Local traditions and culture in Zimbabwe

  Traditional Dancing
by PierreZA
 
  • Traditional Dancing
      Traditional Dancing
    by PierreZA
  • Bargain for local crafts
      Bargain for local crafts
    by PierreZA
  • Golden Pilsner
      Golden Pilsner
    by PierreZA
  • Traditional Music
      Traditional Music
    by PierreZA
  •   Local Customs
    by elpariente
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Zimbabwe

A Helping Hand
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Bwana_Brown 3530 reviews
Edward

Whether you like it or not, it was customary in southern Africa to employ local people to help with household chores, both inside and outside. Even when I was a poorly paid volunteer in Zambia (relative to other whites or 'mzungus' as we were called), I was constantly faced with entreaties at the door asking for employment. Eventually, I gave in and hired my own guy, James, to look after the odd jobs that I could just have easily done myself. However, to James, it was his main source of income for the years that I was there. The same thing applied in Zimbabwe, except that, with the expatriates that made these countries their life, these employees became like part of the family. I was glad to see Edward again in Harare, still faithfully carrying out his chores 20 years after our first meeting!

Updated Oct 1, 2007

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 Family Travel

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Lots ot tribes!
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TracyG 466 reviews

There are many different groups of people living in Zimbabwe, and even though they do have their problems, most people do actually want to live peacefully. About 75% of Zimbabweans belong to the Shona Tribe, 15% to the Ndebele Tribe, 2% of European origin and the remainder from elsewhere in the world. People are always happy to answer any questions you have about which tribe they come from etc.

Updated Jun 14, 2005

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Coke and Culture
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tini58de 2509 reviews
Coke and culture

Naturally a touristy area doesn't give you the chance to really experience a country, its people and the culture! But still there is plenty to see that is typical for the area and that you will be able to enjoy!!!

Updated Aug 6, 2004

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It was a good experience to...
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Bigs 1670 reviews

It was a good experience to belong to a minority of people. Now I know how black people (in Europe for example) feel under the majority of whites.....
But I think that it's even harder here than there, cause I hadn't any difficulties! It was only a strange feeling for me as a white!!!

Zimbabwian people seem to love cameras. They always agree to get photographed. Sometimes they want a copy, so send them one!

Updated Dec 29, 2003

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THEY WORK VERY HARD!!
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safardreams 825 reviews
PLEASED TO HAVE US!

I found in Zimbabwe, as well in Kenya. To
give the camp hands $5.00- $10.00 a day.
Thats not per-camp hand. Thats per-traveler. The money gets collected, then they divided up later. Now, your main guide. He gets his own tip. Again, the same as above. But give what you can. It's very important they feel
they have a reason to keep doing safaris!!
In turn will help protect the parks and all that is in it!!

Written Nov 8, 2002

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I don't remember who said...
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Gypsy_Saskia 319 reviews

I don't remember who said 'You've got the watches, we've got the time' but it could well have been a Zimbabwian. The rush-rush of the modern western countries is something uncommon in Zimbabwe which I believe we should learn from!

Written Sep 7, 2002

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After a long day of white...
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bmesfin 5 reviews

After a long day of white water rafting, head to the few pubs and bars in town to enjoy a refreshingly cold bottle of beer and mix with the locals and visitors and exchange stories about the great river.
In the picture you see all members of our team where accounted for and enjoying cold beers.

Like most places around the world people in and around Victoria Falls are friendly, kind and welcoming. If you are interested in native cultures there are villages and farms not far from Victoria Falls to go explore and learn about the the inhabitants. It is worth the effort and adds another dimension to the Vic Falls experience.

Written Aug 26, 2002

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Variety of stamps, used for...
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anaiis 185 reviews

Variety of stamps, used for one letter separatedly, indicating high rate of inflation. The value of zim dollar falls. The powerty of once almost developed country (for Africa) is rising. Beware of March 2002 elections, you can expect violence!

Written Aug 26, 2002

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Before rafting or canooing on...
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anaiis 185 reviews

Before rafting or canooing on Zambezi, buy yourself one of these. Its called Nyami Nyami and represents a river spirit that will protect you from anything bad. River spirit is very important in African culture, since water is fundamental and waluable resourse. Also, wearing it you can expect wealth. Since nyami nyamis are not heavy, I recommend that you buy a few of them for your friends and family back home. They will love it! They are made of stone, small and look great.

Written Aug 26, 2002

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Do you like my hairdress? I...
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anaiis 185 reviews

Do you like my hairdress? I had it done when I got over my cultural shock experience and asimilation took place in my soul. But before getting too excited (I know, it looks great!) you must be aware: for this kind of hairdress (the breads are made from my own hair, not artifical) you must sit still for 7 hours. A lot of hairstylist would try to make you enthusiastic and will say it takes 3-4 hours, but dont believe that. It takes 7 hours at least, so bring water to drink during the procedure. If you have short or thin hair it is better (and least time consuming) if breads are not yours - you can choose which one will you have (colour, style). Now, when you have this hairdress, you are more acceptable and people will make friends faster and easier with you, they will not be afraid or submissive (I hate that). But please, be aware, that this hairdress on this picture also came with lice in the package. So I had to buy lice shampoo to get rid of that. I recommend bringing lice shampoo with you in Zimbambwe. Since that was my only infection there, I am quite satisfied. This hairdress is very recommendable also for thick hair (as mine), since you are not feeling so hot anymore. But do wear a hat allways, the sun is crazy.

Written Aug 26, 2002

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Zimbabwe Local Customs

Reviews and photos of Zimbabwe local customs posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Zimbabwe sightseeing.
Map of Zimbabwe