Museums, galleries, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage
Zimbabwe is a country rich in art and history, offering travelers a chance to delve into its cultural heritage through museums, galleries, and historical landmarks.
The Matobo Hills, located near Bulawayo, is home to some of the best-preserved rock art sites in Zimbabwe.
These ancient paintings, created by the San people, date back thousands of years and are scattered across the hillsides. The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe manage these sites, ensuring their preservation. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the meanings and methods behind the art.
The National Gallery in Harare and the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences are two of the top museums to visit.
The National Gallery features contemporary Zimbabwean art and hosts rotating exhibitions, while the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences offers exhibits on the country’s human history, including the famous Lemba artifacts. Both museums charge a modest entry fee, with discounts available for students and seniors.
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, located near Masvingo, are a top-rated for history enthusiasts.
This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the late Iron Age. The ruins cover a vast area, with the well-known Great Enclosure and the Hill Complex as highlights. Allow at least half a day to see, and consider hiring a local guide for a more informative visit.
Zimbabwe's cultural landscape is shaped by the Shona and Ndebele peoples, with the Shona making up about 70% of the population. Local markets, such as Mbare, feature intricate stone sculptures priced between $50 and $200. The Ndebele Umthayi Festival in June showcases traditional dances, making it an ideal time to visit.
Zimbabwe's cultural landscape is shaped by its two major ethnic groups: the Shona, making up roughly 80% of the population, and the Ndebele, about 15%. A typical meal featuring sadza costs around $3 to $5, with average temperatures in Harare ranging from 60°F in June to 90°F in January.
Matobo Hills features rock art created by the San Bushman dating back over 13,000 years. Entrance fees to the national park are ZWL$20 per person. The site spans approximately 3,000 square kilometers and contains over 3,000 individual paintings, illustrating a rich cultural heritage vital to Zimbabwe's history.
The Khami Ruins, located 22 kilometers west of Bulawayo, were the capital of the Rozvi state from 1450 to 1650 AD. This UNESCO site spans 5 square kilometers and charges an entrance fee of $5. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid temperatures that can exceed 30°C during the day.
Bulawayo's self-guided walking tour begins at the National Gallery, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with an entrance fee of $10. The Railway Museum, located just 1 kilometer away, charges $5 and showcases historic locomotives. For cultural performances at Amakhosi Cultural Centre, expect ticket prices between $10 and $20.
Dhlo-Dhlo and Naletale Ruins, dating back to the 15th century, showcase Zimbabwe's ancient stone architecture. Entrance fees are ZWL$10 per person, while guided tours cost around ZWL$50. Located approximately 290 kilometers from Harare, these ruins are significant remnants of the Great Zimbabwe civilization, highlighting the country’s rich historical heritage.
Great Zimbabwe, constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries, spans over 722 hectares, making it one of the largest ancient stone structures in sub-Saharan Africa. Entry fees are 15 USD (approximately 485 ZWL) for adults. In comparison, the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, established around 1075, was significantly smaller at 28 hectares.
The Great Zimbabwe National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, features stone ruins spanning 722 hectares. Entrance fees are USD 15 for foreign visitors, while local residents pay ZWL 5. The site dates back to the 11th century and is located 30 kilometers from Masvingo, Zimbabwe's oldest town.
Khami Ruins, located 22 km west of Bulawayo, date back to the 15th century and cover approximately 2 square kilometers. Entrance fees are ZWL 20 for locals and ZWL 50 for international visitors. The site features stone walls up to 5 meters high, reflecting the Kingdom of Zimbabwe’s former capital.
In Harare, authentic Shona sculptures range from ZWL$5,000 to ZWL$50,000, depending on size and intricacy. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe, established in 1957, showcases notable pieces and hosts an annual exhibition in September, attracting collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Matobo Hills, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, features ancient rock art dating back over 2,000 years. Rhino tracking tours are available for approximately ZWL$3,500 per person, with optimal wildlife viewing temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C, making it a prime location for nature enthusiasts.
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, located about 30 kilometers from Masvingo, are accessible daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. Entry fees are $10 for foreign visitors and $5 for locals. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when temperatures are more moderate and crowds are smaller.
In Harare, Castle Lager, produced since 1890, costs around ZWL$ 60 for a 330ml bottle, while Zambezi Lager is priced at ZWL$ 70. Local craft beers, like the Chibuku Super, are available for ZWL$ 50. Beer gardens often feature live music, enhancing the local drinking culture.
Cecil Rhodes' grave at World's View, established in 1902, lies approximately 32 kilometers from Harare. Visitors can enjoy the site for a nominal entry fee of 2 Zimbabwean dollars. The area is known for its panoramic views, with temperatures often ranging from 15°C to 25°C throughout the year.
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