Bulawayo
Why Visit Bulawayo
Often overlooked in favor of Victoria Falls or Harare, Bulawayo rewards visitors with:- Wide, tree-lined boulevards designed to be wide enough to turn a full span of oxen
- Well-preserved colonial architecture with Art Deco influences
- Rich cultural heritage as the historical capital of the Ndebele kingdom
- Excellent museums showcasing Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural history
- Vibrant arts scene with galleries, theaters, and cultural centers
- Gateway location to Matobo Hills and other attractions
- Friendlier pace than the bustling capital city
- Authentic urban Zimbabwe experience with fewer tourists
Top Attractions
Museums and Historical Sites
Natural History Museum
One of the best museums in southern Africa:
- Extensive wildlife displays with excellent taxidermy
- Complete collection of Zimbabwe’s mammals, birds, and insects
- Geology hall with comprehensive mineral collection
- Archaeological and paleontological exhibits
- Ndebele cultural history displays
- Special exhibits on Cecil Rhodes and colonization
- Location: Park Road, Suburbs
- Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
- Entry fee: $10 USD
- Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit
Railway Museum
Fascinating collection of historic locomotives:
- Vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock
- Cecil Rhodes’ personal railway coach
- Colonial-era railway equipment and memorabilia
- History of railway development in Zimbabwe
- Signaling equipment and interactive displays
- Excellent for train enthusiasts and history buffs
- Location: Opposite Bulawayo Railway Station
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm, Sunday 9am-1pm
- Entry fee: $5 USD
- Allow 1-2 hours for visit
Bulawayo City Hall & Square
Impressive colonial administrative center:
- Beautifully preserved 1940s architecture
- Center of Bulawayo’s administrative district
- Statue of Joshua Nkomo, “Father of Zimbabwe”
- Historical exhibits in the Tower Block
- Original clock tower still functioning
- Walking tours available with advance booking
- Location: Fife Street & 8th Avenue
- Exterior viewing anytime
- Interior visits by appointment only
- Photography permitted of exterior
Bulawayo Club
Historic gentleman’s club now operating as hotel:
- Colonial-era architecture and interior preserved
- Original furniture and fixtures from 1935
- Historic library and bar areas
- Photos and memorabilia from colonial period
- Now operating as boutique hotel with restaurant
- Guided tours available for non-guests
- Location: Corner of 8th Avenue & Fort Street
- Tours: By arrangement with reception
- Restaurant open to public
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas
Cultural Attractions
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Premier art institution in Bulawayo:
- Contemporary Zimbabwean art exhibitions
- Traditional craft displays
- Rotating international exhibits
- Emphasis on Ndebele artistic traditions
- Art workshops and educational programs
- Gallery shop with local artworks
- Location: 75 Leopold Takawira Avenue
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm, Saturday 9am-1pm
- Entry fee: $5 USD
- Allow 1-2 hours for visit
Amakhosi Cultural Centre
Hub of performing arts in Bulawayo:
- Theater productions in multiple languages
- Traditional dance performances
- Music concerts and festivals
- Youth arts development programs
- Cultural workshops for visitors
- Restaurant serving traditional foods
- Location: Masotsha Avenue
- Performance schedule varies - check locally
- Ticket prices: $5-15 USD depending on event
- Tours of facility available by arrangement
Mzilikazi Arts & Crafts Centre
Working craft center featuring local artisans:
- Wood carving demonstrations
- Pottery and ceramics studios
- Basket weaving and textiles
- Traditional and contemporary designs
- Direct purchase from craftspeople
- Training facility for new artisans
- Location: Mzilikazi Township
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8am-4pm
- Entry: Free (purchases support local artists)
- Guided tours available
Old Bulawayo (KoBulawayo)
Reconstruction of King Lobengula’s royal town:
- Reconstructed royal enclosure
- Traditional Ndebele homestead layout
- Cultural demonstrations and exhibitions
- Interpretive center with historical information
- Insight into pre-colonial Ndebele kingdom
- Note: Site was damaged by fire; reconstruction ongoing
- Location: 16km from city center
