People and Tribes of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is home to a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnic groups that have maintained their distinct traditions while developing a shared national identity. Understanding the people of Zimbabwe enhances your travel experience by providing context for cultural encounters and fostering meaningful connections.
Major Ethnic Groups
Zimbabwe’s population comprises several ethnic groups with distinct languages, customs, and historical territories:Shona (75-80% of population)
Shona (75-80% of population)
The largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, with several sub-groups and dialects:Major Shona Sub-groups:
- Zezuru: Central regions, including Harare area
- Karanga: Southern regions, including Masvingo
- Manyika: Eastern Highlands, including Mutare
- Korekore: Northern regions
- Ndau: Southeastern regions
- Kalanga: Southwest regions
- Rich oral tradition of folktales and proverbs
- Stone sculpture tradition (Zimbabwe Shona sculpture)
- Mbira music (thumb piano) central to spiritual ceremonies
- Strong ancestral belief system and spirit mediums
- Complex totemic system (family animal symbols)
- Traditional healing practices still respected alongside modern medicine
- Northern, central, and eastern Zimbabwe
- Heartland includes Great Zimbabwe monument
- Traditional farming communities in fertile highlands
Ndebele (15-20% of population)
Ndebele (15-20% of population)
The second-largest ethnic group, historically migrated from South Africa:Historical Context:
- Descended from Zulu warriors who migrated north in the 1830s
- Led by Mzilikazi, who established a kingdom in western Zimbabwe
- Absorbed many local groups including original Kalanga inhabitants
- Strong military traditions and age regiments historically
- Distinctive beadwork and crafts
- Rich dance traditions including warrior dances
- Cattle-centered culture with traditional wealth measured in herds
- Distinctive homestead architecture (historically circular huts in specific patterns)
- Primarily Matabeleland in western Zimbabwe
- Centered around Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city
- Extends toward the Botswana border
Tonga (5% of population)
Tonga (5% of population)
Inhabitants of the Zambezi Valley with distinct cultural practices:Historical Context:
- One of Zimbabwe’s oldest Bantu inhabitants
- Historically lived along the Zambezi River
- Dramatically affected by the creation of Lake Kariba in the 1950s
- River-oriented culture with strong fishing traditions
- Distinctive musical instruments including ngoma buntibe (percussion ensemble)
- Matrilineal elements in social organization
- Unique initiation ceremonies and rites of passage
- Traditional rain-calling ceremonies
- Zambezi Valley, particularly around Lake Kariba
- Binga district is a cultural center
- Communities in both Zimbabwe and Zambia across the Zambezi
Other Ethnic Groups (5-10% of population)
Other Ethnic Groups (5-10% of population)
Smaller but culturally significant groups:Shangaan/Tsonga:
- Southeastern Zimbabwe near Mozambique and South Africa borders
- Known for vibrant circular dance styles
- Historical connection to Gaza Empire
- Southern Zimbabwe near South African border
- Distinctive pottery and woodcarving traditions
- Sacred salt lakes and rain-making ceremonies
- Small communities in southern border regions
- Distinctive blankets and hats
- Shared cultural elements with Sotho in South Africa and Lesotho
- Western border regions near Botswana
- Cattle-centered cultural traditions
- Elaborate traditional law systems
- Northwestern regions around Hwange
- Mining traditions and craftsmanship
- Distinct dialect and cultural practices
- Small but historically influential European population
- South Asian community with several generations of history in Zimbabwe
- Mixed heritage communities with diverse cultural practices
Cultural Practices and Traditions
Family and Social Structure
Zimbabwean societies are built around strong family and community bonds:Extended Family System:
- The extended family rather than nuclear family is the traditional social unit
- Multiple generations often live together or in close proximity
- Aunts, uncles, and cousins play significant roles in child-rearing
- Family obligations and responsibilities extend well beyond immediate family
- Resources traditionally shared among extended family members
- Respect for elders is fundamental to all Zimbabwean cultures
- Age confers status and wisdom
- Decisions often deferred to elder family members
- Special terms of address for elders (e.g., sekuru, mbuya in Shona)
- Age-grade systems historically organized society in some groups
- Traditionally arranged or family-approved marriages
- Lobola/roora (bride wealth) practiced widely across ethnic groups
- Marriage connects families rather than just individuals
- Elaborate ceremonies marking different stages of marriage process
- Polygyny (multiple wives) historically practiced but decreasing
- Traditionally defined gender roles, though changing in urban areas
- Women traditionally responsible for home, children, and agriculture
- Men traditionally responsible for livestock, hunting, and external affairs
- Urban lifestyles and economic necessities increasingly blurring these distinctions
- Women playing increasing roles in business, politics, and leadership
Spiritual Beliefs and Practices
Zimbabwean spiritual life combines traditional beliefs with Christianity:Christianity:
- Approximately 85% of Zimbabweans identify as Christian
