Spread the love

Abi’s Journey to Homesteading in Zimbabwe

In 2018, I stumbled across a corner of Instagram that changed everything — accounts dedicated to low-tox, low-waste living. Until then, I hadn’t realised social media could be a source of inspiration and practical knowledge. But those early glimpses sparked something in me. They planted the seed for what would become a deep passion for living more intentionally.

Gardening and cooking from scratch are in my blood. My grandmother and father both had a love for getting their hands in the soil, and I grew up watching my mother cook almost every meal from scratch. It’s no surprise that I’ve found joy in growing our food, raising livestock, and embracing a slower, more grounded lifestyle.

What started as curiosity has grown into a way of life — one rooted in gratitude, simplicity, and self-reliance. This homestead is more than just a place. It’s a reflection of the values I hold dear, and a space where I continue to learn, create, and share.

As for how we got here, to Marondera, Zimbabwe — well, that’s a miraculous story in itself. We had lived in Masvingo for eight years, but when it became clear that we needed to move for our sons’ schooling and to pursue a business venture that had been on my husband’s heart for a long time, we began searching for our next home. We knew we didn’t want to move to a big city like Harare. Marondera, with its excellent schooling options and family already living nearby, felt like a natural, God-led choice.

We searched endlessly, scouring every property ad and viewing more places than I can count. But when we found this smallholding, something clicked. It felt right. The only problem? The price was out of reach. What followed is a story long enough to be a YouTube video (which I’ll get to one day), but the short version is this: we made a humble offer — and to our amazement, the owners accepted.

Now, we live on this beautiful piece of land, amidst a msasa tree woodland.