Religious & Spiritual Sites
Zimbabwe is home to sacred sites spanning millennia—from ancient shrines where traditional religion is still practiced to historic churches and places of spiritual significance. This guide covers destinations for spiritual tourism and religious visitors.Respect: Always approach sacred sites with respect. Ask permission before entering, dress modestly, and follow local customs. Some sites may require permission from traditional leaders or have restricted access.
Religious Landscape
Faith in Zimbabwe
Religious Overview
Christianity: ~80-85% of population
- Various denominations
- Strong Pentecostal/Apostolic presence
- Mainline Protestant churches
- Catholic community
- Syncretic movements blending Christianity with traditional beliefs
- Belief in Mwari (God)
- Ancestor veneration
- Spirit mediums
- Sacred sites and shrines
- Islam (~1%)
- Judaism (small community)
- Hinduism (mainly immigrant community)
- Bahá’í Faith
- Other world religions
Traditional Sacred Sites
Matobo Hills
Matobo Hills Shrines
UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Matobo Hills (also spelled Matopos) have been sacred for millennia. The dramatic granite formations house shrines to Mwari, the supreme deity in Shona religion, and contain thousands of San (Bushman) rock art sites.Njelele Shrine
- Most sacred Mwari shrine in Zimbabwe
- Active religious site
- Pilgrims visit to communicate with Mwari
- Visitors may need permission from local chiefs
- Photography may be restricted
- Approach with great respect
- Major rock art site
- Spiritual significance
- San paintings spanning thousands of years
- Rock art gallery
- Sacred atmosphere
- Accessible to visitors
- Tours available through lodges
- Some sites require guide accompaniment
- Respect any restrictions
- Modest dress recommended
- Never touch rock art
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe's Spiritual Significance
UNESCO World Heritage SiteBeyond being an archaeological wonder, Great Zimbabwe held deep spiritual significance for its builders and continues to be spiritually important today.The Hill Complex
- Likely religious/ceremonial purpose
- Commanding views
- Stone walls with precise construction
- Place of royal rituals
- Largest ancient structure in sub-Saharan Africa (south of the Nile)
- Possibly initiation/ceremonial space
- Conical tower of unknown purpose
- The Zimbabwe Bird (national symbol) was found here
- Eight soapstone birds, possibly representing royal ancestors
- Connection to Mwari worship
- Continued spiritual significance for some communities
- Open to all visitors
- Guided tours available
- Sunrise/sunset particularly atmospheric
- Respectful behavior expected
Other Sacred Natural Sites
Natural Shrines
Domboshawa
- Near Harare
- Rock paintings
- Traditional spiritual site
- Caves used for ceremonies
- “Sleeping Pool” - deep, clear water
- Traditional spiritual significance
- Believed to hold ancestral spirits
- Swimming allowed (with permit)
- Zimbabwe’s highest peak
- Spiritual associations
- Some legends of people disappearing
- Beautiful but respect local beliefs
- Many rivers and pools have spiritual significance
- Some used for ancestral communication
- Ask locally before swimming in rural water bodies
Christian Sites
Historic Churches
Anglican Cathedral of St Mary & All Saints
Harare
- Built 1911-1913
- Gothic architecture
- Stained glass windows
- Historic cemetery
- Regular services
Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Harare
- Roman Catholic cathedral
- Historic building
- Active parish
- Regular masses
St Mary's Basilica
Bulawayo
- Catholic basilica
- Historic architecture
- One of few basilicas in Africa
- Regular services
Dutch Reformed Church
Harare & Bulawayo
- Historic buildings
- Beautiful architecture
- Active congregations
- Visitors welcome
Mission Stations
Historic Mission Sites
Christian missions played a significant role in Zimbabwe’s history. Many historic mission stations can be visited:Cyrene Mission (Near Bulawayo)
- Founded 1939
- Famous for unique African Christian art
- Artists trained here created distinctive style
- Chapel with remarkable murals
- Can be visited (contact ahead)
- American Board mission
- Historic buildings
- Joshua Nkomo attended school here
- Catholic mission
- Robert Mugabe’s school
- Historic significance
- Anglican mission
- Eastern Highlands setting
- Historic buildings
Modern Churches & Worship
Finding a Church:
- Hotels can direct you to churches
- Services typically Sunday morning
- Dress modestly
- Visitors warmly welcomed
- Anglican
- Catholic
- Methodist
- Presbyterian
- Lutheran
- Baptist
- Salvation Army
- Seventh-day Adventist
- Pentecostal (many)
- African Apostolic churches
- Zion Christian Church (ZCC)
- Mapostori/Apostolic Faith Mission