- Contact Natural History Museum for current status
- Access may be limited during reconstruction
Parks and Recreation
Green spaces and recreational areas in and near Bulawayo:Centenary Park
- Central urban park with gardens and walking paths
- Vintage steam locomotive display
- Children’s playground and picnic areas
- Periodic events and festivals
- Located near Natural History Museum
- Free entry, open daily
- Two dams in beautiful natural setting
- Walking trails around the water
- Bird watching opportunities (150+ species)
- Restaurant with scenic views
- Fishing permitted with license
- Small entry fee, open daily 6am-6pm
- Small wildlife reserve 10km from city
- Game drives and walking trails
- Giraffe, zebra, impala, and other antelope
- Excellent bird watching
- Picnic facilities available
- Entry fee: $10 USD, open daily
- Historic 18-hole course established 1895
- Colonial-era clubhouse with restaurant
- Green fees reasonable for visitors
- Equipment rental available
- Located in Suburbs area
- Prior booking recommended weekends
Neighborhoods to Explore
City Centre / CBD
City Centre / CBD
The historic heart of Bulawayo:
- Wide colonial-era streets laid out in grid pattern
- Art Deco and neoclassical architecture
- Main administrative and commercial buildings
- Historic hotels and churches
- Banking and business district
- Shopping areas along Main Street and 9th Avenue
- Most compact and walkable during daylight hours
- Photography opportunities for architectural enthusiasts
- Historical plaques mark significant buildings
- Main Street has interesting colonial-era shops
- Most museums within walking distance
Suburbs
Suburbs
Leafy residential district with character:
- Established in colonial era for European residents
- Grand old homes with spacious gardens
- Tree-lined avenues with jacarandas
- Natural History Museum located here
- Hillside Dams nearby
- Several good restaurants and cafes
- Pleasant area for walking or driving
- Some historic homes converted to guesthouses
- More relaxed atmosphere than city center
- Centenary Park located on northern edge
- Several good accommodation options
Mzilikazi & Makokoba
Mzilikazi & Makokoba
Historic township areas with cultural significance:
- Oldest township areas in Bulawayo
- Vibrant street life and local atmosphere
- Mzilikazi Arts & Crafts Centre
- Stanley Square historical meeting place
- Local markets and street food
- Site of cultural resistance during colonial period
- Best visited with local guide
- Authentic urban Zimbabwean experience
- Respect local customs when photographing
- Support local businesses when visiting
- Weekend mornings particularly lively
Ascot & Bradfield
Ascot & Bradfield
Shopping and dining districts:
- Ascot Shopping Centre with supermarkets and shops
- Bradfield Shopping Centre’s cafes and restaurants
- More modern commercial establishments
- Popular with locals for everyday shopping
- Several good dining options
- Banks and services available
- Good areas for practical shopping needs
- Several internet cafes and mobile service providers
- Popular coffee shops and meeting spots
- More contemporary feel than historic center
- Local interaction opportunities
Food and Dining
Bulawayo offers diverse dining experiences from traditional to international cuisine:Traditional Zimbabwean Cuisine
- Induna Foods: Authentic sadza and traditional relishes
- New Orleans Restaurant: Local dishes with modern presentation
- Amakhosi Cultural Centre: Traditional meals by arrangement
- Township Eating Spots: For the adventurous, with local guide
- The Cattleman: Steakhouse with game meat options
- La Plaza: Mediterranean cuisine with outdoor seating
- Haefeli’s Swiss Bakery & Café: European pastries and coffee
- The Deck @ Houseboaters Association: Casual international menu
- Bon Journée Café: Popular coffee spot with light meals
- Café Baku: Art café with sandwiches and beverages
- Bulawayo Club: Colonial-style afternoon tea
- Parkie’s StreetFood: Local fast food options
- Most restaurants close relatively early (by 9pm)
- Reservations recommended for dinner at higher-end places
- Many establishments closed on Sundays or have limited hours
- Tipping (10%) appreciated but not always expected
- Water shortages may affect some restaurants; bottled water recommended
Accommodation
Historic Luxury
Properties with character and history:
- Nesbitt Castle: Gothic-style castle hotel with gardens
- Bulawayo Club: Colonial gentleman’s club converted to hotel