- Various denominations including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist
- African Initiated Churches blend Christianity with traditional practices
- Apostolic sects with unique practices have large followings
- Active church attendance and religious observance common
- Ancestral spirits (vadzimu in Shona) remain important spiritual forces
- High God concept (Mwari/Musikavanhu in Shona, Unkulunkulu in Ndebele)
- Spirit mediums historically played crucial political and social roles
- Sacred natural sites (mountains, forests, springs) throughout the country
- Traditional ceremonies often continue alongside Christian practice
- Rain-making ceremonies (mukwerera in Shona) still conducted in rural areas
- Agricultural rituals marking planting and harvest seasons
- Coming-of-age ceremonies with regional variations
- Traditional healing practices remain widespread
- Spirit possession ceremonies (bira in Shona) for ancestral communication
Arts and Cultural Expression
Music and Dance
Zimbabwe has rich musical traditions:Traditional Music:
- Mbira (thumb piano): Central to Shona spiritual and social music
- Ngoma (drums): Essential to ceremonial and social gatherings
- Hosho (gourd rattles): Rhythmic accompaniment
- Marimba: Wooden xylophone-like instrument in ensembles
- Chimurenga music: Revolutionary music pioneered by Thomas Mapfumo
- Jit: Uptempo guitar-based popular music
- Sungura: Fast-paced, danceable genre with Congolese influences
- Urban grooves: Modern blend with hip-hop and R&B elements
- Jerusarema/Mbende: UNESCO-recognized dance of the Zezuru Shona
- Muchongoyo: Ndau ceremonial war dance
- Shangara: Kalanga harvest celebration dance
- Isitshikitsha: Ndebele dance performed at celebrations
Visual Arts and Crafts
Distinctive artistic traditions flourish across Zimbabwe:Stone Sculpture:
- World-renowned contemporary Shona sculpture movement
- Working with serpentine and other local stones
- Combines modern expression with traditional spiritual themes
- Major galleries in Harare, Bulawayo, and tourist centers
- Basketry: Intricate designs using natural fibers and dyes
- Pottery: Functional and decorative pieces with regional styles
- Wood carving: Masks, figures, and household items
- Beadwork: Particularly in Ndebele communities
- Textile arts: Including tie-dye and batik techniques
- Vibrant urban art scene in Harare and Bulawayo
- International recognition for several Zimbabwean painters
- Modern art galleries showcasing emerging talents
- Mzilikazi Art Centre in Bulawayo nurturing new generations
Oral Traditions
Storytelling and spoken traditions remain vibrant:Folktales:
- Animal stories often featuring the clever hare and hyena
- Origin myths explaining natural phenomena
- Moral instruction through narrative
- Evening storytelling traditions in rural communities
- Elaborate praise names for clans and individuals
- Historical recitation preserving lineages and achievements
- Performance art combining poetry, music, and movement
- Contemporary slam poetry evolving from traditional forms
- Rich collection of wisdom sayings in all languages
- Word games and riddles for entertainment and education
- Metaphorical language drawing on natural environment
- Essential component of eloquent speech
Cultural Festivals
Annual celebrations of Zimbabwean heritage:National Events:
- HIFA (Harare International Festival of the Arts)
- Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival
- Harare International Carnival
- Zimbabwe Culture Week celebrations
- Bulawayo Arts Festival
- Chimanimani Arts Festival
- Shoko Festival (urban culture and hip-hop)
- BaTonga Music Festival (celebrating Tonga culture)
- First Fruits ceremonies (various regional versions)
- Rain-making ceremonies (typically before planting season)
- Kurova guva (bringing home the spirit, one year after death)
- Chief installation ceremonies
Food Culture
Zimbabwean cuisine reflects historical adaptation and cultural exchange:Staple Foods:
- Sadza: Thick maize meal porridge eaten daily with relishes
- Vegetables: Including covo, rape, pumpkin leaves, okra
- Meat stews: Beef, chicken, goat with minimal spicing
- Groundnuts (peanuts): Used in many dishes and snacks
- Kapenta: Small dried fish popular near Lake Kariba
- Madora: Mopane worms, a protein-rich traditional food
- Rupiza: Dried cowpea leaves (popular in eastern regions)
- Lacto (sour milk): Traditional fermented milk drink
- Communal eating from shared plates in traditional settings
- Hand washing before meals (water often brought to guests)
- Right hand used for eating (left considered unclean)
- Honored guests served first and given choicest portions
- Specific foods prepared for ceremonial occasions
- Beer brewing for ancestral ceremonies and celebrations
- First harvest offerings in traditional communities
- Food sharing as community bonding ritual
Traditional Dress and Adornment
Shona Attire
Traditional and contemporary dress:
- Zambia: Cotton wrap skirt for women
- Dhuku: Headwrap for married women
- Colorful printed fabrics for special occasions
- Beaded necklaces and copper bangles
- Contemporary dress mixed with traditional elements
Ndebele Adornment
Distinctive decorative traditions:
- Iconic beaded aprons and neck rings for women
- Elaborate beaded headdresses for ceremonial occasions
- Distinctive geometric beading patterns
- Copper and brass arm bands for men
- Colorful blankets for ceremonial wear
Contemporary Fashion
Modern Zimbabwean style:
- Revival of traditional fabrics in modern designs
