Local Customs & Etiquette
Understanding Zimbabwean customs will enrich your travel experience and help you connect meaningfully with local people. Zimbabweans are known for their warmth and hospitality, and showing respect for their culture is always appreciated.The Golden Rule: Zimbabweans are generally forgiving of cultural mistakes by visitors. A respectful attitude and genuine interest in learning will be met with patience and appreciation.
Greetings
The Importance of Greetings
Greetings Matter
In Zimbabwean culture, greetings are fundamental to social interaction. Taking time to greet people properly is considered essential—rushing past without greeting is seen as rude.Key Points:
- Always greet before any conversation or transaction
- Take your time; greetings shouldn’t be rushed
- Ask about health, family, sleep—even from strangers
- Not greeting is considered disrespectful
- Initial greeting (Good morning/afternoon)
- “How are you?”
- “How did you sleep?” (morning) or “How is your day?”
- “How is the family?”
- Only then proceed to business
Common Greetings
Shona Greetings
| Phrase | Meaning | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Mhoro | Hello (to one person) | Mhoro |
| Mhoroi | Hello (to multiple people) | Mhoroi |
| Makadii | How are you? (formal/plural) | Ndiripo (I am well) |
| Wakadii | How are you? (informal/singular) | Ndiripo |
| Marara sei? | How did you sleep? | Ndarara kana mararawo (I slept well if you slept well) |
| Maswera sei? | How is your day going? | Ndaswera kana maswerawo |
| Fambai zvakanaka | Go well / Goodbye | Sarai zvakanaka (Stay well) |
Ndebele Greetings
| Phrase | Meaning | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Sawubona | Hello (to one person) | Yebo (Yes/Hello) |
| Salibonani | Hello (to multiple people) | Yebo |
| Unjani? | How are you? | Ngiyaphila (I am well) |
| Ulale njani? | How did you sleep? | Ngilale kuhle (I slept well) |
| Hamba kahle | Go well / Goodbye | Sala kahle (Stay well) |
Handshakes
The Zimbabwean Handshake:
- Standard handshake - Firm, not aggressive
- Traditional variation - Clasp hands, then slide to grip thumbs, then back to hands
- With elders - Some people touch left hand to right elbow as sign of respect
- Duration - Often held throughout the greeting conversation
- Handshakes between men and women are common in urban areas
- In rural areas, some women may prefer a nod or slight bow
- When in doubt, wait for the other person to extend their hand
- Always use your right hand for handshakes
Respect for Elders
Age and Hierarchy
Showing Respect to Elders
Core Principle: Age commands respect in Zimbabwean culture. Elders are addressed formally and given priority.How to Show Respect:
- Address elders as “Baba” (father) or “Amai” (mother) even if not related
- Avoid direct eye contact with elders when being spoken to (in traditional settings)
- Don’t interrupt when elders are speaking
- Offer your seat to elders
- Serve elders first at meals
- Use both hands when giving or receiving from elders
- Lower your body slightly when passing in front of seated elders
| Term | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Baba | Father | Any older man |
| Amai | Mother | Any older woman |
| Sekuru | Grandfather/Uncle | Elderly men, mother’s brother |
| Ambuya | Grandmother/Aunt | Elderly women, father’s sister |
| Mukoma | Older sibling | Slightly older person |
| Sisi | Sister | Older female |
Dress Code
General Guidelines
Appropriate Dress
Urban Areas:
- Western dress is the norm
- Business casual for offices
- Smart casual for restaurants
- Casual for shopping and everyday activities
- More conservative dress expected
- Women should cover knees and shoulders
- Avoid very short shorts or revealing clothing
- Long skirts or trousers preferred for women
- Cover shoulders and knees
- Remove hats in churches
- Remove shoes when entering mosques
- Neutral colors (khaki, green, brown)
- Avoid white (scares animals) and dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies)
- Closed shoes for walking safaris
- Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
Dress by Situation
| Situation | Recommended Dress |
|---|---|
| Business meeting | Formal: suit/blazer for men, business dress/suit for women |
| Fine dining | Smart casual to formal |
| Casual restaurant | Smart casual |
| Safari game drive | Comfortable, neutral colors |
| Village visit | Conservative, modest |
| Church | Formal, conservative |
| Beach/pool | Swimwear at pool only, cover-up when walking |
| Markets | Comfortable, secure pockets |
Dining Etiquette
Meal Customs
Eating Together
Before the Meal:
- Wash hands (you may be offered water and a basin)
- Wait to be shown where to sit
- Elders and guests are often served first
- Wait for the host or eldest to begin
- Eat with your right hand if eating traditionally
- Accept food offered—refusing can cause offense
- Pace yourself; there’s often more than one course
- Compliment the food genuinely
- It’s polite to leave a small amount on your plate (shows you were given enough)
- Sadza (thick maize porridge) is a staple
- Eaten by hand, rolled into a ball
- Dip sadza into relish (meat, vegetables, gravy)
- Communal bowls are common in rural settings
Being a Guest
When Invited to a Home:
- Bring a small gift (food, drink, or something for the children)
- Arrive on time or slightly late (being too early can pressure the host)
- Remove shoes if asked or if you see others doing so
- Accept refreshments offered
- Stay for a reasonable time—leaving too quickly seems rude
- Thank the host warmly and invite them to visit you
- Food items (fruit, biscuits, bread)
- Drinks (soft drinks, juice)
- Treats for children (sweets, small toys)
- Flowers (in urban areas)
- Something from your home country
Social Interactions
Communication Style
How to Communicate
Directness:
- Zimbabweans often communicate indirectly
- Direct “no” is avoided; listen for soft refusals
- “Maybe” or “I’ll try” often means no
- Silence can be contemplative, not awkward
- Family
- Football (soccer)
- Weather and farming