- Many unique Zimbabwean churches
- Often worship outdoors in distinctive white garments
Other Faiths
Mosques
Islamic Sites
Harare Mosque (Jamia Mosque)
- Central Harare
- Largest mosque
- Friday prayers
- Visitors may be welcome (ask first)
- Bulawayo Mosque
- Smaller mosques in towns
- Mainly serve immigrant and local Muslim communities
- Remove shoes
- Dress modestly (women cover head)
- Ask permission before entering
- Don’t visit during prayer times unless invited
Synagogue
Harare Hebrew Congregation
- Historic synagogue
- Small but active community
- Contact ahead for visits
Hindu Temple
Harare Hindu Temple
- Serves Hindu community
- Visitors may be welcome
- Contact ahead
Spiritual Experiences
Cultural Tours
Experiencing Spirituality
Traditional Healer Visits:
- Some areas offer cultural experiences
- Learn about traditional medicine
- Understand spiritual beliefs
- Arranged through hotels/lodges
- Village tours may include spiritual elements
- See traditional ceremonies (if invited)
- Learn about ancestor veneration
- Respectful cultural exchange
Retreats & Reflection
Spiritual Retreat Options:Quiet Places:
- Matobo Hills lodges
- Eastern Highlands guesthouses
- Remote safari camps
- Lake Kariba houseboats
- Various Christian retreat centers
- Monasteries (limited)
- Ask locally for recommendations
- Walking in nature
- Sunrise/sunset contemplation
- Matobo Hills meditation
- Wildlife viewing as spiritual practice
Visiting Sacred Sites
Etiquette Guidelines
Respectful Visiting
General Rules:
- Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees)
- Ask permission before entering
- Follow guide instructions
- Don’t touch sacred objects
- Ask before photographing
- Keep voices low
- Leave no litter
- Don’t take anything
- Request permission from local leaders if required
- Consider a small gift or donation
- Don’t mock or trivialize beliefs
- Some sites have gender restrictions
- Some require removing shoes
- Modest dress
- Silent phones
- Respectful behavior
- Photography—ask first
- Participate appropriately in services
- Remove shoes
- Women cover heads
- Modest dress
- Ask before entering
- Don’t enter during prayer unless invited
Access & Permissions
| Site Type | Access | Permission Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Historic churches | Generally open | No (services welcome visitors) |
| Cathedral | Open for visits | Usually no |
| Traditional shrine | Often restricted | Yes—ask locally |
| Rock art site | Usually accessible | Sometimes guide required |
| Active mission | Varies | Contact ahead |
| Private religious site | Restricted | Yes |
- Ask at lodges or hotels
- Contact site in advance
- Hire local guide with connections
- Be patient—it may take time
Religious Events
Major Celebrations
Religious Calendar
Christian:
- Christmas (December 25) - Major celebration
- Easter - Significant holiday, church services
- Good Friday - Solemn observance
- Pentecost - Celebrated by many churches
- Various ceremonies tied to agricultural calendar
- Rainmaking ceremonies (during drought)
- Ancestor remembrance events
- Not typically open to outsiders
- Eid al-Fitr - End of Ramadan
- Eid al-Adha - Feast of Sacrifice
- Dates follow lunar calendar
- Visitors often welcome at Christian services
- Ask before attending other religious events
- Dress appropriately
- Participate respectfully
Planning Your Visit
Suggested Itineraries
Spiritual Heritage (3-4 days):
Add-ons:
| Day | Location | Sites |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harare | Cathedral, National Gallery (Zimbabwe Bird) |
| 2 | Great Zimbabwe | Ruins, Hill Complex |
| 3-4 | Matobo Hills | Rock art, sacred sites, Cyrene Mission |
- Eastern Highlands missions
- Chinhoyi Caves
- Domboshawa
Practical Tips
Best Times:
- Year-round for most sites
- Dry season (May-October) easier access
- Avoid major holidays if seeking solitude
- Special events around Easter and Christmas
- Modest clothing
- Head covering for women (at some sites)
- Offerings/donations (cash, small gifts)
- Respectful attitude
- Camera (but ask before using)
- Local guides enhance understanding
- Some sites require guides
- Guides can facilitate permissions
- Support local economy
Resources
Further Information
Books:
- “African Traditional Religion” by E. Thomas Lawson
- “Shona Religion” by Michael Gelfand
- Various guides to Great Zimbabwe
- National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe
- Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe Council of Churches
- UNESCO World Heritage Site information
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Tourism authority websites
Last updated: January 2025 Spiritual sites are living places of faith. Information about access and practices may change. Always verify current visiting protocols locally.