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Bulawayo, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Bulawayo

Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and colonial history. Known as the 'City of Kings,' this industrial hub was once the capital of the Matabele Kingdom and later became a major railway junction during the colonial era. Today, Bulawayo captivates visitors with its wide tree-lined streets, impressive Victorian architecture, and busy arts scene that reflects both traditional Ndebele culture and contemporary African creativity. The city serves as an excellent gateway to some of Zimbabwe's most spectacular attractions, including the nearby Matobo National Park with its ancient rock formations and the famous Khami Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bulawayo's relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and affordable prices make it an ideal base for exploring the southwestern region of Zimbabwe while experiencing authentic urban African culture away from the typical tourist crowds.

Top Bulawayo

Matobo National Park

Venture into this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its massive granite rock formations, ancient San rock art, and diverse wildlife including the world's highest concentration of leopards and black eagles. The park also houses Cecil Rhodes' grave at World's View, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Wildlife viewing opportunities include rhino tracking on foot and spotting various antelope species among the unique balancing rocks.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are around $15 for international visitors, and guided rhino walks cost an additional $20-30. Book accommodation within the park well in advance during dry season (May-October) as lodges fill up quickly. Choose operators with certified guides for wildlife walks and ensure they provide proper safety equipment.

Natural History Museum

Discover one of Africa's finest natural history museums, housing an impressive collection of wildlife specimens, geological displays, and cultural artifacts. The museum features extensive exhibits on Zimbabwe's biodiversity, including the famous elephant hall and complete displays of local bird species. The ethnographic section showcases traditional Ndebele culture, crafts, and historical artifacts from the region.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $5 for international visitors, and the museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit, and consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 to gain deeper insights into the exhibits. Photography may require an additional permit fee.

Tour Khami Ruins

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the remains of a 15th-century city that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Butua. The ruins showcase sophisticated dry-stone architecture with terraced platforms, decorative walls, and evidence of an advanced civilization that controlled gold and ivory trade routes. The site offers insights into pre-colonial African urban planning and architectural techniques.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are approximately $10 for international visitors, and the site is best visited in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Hire a certified guide for $15-20 to fully understand the historical significance and architectural features. Bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes as there's limited shade.

Railway Museum

Step back in time at this fascinating museum showcasing Zimbabwe's railway heritage with vintage locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia. The collection includes steam engines dating back to the early 1900s, luxury passenger cars, and exhibits detailing the construction of the railway line from Cape Town to Cairo. Visitors can climb aboard historic trains and learn about the railway's crucial role in the region's development.

Booking Tip: Admission is around $3-5, and guided tours are available for an additional $5-10. The museum is typically open daily except Mondays, and photography is usually permitted without extra charges. Visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience and better access to exhibits.

Local Art Scene

spend time in Bulawayo's thriving arts community by visiting local galleries, Kampala, and artist studios showcasing contemporary Zimbabwean art, traditional Ndebele crafts, and innovative sculptures. The city is renowned for its stone sculptors, painters, and craftspeople who blend traditional techniques with modern themes. Many artists welcome visitors to their workshops to observe the creative process firsthand.

Booking Tip: Gallery visits are often free, while workshop tours may cost $5-15 depending on the artist and duration. The best time to visit artist studios is during weekday mornings when artists are typically working. Negotiate respectfully when purchasing artwork, and ask about shipping options for larger pieces.

Getting There

Bulawayo is accessible via Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, which receives domestic flights from Harare and occasional regional flights from South Africa. The most common route for international travelers is flying into Harare's Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and taking a connecting domestic flight (1 hour) or driving/taking a bus (4-5 hours). Overland options include well-maintained buses from Harare, Victoria Falls, and South African border towns, with several reputable companies offering comfortable coach services. The city is also reachable by road from Botswana via the Plumtree border crossing, making it a popular entry point for travelers exploring southern Africa.

Getting Around

Bulawayo's city center is compact and walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance of each other. Local transportation options include affordable commuter omnibuses (kombis) that connect different suburbs, though routes can be confusing for first-time visitors. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances, while ride-hailing services operate in the city center. For visiting attractions outside the city like Matobo National Park or Khami Ruins, renting a car provides the most flexibility, though guided tour operators offer convenient day trips that include transportation and often provide better value for solo travelers.

Where to Stay

City Center
Suburbs (Hillside)
Burnside
Matsheumhlope
Kumalo
Northend

Food & Dining

Bulawayo's dining scene offers a delightful mix of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine, international flavors, and local specialties that reflect the city's cultural diversity. Local restaurants serve excellent sadza (cornmeal staple) with various relishes, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables, while several establishments offer Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. The city is famous for its steakhouses and braai (barbecue) culture, with many venues featuring outdoor seating and live music. Street food vendors around the city center provide affordable local snacks, and the central market offers fresh produce and traditional foods. Most restaurants are reasonably priced, making dining out accessible, and many establishments welcome visitors to try local specialties like mopane worms or traditional beer.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zimbabwe

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Lookout Cafe - Wild Horizons

4.6 /5
(2048 reviews) 2
bar cafe store

Dusty Road Township Experience

4.6 /5
(313 reviews) 2

KwaTerry The traditional restaurant

4.6 /5
(297 reviews)

Baines Restaurant

4.8 /5
(261 reviews)
bar cafe

MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(252 reviews)

Khaya Nyama Wombles

4.7 /5
(210 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Bulawayo is during the dry season from May to October, when temperatures are mild, rainfall is minimal, and wildlife viewing conditions are excellent in nearby national parks. Days are warm and sunny (20-25°C/68-77°F) while nights can be cool, especially in June and July when temperatures may drop to near freezing. The wet season (November to April) brings hot temperatures, high humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, though the landscape is lush and green during this period. April and May offer a good compromise with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, while September and October can be quite hot but offer excellent game viewing as animals concentrate around water sources.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at official bureaus or banks rather than on the street, and carry US dollars as they're widely accepted alongside Zimbabwean dollars
Book accommodations and tours in advance during peak season (June-September) as options are limited compared to other Zimbabwean destinations
Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting cultural sites and always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas around the city

Activities in Bulawayo