- Zimbabwe’s beauty and wildlife
- Food
- Music
- Politics
- Economic situation
- Land reform
- Historical grievances
- Criticizing Zimbabwe or its leaders directly
- Comparing unfavorably to other countries
- Assumptions about poverty or hardship
- Colonial nostalgia
Body Language
| Gesture | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pointing with lips | Indicating direction (common, not rude) |
| Avoiding direct eye contact | Respect, especially to elders |
| Clapping hands | Thank you, respect, greeting |
| Sucking teeth | Annoyance or frustration |
| Both hands to receive | Respect when receiving gifts |
| Head nod/bow | Acknowledgment, respect |
Photography
Asking Permission
Photography Etiquette
Always Ask Permission:
- Never photograph people without asking
- Be prepared for people to say no
- Offer to show them the photo afterward
- Consider offering to send/print a copy
- Military installations (prohibited)
- Government buildings (often prohibited)
- Police and soldiers (prohibited)
- Airports and bridges (often prohibited)
- Traditional ceremonies (always ask first)
- Some may expect a small tip for photos
- Negotiate before taking the photo
- $1-2 is usually appropriate
- Alternatively, offer to buy their crafts
- Engage in conversation first
- Show genuine interest in the person
- Ask about their work or family
- Make it an exchange, not just extraction
Religion
Religious Respect
Religious Customs
Christianity:
- Dominant religion (over 80%)
- Sunday is widely observed
- Many businesses close or reduce hours on Sunday
- Church attire is formal
- Visitors are welcome but dress appropriately
- Often practiced alongside Christianity
- Respect sacred sites and trees
- Don’t photograph ceremonies without permission
- Ask before entering spiritual areas
- Islam is practiced by a small minority
- Remove shoes when entering mosques
- Cover appropriately
Business Culture
Professional Etiquette
Business Customs
Meetings:
- Greetings are essential—never skip them
- Small talk before business is expected
- Exchange business cards (present with both hands)
- Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility needed
- Hierarchy is important—address senior people first
- Business is relationship-based
- Trust is built over time
- Meals and socializing are part of business
- Patience is valued
- Indirect communication is common
- Hard bargaining is expected but should remain friendly
- Don’t pressure for immediate decisions
- Follow up respectfully
Public Behavior
What to Know
In Public Spaces
Generally Acceptable:
- Friendly conversation with strangers
- Asking for directions
- Haggling at markets (expected)
- Taking your time
- Public displays of affection (beyond hand-holding)
- Loud, boisterous behavior
- Public intoxication
- Littering
- Disrespecting the flag or national symbols
- Same-sex relationships are not legally recognized
- Public displays of affection should be avoided
- Exercise discretion
- More information
Rural vs Urban
Different Contexts
Urban Areas (Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls):
- More relaxed about customs
- Western dress and behavior common
- English widely spoken
- More privacy expected
- Traditional customs more strictly observed
- Conservative dress expected
- Greetings more elaborate
- Community-oriented
- Visitors attract attention (friendly)
- Ask permission before entering villages
- Chief or headman should be greeted first
Specific Situations
Safari Camps
- Staff may use first names or “sir/madam”
- Tipping is important (see tipping guide)
- Guides appreciate genuine interest and engagement
- Don’t belittle local knowledge
- Wildlife discussions welcome
- Ask before photographing staff
Markets
- Greeting vendors is essential
- Bargaining is expected (but stay friendly)
- Start at 50-60% of asking price
- Walk away if price is too high (may be called back)
- Don’t touch items you won’t buy
- Keep belongings secure
- Small change is helpful
Taxis and Transport
- Greet your driver
- Agree on price before departure
- Small talk is normal
- Tipping appreciated but not obligatory
- Sitting in front with driver is common (shared taxis)
Gifts and Hospitality
Giving and Receiving
Gift Culture
Giving Gifts:
- Present and receive with both hands or right hand
- Gifts are often not opened immediately
- Don’t expect effusive thanks—it’s considered greedy
- Practical gifts are appreciated
- Expensive gifts may cause discomfort
- Accept graciously
- You don’t need to open immediately
- Reciprocate when possible (not necessarily immediately)
- A verbal thank you is sufficient
- Zimbabwean hospitality is genuine and generous
- Accept what’s offered
- Refusing hospitality causes offense
- Always reciprocate kindness when possible
Language Tips
Helpful Phrases
Basic Shona Phrases
| English | Shona | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Mhoro | m-HO-ro |
| How are you? | Makadii? | mah-kah-DEE |
| I’m fine | Ndiripo | ndee-REE-po |
| Thank you | Maita basa | my-tah BAH-sah |
| Please | Ndapota | ndah-POH-tah |
| Yes | Hongu | HON-goo |
| No | Kwete | KWEH-teh |
| Goodbye | Fambai zvakanaka | fahm-bye zvah-kah-NAH-kah |
| Sorry/Excuse me | Pamusoroi | pah-moo-so-ROY |
| Beautiful | Zvakanaka | zvah-kah-NAH-kah |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cultural Missteps
Don’t:
- Skip greetings and get straight to business
- Photograph without permission
- Assume poverty equals unhappiness
- Make colonial or racial comments
- Tip ostentatiously in front of others
- Refuse offered food or drink without good reason
- Point with your finger (use open hand or lips)
- Touch someone’s head (considered disrespectful)
- Use left hand alone for giving or eating
- Make assumptions based on stereotypes
- Take time for greetings
- Show genuine interest in people
- Be patient and flexible
- Accept hospitality graciously
- Dress modestly in traditional settings
- Ask questions respectfully
- Learn some local phrases
- Respect elders and authority figures
Quick Reference
Last updated: January 2025