- Urban fashion incorporating traditional motifs
- Western dress predominant in day-to-day city life
- Traditional elements reserved for ceremonies
- Growing fashion industry celebrating Zimbabwean heritage
Cultural Etiquette for Travelers
Important customs and practices for respectful interaction:Greeting Customs:
- Greetings are extremely important and should never be rushed
- Handshakes common (often lighter than Western handshakes)
- Sometimes people hold their right forearm with left hand during handshake (sign of respect)
- Younger person should initiate greeting to elder
- Inquiring about family and health is an essential part of greeting
- Always offer seats to older people
- Listen without interrupting when elders speak
- Use appropriate respectful titles (Sekuru/Mbuya in Shona, Ubaba/Umama in Ndebele)
- Accept food or drink offered by elders as refusal may be considered disrespectful
- Stand when an elder enters the room until invited to sit
- Always ask before photographing people
- Some spiritual sites prohibit photography
- Offer to share photos with subjects when possible
- Be prepared to pay a small fee when photographing certain cultural performances
- Some ceremonies may be closed to visitors or have restricted photography
- Small gifts for hosts appreciated but not expected
- Food items, particularly fruit or specialty items from your country, well received
- If visiting a rural home, practical items like tea, sugar, or salt appreciated
- Present and receive gifts with both hands or right hand with left touching right forearm
- Gifts to children should be given to parents first in traditional settings
Cultural Experiences for Travelers
Village Visits
Authentic cultural interactions:Organized Programs:
- Maroge Home of the People (near Victoria Falls)
- Chinotimba Township Tour (Victoria Falls)
- Monde Village (outside Victoria Falls)
- Ngamo Village (near Hwange)
- Chikato Cultural Village (near Great Zimbabwe)
- Demonstrations of daily activities
- Traditional food preparation
- Craft demonstrations
- Music and dance performances
- Opportunity for questions and interaction
- Dress modestly (knees and shoulders covered)
- Follow guide’s instructions about photography
- Small donations to community projects appreciated
- Engage respectfully with residents
Cultural Workshops
Hands-on learning experiences:Popular Workshops:
- Mbira (thumb piano) playing lessons
- Traditional cooking classes
- Basket weaving instruction
- Drum and dance workshops
- Shona language introductions
- Victoria Falls: Various tour operators
- Harare: National Gallery and cultural centers
- Bulawayo: Amagugu Heritage Centre
- Great Zimbabwe: Local community initiatives
- Many safari lodges arrange cultural experiences
- Deeper understanding than passive observation
- Direct support to cultural practitioners
- Meaningful souvenirs and skills to take home
- Personal connections with local artists
Urban Cultural Experiences
City-based cultural encounters:Harare:
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Mbare Market and Township Tour
- Shona sculpture studios and workshops
- Dance Africa performances
- Book Café cultural events
- Bulawayo Railway Museum (colonial history)
- Natural History Museum
- Amakhosi Cultural Centre
- Township jazz venues
- Mzilikazi Arts & Crafts Centre
- Craft markets with artisan demonstrations
- Boma dinner and drum show
- Cultural performances at hotels
- Living museum of cultural heritage
Festivals and Events
Timing your visit with cultural celebrations:Annual Highlights:
- HIFA (Harare International Festival of the Arts): April/May
- Zimbabwe Culture Week: May
- Bulawayo Arts Festival: June
- Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival: November
- Independence Day celebrations: April 18
- Rain-making ceremonies (seasonal, typically October/November)
- Harvest celebrations (varies by region, typically March-May)
- Great Zimbabwe Festival (intermittent)
- Some traditional ceremonies not open to tourists
- Local guides can advise on appropriate events
- Respectful observation without intrusion
- Follow all protocols explained by guides
Contemporary Society and Changes
Zimbabwe’s cultures continue to evolve in the modern world:Urban-Rural Dynamics:
- Approximately 32% of population now urban-based
- Rural areas generally maintain stronger traditional practices
- Urban areas blend traditional values with contemporary lifestyles
- Regular movement between urban and rural homes common
- Many urban dwellers maintain strong connections to rural ancestral areas
- Growing generation gap between traditional elders and globalized youth
- Urban youth engaged with global pop culture and technology
- Revival of interest in traditional arts with contemporary expressions
- Social media creating new platforms for cultural expression
- Educational system blending Western curriculum with cultural heritage
- Economic pressures affecting traditional extended family support systems
- Migration (domestic and international) reshaping community structures
- Technology creating both preservation opportunities and cultural disruption
- Balancing traditional values with human rights perspectives
- Maintaining cultural heritage while embracing beneficial modernization
Cultural Travel Tip: Learning just a few basic greetings in Shona (“Makadii” - How are you?) or Ndebele (“Sabona” - Hello) will be greatly appreciated by Zimbabweans and often results in warm interactions. Zimbabweans are generally patient and appreciative of visitors who show interest in their languages and culture.