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Ruzivo
A journey to Zimbabwe
Experience the ancient music, dance, culture and spirit of Zimbabwe
ABOUT THE TRIP - Ruzivo offers a rare and unique
opportunity to experience Zimbabwe from within the culture.
Participants are not treated as outsiders or tourists but as
honoured guests and friends of the community. Visitors are
encouraged to take part in every aspect of Zimbabwean life from
eating the traditional food to partaking in sacred ceremonies.
It is our wish that guests of Ruzivo share in the truly
enriching experience of everyday life in Zimbabwe.
 RUZIVO
CENTER - Participants will be based at the Ruzivo center
which is surrounded by the flourishing village of Chiriseri,
known for its vibrant musicians, dancers, healers and spirit
mediums. Rusivo's first stage of construction was completed in
June 1999 and includes: Kitchen and dining hut, dance grounds,
rustic toilettes and bathing facilities as well as a thatched
two story round house that can accommodate up to 24 people.
Ruzivo is built on a sacred mountain that was donated by Sekuru
Mandere (a Mhondoro spirit medium who resides in Chiriseri) for
the purpose of sharing between people of different cultures. It
is Sekuru Manderes belief that the people of the world must come
together and unite their strengths. It is in the spirit of this
vision that Mandere has offered this land, as a place where
others can learn and receive the wisdom Zimbabwe has to share
with the rest of the world.
CLASSES, WORKSHOPS and PERFORMANCES - The center will
be visited by some of Zimbabwe's most renowned musicians and
dancers who will teach workshops in the areas of marimba, mbira,
song, hosho, drum and dance depending on the special interests
of the participants. Teachers and performers will join us around
a nightly fire for discussions, jams and informal performances.
Lectures will be held on Shona culture and its ancient belief
system. Visitors are welcome to participate in certain
ceremonies and assist in the collecting and administering (when
appropriate) of traditional medicines if their interest lies in
these areas.
 EXCURSIONS
- From the center, participants will make overnight visits and
day trips to other villages, renowned for their healers, spirit
mediums, musicians and special ceremonies. We will also visit
sacred and historical sites, traditional markets, museums, art
galleries and restaurants as well as sample the night life in
Harare which boasts one of the most exciting live music scenes
in Africa.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION - Sleeping and bathing
facilities are comfortable yet rustic. The food offered is very
similar to the Shonas traditional diet which is based on their
staple food Sadza (stiff corn porridge) eaten with sides of
seasonal vegetables as well as chicken or beef. Arrangements for
vegetarians can also be made. Special effort is made to provide
a reasonable variety of food cooked in a clean and sanitary way
that is easy on even the weakest of stomachs.
 ADDITIONAL
SIGHTSEEING TOUR - For participants who would like to visit
the various tourist destinations in Zimbabwe, Ruzivo offers an
extra one week tour for an additional fee. Accompanied by our
official guides, participants may visit; Victoria Falls, the
worlds largest waterfall; Ilwange National Park, one of Southern
Africa's greatest wildlife reserves; and the Great Zimbabwe
Ruins, ancient symbol of Zimbabwe's cultural heritage.
Accommodations range from moderate hotels to backpackers lodges.
COST AND DATES - Costs include all food,
accommodation, workshops, classes, performances at Ruzivo,
entrance fees to art galleries and or museums as well as all
transportation within Zimbabwe.
(new dates and fees will be posted soon)
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For further information please
contact Curtis Johnson, 505-281-0616
or
info@panjea.org |