- Banff Lodge Hotel: Colonial-era property with modern amenities
Mid-range
Comfortable, good-value options:
- Holiday Inn Bulawayo: Reliable international standard
- Cresta Churchill Hotel: Central location, business-friendly
- Digby’s Boutique B&B: Charming converted home
- Selborne Hotel: Historic hotel with character
Budget
Affordable accommodation:
- Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel: Simple rooms in convenient location
- Bulawayo Backpackers: Dormitory and private rooms
- Matopo Hills Lodge Budget Rooms: Outside city near national park
- Travellers Guest House: Basic but clean accommodation
Practical Information
How Much Time to Spend
How Much Time to Spend
- Minimum: 1-2 days for main city highlights
- Comfortable: 3 days to explore city and nearby Matobo Hills
- Extended: 4-5 days to use as base for regional exploration
- Day 1: City center museums and architecture
- Day 2: Full-day excursion to Matobo Hills
- Day 3: Cultural sites and township visits
Getting Around
Getting Around
Transportation Options:
- Walking: City center compact and walkable
- Taxis: Readily available but unmetered (negotiate fare)
- Car Rental: Several agencies with reasonable rates
- Tour Services: For trips to surrounding attractions
- By Air: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (connecting flights from Harare and Johannesburg)
- By Rail: Limited passenger service
- By Bus: Regular connections from Harare (6 hours), Victoria Falls (5-6 hours)
- By Road: Well-maintained highways connect major cities
Money Matters
Money Matters
- USD accepted at most businesses
- ATMs available but sometimes unreliable
- Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards
- Cash preferred for smaller establishments
- No currency exchange needed if using USD
- Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) sometimes used for small transactions
- Keep small USD denominations for daily expenses
Safety & Etiquette
Safety & Etiquette
Safety Tips:
- Bulawayo generally safer than Harare
- Normal urban precautions apply
- City center safe for daytime walking
- Avoid isolated areas after dark
- Keep valuables secure and inconspicuous
- Use hotel safes for important documents
- Greetings important before conducting business
- Conservative dress appreciated, especially in official buildings
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Some traditional areas have specific customs - follow guide advice
- Respect for elders important in Ndebele culture
Day Trips from Bulawayo
Matobo Hills National Park
UNESCO World Heritage site (35km south):
- Dramatic granite formations and balancing rocks
- Wildlife including white rhino and leopard
- Ancient San rock art sites
- Cecil Rhodes’ grave at “World’s View”
- Excellent guided tours available
- Combined cultural and natural attraction
- Allow full day
- Guide recommended for rock art and rhino tracking
- Accessible by rental car or tour
- Combined tickets available at some hotels
- Several lodges in park for overnight stays
Khami Ruins
UNESCO site showcasing ancient civilization (22km west):
- Second largest stone ruins in Zimbabwe after Great Zimbabwe
- 15th-17th century trading center
- Impressive stone walls and platforms
- Museum with artifacts from the site
- Less visited than Great Zimbabwe
- Archaeological site of major importance
- Half-day trip from Bulawayo
- Limited facilities - bring water and snacks
- Best in morning when lighting is good for photography
- Combine with city tour for full day
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
Animal rescue and rehabilitation center (14km east):
- Injured and orphaned wildlife rehabilitation
- Educational displays and guided tours
- Focus on conservation education
- Close encounters with various species
- Family-friendly activity
- Support goes to wildlife conservation
- Half-day activity
- Open daily 8:30am-5pm
- Entry fee supports conservation work
- Combine with Khami Ruins for full day
Unto the Nations Farm
Rural experience showcasing sustainable farming (30km north):
- Working farm demonstration
- Traditional agricultural methods
- Farm-to-table meal experiences
- Cultural performances arranged
- Local craft demonstrations
- Educational for all ages
- Advance booking required
- Half or full-day programs
- Transport can be arranged
- Authentic rural experience
Best Times to Visit
Bulawayo enjoys a pleasant climate year-round with distinct seasons:April-May (Autumn)
- Weather: Mild days (22-25°C), cooler evenings
