The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Zimbabwe.

The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is known for more than its iconic wildlife and Victoria Falls. Its rich cultural heritage offers travelers deep insights into African traditions, tribal customs, ancient kingdoms, and everyday local life. Here are the 10 best cultural tours in Zimbabwe to explore the soul of the nation.

1. Great Zimbabwe Ruins—Echoes of an Ancient Kingdom

Step into the heart of Zimbabwe’s history at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These 11th-century stone structures once formed the capital of a powerful African kingdom. The conical towers, walls, and ancient paths offer clues to Zimbabwe’s royal past.

Best For: History lovers and archaeological explorers
Tip: Visit with a local guide for stories that bring the ruins to life
Idea: Combine with a cultural dance show in nearby Masvingo

2. Matobo Hills Rock Art and Spirit World

The Matobo Hills are sacred to the Shona and Ndebele people and are dotted with ancient rock art, believed to be more than 13,000 years old. The caves, granite domes, and spiritual shrines make it a powerful cultural and spiritual tour.

Best For: Spiritual heritage and San rock art
Tip: Ask to visit a traditional rainmaking shrine
Idea: Include a hike with a local guide to see the best-preserved art

3. Ndebele Village Experience – Colorful Homesteads and Art

Near Bulawayo, you can visit a traditional Ndebele village, famous for vibrant geometric murals, beadwork, and distinct customs. Guests are welcomed with traditional songs, storytelling, and a hands-on look at daily life.

Best For: Immersive cultural experience
Tip: Buy hand-painted crafts directly from local women
Idea: Schedule your visit during a local festival or ceremony

4. Shona Sculpture Tour in Harare

The Shona people are globally renowned for stone sculpture. A tour in Harare or nearby Tengenenge Sculpture Village allows you to meet artists, watch them carve, and understand the spiritual meaning behind each piece.

Best For: Art and cultural collectors
Tip: Visit in the morning to see artists at work
Idea: Buy a small piece and ship it home as a cultural souvenir

5. Mbira Music and Dance Workshop

The mbira, or thumb piano, is more than an instrument—it’s a spiritual symbol in Zimbabwean tradition. Take a workshop in Harare or Mutare to learn the rhythms, dances, and songs that connect generations.

Best For: Music lovers and cultural learners
Tip: Join an evening jam session with locals for authentic energy
Idea: Record your own mbira song as a keepsake

6. Khami Ruins—Ancient Trade Center

Located near Bulawayo, Khami Ruins was once a major trading hub for gold, ivory, and textiles. The terraced stone walls and ruins reflect a rich architectural legacy from the Torwa Dynasty.

Best For: Ancient trade history and archaeology
Tip: Go with a historian-guide to understand the layout
Idea: Combine with a picnic at the Khami Dam

7. Rural Village Homestay in Eastern Highlands

Spend a night in a local rural homestead near Mutare or Nyanga. Participate in daily activities like cooking, farming, storytelling, and dancing. It’s a full cultural immersion into Zimbabwe’s hospitality and community life.

Best For: Authentic rural living and immersive travel
Tip: Respect local customs and ask before taking photos
Idea: Carry gifts like notebooks, sugar, or salt as a cultural exchange

8. Traditional Healer (N’anga) Consultation

Zimbabwe’s traditional medicine is deeply rooted in belief systems and ancestral spirits. Visit a n’anga (traditional healer) with the help of a local guide to learn about herbal remedies, spirit consultations, and the role of ancestors.

Best For: Cultural depth and spiritual insight
Tip: Be respectful and open-minded; this is a sacred practice
Idea: Learn about commonly used herbs in Zimbabwean healing

9. Bulawayo Historical Walking Tour

Explore the colonial and cultural heritage of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. Visit the Natural History Museum, Railway Museum, and local galleries. The city’s architecture blends Victorian and African designs.

Best For: Urban culture and historic insights
Tip: End your walk with traditional food at a local eatery
Idea: Include a stop at the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre

10. Domboshava Rock Art and Sacred Hills

Just outside Harare, Domboshava Hill is known for its prehistoric rock art and panoramic views. The site is sacred to local communities and offers an easy day tour combining hiking, spirituality, and art.

Best For: Day trip from Harare and cultural storytelling
Tip: Climb to the top for sunset and photo opportunities
Idea: Ask your guide to share the legends linked to the site

When to Take a Cultural Tour in Zimbabwe

Dry seasons from May to October offer clear skies and better road conditions for rural travel. Many communities host festivals in August and September, offering deeper cultural immersion.

Why Cultural Tours Matter in Zimbabwe

These tours connect you with real people, stories, and traditions. Beyond wildlife and landscapes, Zimbabwe’s heart beats in its culture—from the echoes of ancient kingdoms to the rhythms of the mbira and the warmth of rural communities.

Plan Your Cultural Safari Today

At VisitRwandaGorilla.com, we help you blend cultural tours with wildlife safaris, adventure travel, and more. Want to add Great Zimbabwe or a Shona sculpture workshop to your itinerary?

👉 Contact us now for tailor-made Zimbabwe cultural experiences.