice view on the surroundings
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ANDREW

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful hotel in lovely setting.

Extremely spacious and comfortable room in a lovely setting. Very friendly, helpful staff. Not many guests but slightly off-season. Would warmly recommend this place as a comfortable option at Great Zimbabwe full of character. Slightly over-priced food, but worth it for the quality of setting, staff and facilities.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The architecture of the buildings was sensational as were the surrounding gardens and overall integration of the lodge into the natural geological rock features. The lodge has a ‘wow factor’ was a standout place to stay. The menu and food could be improved to match the their aspects of the lodge.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philippa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

One night visit to Great Zimbabwe

This place has a unique setting and design for every room. Every detail considered. Bar and restaurant area are dramatic and superb. It is half an hours drive from Mavingo but hotel were happy ton organise car and driver to help us throughout our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
There was a strong chemical smell in the room. I think from what they used to treat the beams. The food was ok. Staff service was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Nyasha

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Nice resort fare a family weekend getaway. Beautiful architecture and excellent customer service. Menu and pricing can be updated a bit to get the hotel to a five star rating. ie. no wine menu, instant coffee to barista made coffee. Very minor cosmetic changes to make the last mile.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing architecture! Impressive-looking!

This lodge is amazing. If you were to build a castle in Africa, it would be like this. This establishment is on the scale of European castles but in an African style - made to mimic the nearby Great Zimbabwe ruins. The architecture is impressive with its high ceilings and everything on a grand scale, with many stone walls built among the boulders that are characteristic for this part of the country. Even the individual rooms are palatial in size. We chose to eat dinner at the lodge's restaurant on the night we stayed there. It was a bit pricey but in line with what you would pay at a higher-end lodge like this. However, the atmosphere of the restaurant was a bit awkward. It was in a huge room, and our family wasn't sure if we should engage in conversation because the atmosphere felt like we had to be hushed. The service was excellent, but the wait staff hovered in the corner and watched us while we ate - kind of creepy and part of why we didn't want to talk much (we felt like they were listening to everything we said). The general manager greeting us a couple times and wanting to engage in conversation was a bit too much and added to the creepiness factor of the staff here. This place has great amenities and spaces - a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor bar areas for watching the sunset, seating areas inside and outside in the rooms. The only thing lacking seemed to be the choice of stations on the TV.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Hugh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The ambience and unique architecture of the Lodge provide guests with a sense of true immersion in the Great Zimbabwe experience. Not to be missed!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerome

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff. The lodge design and accommodations are incredible
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Hans-Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Marvellous view, very nice surrounding
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very spacious rooms, nicely decorated. Super pleasant staff and delicious food. Memory and Chimms were very nice to us
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lilian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking was too far from the lodge rooms
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

4/10 Poor

Tiziana

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool was green and we could not use despite being told it was cleaned and chemicals used. Rooms were dark and unclean. Bed linen was worn and stained. Showers mouldy. Overall sadly the place felt unloved and not maintained. No attention to detail. Areas like the bar and outdoor area by the pool were not set up nicely- had storage items scattered about, Not like how I remembered it 25 years ago.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Johannes

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location, great architecture, spacious rooms, good food, some of the amenities look a bit tired, but overall to be recommended.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Spectacular

This was my second stay at The Lodge at The Ancient City - I returned because I found the location and facilities spectacular. Service was friendly and food was also tremendous this time - as a vegetarian, my preferences were taken care of. I will return again and highly recommend this wonderful lodge!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lodges are unique with a great potential to recover when Covid 19 goes down. I didn't like the fact that paying residents were kicked out because there was an outside Birthday on Saturday and the noise was terrible. The amenities paying residents were supposed to stay by the pool side was reserved for a noisy outside Birthday Party. The meals could have been better especially for vegans when the lodge were informed about the person. Best not to go for full-board because the meals didn't match the price being paid
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chief

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved everything about the property especially when it rained
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
What an amazing place!!! Food is really good, rooms and beds are very comfortable and set in a beautiful location with some stunning architecture. Two problems though, their location on google maps is incorrect and it was a struggle to find the property. They need to update the property address. Also, I had no hot water!! Not good.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gunther

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a great experience! Staff accommodated our late check in and early check out. Warm reception and an amazing room!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rumbi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very well maintained property. The rooms are exceptionally clean and so refreshing! Beautiful views, trees and relaxing atmosphere. However, the food was underwhelming. Not much variety on the menu. A little bit of planning from the chef and seasoning can transform their meals. The drinks and meals are overpriced.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Inget vatten i toaletterna/dusch. Televisionerna fungerade inte. Få alternativ på menyn. Inget halal/kosher alternativ.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diogo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely great place! I would totally recommended. The only problem is that the confirmation email you get and even the address received will send you to some place near the Polithecnic Institute of Maswingo when, in reality, the Lodge is quite far from that, near the Ancient City.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Overbooking fiasco

I was booked at the Lodge at the Ancient City and paid for my booking, but I was later informed that the booking could not be honored due to overbooking. We were placed in a nearby hotel in Masvingo, but the condition of that hotel was nowhere near the accommodation we would have enjoyed at the Lodge. We ended up overpaying for a bad hotel because the Lodge at the Ancient City overbooked. We paid for the Lodge. We got a crummy hotel in Masvingo.The Lodge did give us a free meal and tried to make it right, but we still had three nights in a very undesirable hotel at the cost of the Lodge at the Ancient City. Unsatisfied. I was pleased they attempted to make it right, but I wanted what I paid for. The Lodge is very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019