Chief Shana hosts Cultural Festival

Jun 04, 2026

This May, communities gathered in Jambezi, Zimbabwe (located in the Hwange District, about 45 miles west of Victoria Falls), for one of the region’s most important cultural events. The Annual Culture Festival, which is led by traditional Chief Shana in partnership with Zimbabwe National Museums - brought together community members with different backgrounds to celebrate traditions, languages, music, food and customs that have been passed down through generations. This was a time and space where history was remembered, stories were shared and the younger generation was given an opportunity to connect with who they are, and where they come from.

On May 29th, Gwango was proud to be part of those celebrations. While most people know us for wildlife, hospitality and tourism, there has also been a long running initiative underway to document, preserve and share the history of Zimbabwe’s people. Cultural preservation has been an important part of our work at Gwango and, a few years back for example, we realised that very little was known about the Nambya people and other tribes in the region. So in true Gwango spirit, we decided to dig deeper into history and we documented the stories of local village heads and traditional leaders. We saw this as an opportunity to preserve what we learned for future generations, as well as to expand and showcase heritage as part of tourism. In 2014, driven by that curiosity and respect for the rich heritage of the Nambya, the journey began. That has led to what is now known as the BaNambya Cultural Exhibit, at Gwango Heritage Resort in Hwange, where guests can learn about the origins, traditions and experiences of the BaNambya people. Participating in events such as the Annual Culture Festival has therefore become a natural extension of that work.

At the festival, Gwango presented an exhibit on the BaNambya culture, alongside a display on Gobelo (a community enterprise established in Zimbabwe by the owners of Gwango, that is transforming the impact of tourism by blending wilderness and culture with culinary innovation to create products and experiences that uplift entire communities.) The exhibit traced the history, traditions and folklore that has been gathered over the years. Visitors had an opportunity to learn more about the journey of the BaNambya people (who originate from Great Zimbabwe), their connection to the region (and its architectural sites) and some of the cultural practices that continue to be preserved today.

The festival itself provided a wonderful opportunity to see culture being lived rather than simply discussed. Traditional music and dance performances took place throughout the event, indigenous languages were celebrated and community members showcased foods that formed part of the diets of previous generations. For many young people, it was an opportunity to experience customs and traditions that may not always be part of daily life anymore.

Events like these serve an important purpose. They create space for communities to remember, document and celebrate knowledge that could otherwise be lost over time. They also remind us that culture is not something that belongs only in history books or museums. It continues to exist through language, food, music, stories and the choices people make every day to keep traditions alive.

For Gwango, being part of Chief Shana’s Annual Culture Festival was simply a continuation of conversations that began many years ago and a show of support for the people who are working to preserve and share these stories for future generations. If you would like to learn more about the BaNambya people during your visit to Hwange, be sure to spend some time exploring the BaNambya Cultural Exhibit at Gwango Heritage Resort or book an official Cultural Tour. It remains one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the history and heritage of the place we call home.