- Advantages: Pleasant temperatures, post-rainy season greenery
- Considerations: Occasional late rains possible
- Events: Bulawayo Arts Festival preparations
- Weather: Warm sunny days (18-22°C), cold nights (can drop to 5-10°C)
- Advantages: Very dry, clear skies, ideal for sightseeing
- Considerations: Cold mornings and evenings require layers
- Events: Intwasa Arts Festival (late August/September)
- Weather: Increasingly hot (25-32°C), very dry
- Advantages: Jacaranda trees in bloom creating purple-lined streets
- Considerations: Can be uncomfortably hot by late October
- Events: Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (September)
- Weather: Warm (23-28°C) with afternoon thunderstorms
- Advantages: Lush landscapes, fewer tourists
- Considerations: Rain can disrupt outdoor activities
- Events: Festive season celebrations (December)
Bulawayo for Different Travelers
History Enthusiasts
Perfect for those interested in colonial and African history:
- Walking tour of colonial architecture
- Railway Museum for transportation history
- Natural History Museum’s comprehensive exhibits
- Nearby archaeological sites like Khami Ruins
- Old Bulawayo historical site
- Specialized historical tours available
- Archives accessible for serious researchers
Culture Seekers
Rich cultural experiences:
- Traditional dance performances at Amakhosi Cultural Centre
- National Gallery exhibitions of local artists
- Mzilikazi Arts Centre for craft demonstrations
- Township tours for urban cultural immersion
- Interaction with Ndebele craftspeople
- Local music performances at various venues
- Cultural festivals throughout the year
Families
Child-friendly activities and considerations:
- Natural History Museum’s interactive exhibits
- Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage for animal encounters
- Centenary Park with open spaces and playground
- Railway Museum’s impressive locomotives
- Family-friendly accommodations with pools
- Safe, walkable city center for exploration
- Numerous picnic spots in and around the city
Budget Travelers
Maximizing experiences while minimizing costs:
- Affordable guesthouses and hostels
- Self-guided walking tours of historic architecture
- Free or low-cost museums compared to other cities
- Reasonable public transportation
- Inexpensive local eateries with authentic food
- Budget-friendly day trips to nearby attractions
- Local markets for affordable souvenirs
Shopping
Places to purchase authentic Zimbabwean crafts and souvenirs:Traditional Crafts
- Mzilikazi Arts & Crafts Centre: Direct from artisans
- Jacaranda Craft Centre: Quality crafts with fixed prices
- National Gallery Shop: Higher-end art pieces
- Wayside vendors: Throughout town (bargaining expected)
- Central Market: Variety of goods in city center
- Sunday Market: Weekend crafts and fresh produce
- Ascot Farmers Market: Local products (Saturday mornings)
- Bulawayo Centre: Indoor market stalls
- Ndebele beadwork: Distinctive geometric patterns
- Stone sculptures: Smaller versions of Zimbabwe’s famous art form
- Wood carvings: Traditional and contemporary designs
- Basketry: Particularly fine in this region
- Textiles: Batik and printed fabrics
- Bargaining expected at markets and with street vendors (not in formal shops)
- Start at approximately 60-70% of initial asking price
- Quality varies greatly - inspect items carefully
- Get receipts for major purchases
- Zimbabwe’s export rules protect certain antiquities - check before purchasing old items
Local Experiences
Immersive activities to connect with local culture:Township Tours
- Guided walks through historic Makokoba and Mzilikazi
- Insight into daily life and community history
- Local food sampling options
- Interaction with residents and artisans
- Cultural context from knowledgeable guides
- Support for community initiatives
- Amakhosi Theatre for scheduled productions
- Traditional dance demonstrations
- Drum workshops and participatory music
- School and community performance groups
- Special events during cultural festivals
- Learn to prepare traditional Ndebele and Zimbabwean dishes
- Market shopping for ingredients with local cooks
- Understanding food’s cultural significance
- Hands-on preparation of sadza and relishes
- Family recipes and cooking techniques
- Available through specialized tour operators
- Community garden visits
- Sustainable farming initiatives
- Traditional and modern growing techniques
- Food security projects
- Interaction with urban farmers
- Insight into everyday resilience