Paul Hubbard, recently rated one of the top 10 guides in Africa, specialises in historical and archaeological tours throughout Zimbabwe. Built on the foundation of immense interest in and love for the history and archaeology of Zimbabwe, Hubbard’s Historical Tours specialises in leading tours with a difference around the country.
Hubbard’s Historical Tours have gained a loyal following in Bulawayo with our entertaining, well-researched historical dinner talks, Bulawayo of Yesteryear walking tours and Prospector’s pub crawls and, most recently, the appropriately-named Marvellous Makokoba Tour which explores the parts of the city less travelled by tourists and even many locals: the high-density suburbs which form a significant and vibrant part of the city’s historical past.
Our Tours
Marvellous Makokoba Tour
Makokoba is Bulawayo’s oldest high-density suburb, bursting with colourful life mingled with a deep history. This unique walking tour, run in collaboration with Drums of Peace, takes the visitor into the heart of this fascinating suburb, combining culture, history and daily life. Explore the local markets, indulge in traditional food and drink and experience a stimulating and interactive drumming session. Part proceeds from the tour are used to assist with the refurbishment and redevelopment of the Thabiso Youth Centre.
Min 3, Max 10 people.
Single Travellers, please do ask about joining a group departure or arranging your own personalised tour. Tour lasts approx 3-4 hours of walking with rest stops along the way (but this is flexible).
Bulawayo of Yesteryear Tour
Focusing on the architecture and history, this walking tour in Bulawayo immerses the visitor into the life of a developed town while providing a unique viewpoint on urban history in the context of a developing country in Africa.
Min 3, Max 10 pax. Single Travellers, please do ask about joining a group departure or arranging your own personalised tour.
Prospector’s Pub Crawl, Bulawayo
This walk back in time aims to take guests back to the heady days of Bulawayo’s pioneer boom, fuelled by gold and driven by some of the toughest prospectors ever to swing a pick-axe. This tour consists of an afternoon amble where we revel in the charming melange of Bulawayo’s buildings and bars while enjoying a quiet pint or two.
Min 3, Max 10 pax.
Single Travellers, please do ask about joining a group departure or arranging your own personalised tour. Tour lasts approx 3-4 hours of walking with rest stops along the way (but this is flexible).
Land of Strangers: Khami World Heritage Site
At its peak, it was home to at least 8,000 people, who controlled the local gold, metals agricultural and ivory industries and traded with the outside world. The site is extensive, with impressive terraces and platforms built along the Khami River. Good bird watching along the river too. Full and half-day tours are offered.
Min 3, Max 10 pax. Drive 17km to the site – approx. 25 mins from the city centre. Tour lasts up to 4 hours, including walking up and down uneven stone stairways of medium steepness. Entrance fees are not included. Zimbabweans bring an ID to confirm their country of origin.
Spirits and Stones: Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site
Studied by archaeologists and historians for over 120 years, the site has also been the epicentre of many unfounded controversies over who built it, when and for what purposes. Thanks to the work done by competent archaeologists since 1905 it is known without a doubt that Great Zimbabwe was built by the ancestors of the local Shona people between 1250 and 1500 AD. At least a full day – preferably two – is recommended to explore all that this site has to offer. The prime source of Zimbabwe’s pride in its past – the country takes its name from this site – Great Zimbabwe is a site that should not be missed by any visitor to the country.
A day drive to the site from Bulawayo or an overnight stay can be arranged if preferred. Tour includes walking up and down uneven stone stairways of medium steepness. Entrance fees are not included. Zimbabweans bring an ID to confirm their country of origin.
Sustainable Tourism
With community at the heart of our vision for Hubbard’s Historical Tours.
Features
Terms & Conditions
Provisional bookings are held for 7 days from date of the booking, at which time a 20% non-refundable deposit must be paid by the guest/agent/lodge to secure the booking, otherwise, the booking will expire.
Final payment is required thirty (30) days prior to the date of travel.
Reservations will only be confirmed on receipt of proof of payment of 20% deposit. Without proof of payment, reservations may be released to accommodate new business.
Cancellations will be subject to cancellation fees as follows: 30 days – 15 days = 50% ; 14 days – 8 days = 75% ;
7 days – 0 days = 100%
Bank charges applicable for transfers due to refunds are charged to clients’ account. All incoming payments should be gross and bank charges are for the payee’s account.
Children aged 12 years or older will be charged adult rates. Children aged 3-11 pay 50% of the adult rate if sharing with an adult.
Guests booking through an agent or tour operator must present a voucher at the start of a tour or the guest may be asked to settle their account directly with the guide. A scanned copy of the voucher or a record of the voucher number must be received by our reservations office as soon as possible after the booking is confirmed.
Transfers are not included and can be quoted separately.
Guests are urged to take out their own fully comprehensive travel insurance which covers travel delays/cancellations and any unforeseen circumstances such as illness. The company will not be held responsible for cancelled/delayed flights and refunds will not be awarded under these circumstances & in line with Hubbard’s Historical Tours cancellation policies.
Registrations:
Registered as a Professional Tour Guide with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
Member of the Bulawayo Publicity Association
Member of the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association
A Professional Member of the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA)
A Professional Member of the Zimbabwe Association of Professional Archaeologists and Related Disciplines (ZAPARD) – Link not available
A professional member of the Society of Africanist Archaeologists (SAFA)
Add Review
- $$$$
Own or work here?
Nearby places
