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Bulawayo, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Bulawayo

Things to Do in Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, stands as a cultural and historical powerhouse known as the 'City of Kings.' Founded in the 1840s as the capital of the Ndebele Kingdom under King Mzilikazi, this vibrant metropolis seamlessly blends colonial architecture with modern African urban life. The city serves as the gateway to some of Zimbabwe's most spectacular attractions, including the world-renowned Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. The heart of Bulawayo pulses with energy along its wide, tree-lined streets where art galleries, craft markets, and traditional beer halls create a authentic Zimbabwean experience. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Matobo Hills, ancient rock formations that hold both geological and spiritual significance. The city's rich railway heritage, evident in its impressive train station and steam locomotive museum, tells the story of southern Africa's industrial development.

Top Things to Do in Bulawayo

Explore Matobo National Park

Discover ancient San rock art and unique granite formations in this UNESCO World Heritage site just 35km from the city. The park offers exceptional wildlife viewing including the world's highest concentration of leopards and black eagles soaring above the distinctive balancing rocks. Visit Cecil Rhodes' grave at World's View for panoramic vistas across the mystical landscape.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are around $15 USD for international visitors. Best visited during dry season (May-October) when wildlife congregates around water sources. Book guided tours through established operators like African Bush Camps or UTC for $40-80 per person including transport.

Railway Museum and Steam Train Rides

Step into Zimbabwe's railway heritage at one of Africa's finest transport museums featuring vintage locomotives and carriages. Take a nostalgic steam train journey to Victoria Falls aboard the beautifully restored trains that recreate the golden age of African rail travel. The museum showcases the engineering marvels that connected southern Africa's mining towns and ports.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs $5 USD. Steam train trips to Victoria Falls range from $180-400 USD depending on class and season. Book steam journeys 2-3 months in advance through Rovos Rail or Shongololo Express, especially for peak season travel (April-October).

Khami Ruins Archaeological Site

Explore the remains of a 15th-century capital that predates Great Zimbabwe, featuring terraced stone walls and archaeological artifacts. This UNESCO World Heritage site reveals the sophisticated urban planning and trade networks of the Torwa dynasty. The site offers insights into pre-colonial African civilizations through its preserved structures and ongoing excavations.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is $10 USD for international visitors. Best visited in morning hours (8-11am) to avoid midday heat. Hire local guides at the site for $10-15 USD to fully understand the historical significance and archaeological discoveries.

Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

Visit this renowned wildlife sanctuary that rehabilitates orphaned and injured animals native to Zimbabwe. Meet rescued lions, leopards, elephants, and various antelope species while learning about conservation efforts. The center focuses on education and wildlife preservation, offering intimate encounters with African wildlife in a responsible setting.

Booking Tip: Admission costs $8 USD for adults with guided tours available for additional $5 USD. Open daily 8am-5pm with feeding times at 11am and 3pm providing the most active animal viewing. Located 23km from city center, arrange transport through local tour operators for $25-35 USD return.

Traditional Beer Halls and Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in authentic Zimbabwean culture at traditional beer halls where locals gather to enjoy traditional sorghum beer and live music. Experience the vibrant social atmosphere while listening to traditional mbira music and contemporary Zimbabwean artists. These venues offer genuine cultural exchange and insight into local social customs.

Booking Tip: No entry fees but expect to spend $10-20 USD on drinks and snacks. Visit during weekend evenings (Friday-Sunday) for live music performances. Join cultural tours through operators like Shearwater Adventures for $30-50 USD including transport and cultural guide for safe, structured experiences.

Getting There

Bulawayo is accessible via Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, located 20km north of the city center, with regular flights from Harare, Victoria Falls, and Johannesburg. Air Zimbabwe and Fastjet operate domestic routes while South African Airways connects internationally. The city sits at the junction of major highways from Harare (440km northeast), Victoria Falls (440km northwest), and Botswana border (200km southwest). Long-distance buses including Pathfinder and Intercape provide comfortable connections to major regional destinations, while the historic railway station offers passenger services to Harare and occasional international routes to South Africa.

Getting Around

Bulawayo's compact city center is easily walkable during daylight hours with wide, grid-pattern streets making navigation straightforward. Registered taxis and ride-hailing services like Hwindi provide safe transport around the city for $5-15 USD per journey. Car rental agencies including Avis, Europcar, and local operators offer vehicles from $40-80 USD daily, ideal for exploring nearby attractions like Matobo Hills. Local commuter omnibuses (combis) connect residential areas to downtown for under $1 USD but require local knowledge of routes and stops.

Where to Stay

City Center
Suburbs (Hillside)
Burnside
Matsheumhlope
Kumalo
Nkulumane

Food & Dining

Bulawayo's dining scene celebrates both international cuisine and traditional Zimbabwean flavors with excellent steakhouses serving locally-sourced beef and game meats. The city center features established restaurants like Cattleman's Steakhouse and The Venue, while local eateries serve traditional dishes including sadza (cornmeal staple), nyama (grilled meat), and matemba (dried fish). Street food vendors around the central market offer affordable local snacks and fresh fruits, while hotel restaurants provide reliable international options. Traditional beer halls complement the dining experience with local brews and live music, creating an authentic taste of Zimbabwean hospitality and cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zimbabwe

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

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)

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Bulawayo is during the dry season from May to October when temperatures are mild (15-25°C), rainfall is minimal, and wildlife viewing conditions are excellent. September and October offer the best game viewing as animals concentrate around water sources, though temperatures can reach 30°C. The wet season (November-April) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists but also heavy afternoon rains and higher temperatures that can make outdoor activities challenging. March and April provide a good compromise with occasional rains, green scenery, and moderate crowds.

Insider Tips

Carry US dollars in small denominations as local currency can be unreliable and many businesses prefer USD for tourist services and activities.
Book accommodations and tours directly with operators rather than through intermediaries to ensure better rates and avoid potential booking complications.
Visit the Bulawayo Market early morning (7-9am) for the freshest produce, best prices, and most authentic local interaction before the midday heat sets in.

Explore Activities in Bulawayo