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

Details:

• Location: Park Road, Suburbs

• Hours: Daily 9am-5pm

• Entry fee: $10 USD

• Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit

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

Details:

• Location: Opposite Bulawayo Railway Station

• Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm, Sunday 9am-1pm

• Entry fee: $5 USD

• Allow 1-2 hours for visit

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

Details:

• Location: Fife Street & 8th Avenue

• Exterior viewing anytime

• Interior visits by appointment only

• Photography permitted of exterior

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

Details:

• Location: Corner of 8th Avenue & Fort Street

• Tours: By arrangement with reception

• Restaurant open to public

• Photography may be restricted in certain areas

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

Details:

• Location: 75 Leopold Takawira Avenue

• Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

• Entry fee: $5 USD

• Allow 1-2 hours for visit

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

Details:

• Location: Masotsha Avenue

• Performance schedule varies - check locally

• Ticket prices: $5-15 USD depending on event

• Tours of facility available by arrangement

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

Details:

• Location: Mzilikazi Township

• Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8am-4pm

• Entry: Free (purchases support local artists)

• Guided tours available

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

Details:

• Location: 16km from city center

• Contact Natural History Museum for current status

• Access may be limited during reconstruction

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

Price range: $100-200 USD per night

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

Price range: $60-100 USD per night

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

Price range: $20-60 USD per night

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

Practical Information:

• 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

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

Practical Information:

• 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

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

Practical Information:

• Half-day activity

• Open daily 8:30am-5pm

• Entry fee supports conservation work

• Combine with Khami Ruins for full day

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

Practical Information:

• Advance booking required

• Half or full-day programs

• Transport can be arranged

• Authentic rural experience

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

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

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

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