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About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Kidnapping Mermaids Living in Zimbabwe Save River

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Zimbabwe Mermaids

Mermaids of the Zimbabwe Save river are the kidnapping type mermaids that kidnap its victims for days, months, years and sometimes, a lifetime.


Zimbabwe Mermaids

Kidnapping Mermaids Living in Zimbabwe Africa

Mermaids have numerous folklore stories around the world, and Zimbabwe Africa is no different.

The Sabi or Save is one of southern Africa's longest rivers stretching 400 miles from Zimbabwe through Mozambique into the Indian Ocean.

The belief in mermaids and other mythical creatures is widespread in Zimbabwe, where many people combine a Christian faith with traditional beliefs. The Save River is believed inhabited by mermaids who drag people underwater and disappear without a trace.

These mermaids are said to be creatures that are half human, half fish and dwell underwater being more active at night than during the day.

Legend has it when people disappeared in the water; they came back years later as traditional healers with strong powers having been taught everything about healing during their time in the underwater world.


Kidnapping Mermaids
The rules of the aquatic realm are very delicate and rituals need to be followed precisely. It is believed a person abducted by mermaids normally comes out of the Zimbabwe river by themselves. 

Some can go for as long as two years, while others for as little as four months however, if such rituals were done before the right time the person could remain underwater forever.
 
There have been many reports of mermaids living in the Save River and people being abducted by mermaids, with most of them being rejected as myths. 

However belief in mermaids, mermaid sightings and the belief mermaids are real is still a very real and powerful belief held by many people living in Zimbabwe.
 
Did you know?
Cultures all over the world have legends of half-human, half-fish creatures that live in river, lakes and seas. The first known mermaid was Atargatis, a fertility goddess who had a tail, much like that of a mermaid's. Mermaids of the Zimbabwe Save river are the kidnapping type mermaids that kidnap its victims for days, months, years and sometimes, a lifetime.
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The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

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🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.