BulawayoNeighbourhoods of Bulawayo
- City CentreCompact, walkable centre with museums and parks; good base for local history.
Dining: Local Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Markets Stays: Mid-Range- Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe: Museum of natural and cultural exhibits, ideal for local history.
- Centenary Park: Public green space in the heart of the city.
- Main Street area: Shops, cafés and civic buildings for everyday city life.
- Khami & RuinsShort drive to well-preserved pre-colonial stone ruins; good for history lovers.
Dining: None Nightlife: None Shopping: Limited Stays: Lodges- Khami Ruins: UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site just outside the city.
- Khami museum area: Interpretation displays and viewpoints offering context over the ruins.
- Surrounding plains: Good for short drives and picnic stops.
- Matobo & National ParkAncient granite hills and wildlife, ideal for guided walks or overnight trips.
Dining: None Nightlife: None Shopping: Limited Stays: Lodges- Matobo National Park: Dramatic granite kopjes, San paintings and rhino populations.
- Cecil John Rhodes Grave: Hilltop viewpoint in the Matobo Hills, popular day trip.
- Guided bush walks: Interpretive trails and wildlife-focused tours with local guides.
Bulawayo at a Glance
Costs: USD 30-80 per day (budget to midrange) - affordable lodging and local restaurants; safaris raise costs.
Safety: Higher crime in parts of the city - exercise caution after dark and avoid isolated neighborhoods.
Best Time: May-October (dry months) - cool, dry weather ideal for visiting Matobo Hills and wildlife areas.
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s historic, rugged second city, known for grand colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and proximity to Matobo’s granite kopjes. It’s a base for wildlife, culture, and rock art exploration.
Getting around: Use kombi minibuses for short hops, negotiate metered or flagged taxis, walk the compact central business district, or hire a car for Matobo and Khami Ruins excursions.
Infrastructure & convenience: Relatively well‑served: supermarkets and pharmacies along Main Street, reliable electricity in central Bulawayo, hotel Wi‑Fi and mobile coverage good, ATMs widely available.
Local tips: Carry some US dollars for lodges and cash-only vendors; avoid poorly lit areas after dark, greet elders politely, and hire guided tours for Matobo rock formations.
Dining: Try sadza with nyama and leafy greens at local bhundu eateries, enjoy braai and boerewors at Main Market stalls, sample maheu and Zimbabwean tea.
Why Visit Bulawayo?
Zimbabwe’s second city offers a mix of colonial-era buildings, Ndebele cultural heritage and nearby UNESCO-worthy landscapes. Day trips to Matobo National Park and the Khami Ruins connect travelers to ancient stone sites and sculpted granite kopjes, while local beadwork and Ndebele painting traditions are visible in craft markets. Traditional dishes like sadza and grilled meats are central to the food experience. Visitors come for history, outdoor walks and a strong sense of regional identity.
Who's Bulawayo For?
Nature Buffs
Bulawayo is a convenient base for day trips to Matobo National Park with its granite kopjes, ancient rock art and rhino protection zones. Guided walks and game drives are easy to arrange from the city for wildlife and geology fans.
Business
Zimbabwe’s second city supports regional industry, government offices and mid-range conference hotels around Ascot and the CBD. Road and rail connections to Harare and southern routes are reliable for business travelers needing practical amenities.
Couples
Colonial-era hotels, tree-lined streets and cultural sites like the National Gallery make for relaxed city breaks. Stay in suburbs such as Hillside or Belmont for intimate guesthouses and easy access to dining and parks.
Foodies
Markets and small eateries serve hearty Zimbabwean stews, grilled meats and traditional sadza. Bulawayo’s food scene is practical rather than gourmet, with affordable restaurants in the CBD and lively local food stalls to try.
Plan Your Visit to Bulawayo
Best Things to Do in Bulawayo
Mountain
Matobo Hills
Granite hill range with ancient rock art sites
Archaeological Site
Khami
Ruined hilltop stone settlement of the Torwa dynasty
Area
Matobo Hills
Granite hills with archaeological sites and rock art
Bulawayo Bucket List
Don't Miss
Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) - Extensive fossil, taxidermy, and cultural displays focusing on Zimbabwean natural history and archaeology.
Bulawayo Railway Museum - Historic locomotives and railway memorabilia displayed beside Bulawayo’s busy station.
National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) - Contemporary and historical Zimbabwean art in a compact, engaging provincial gallery.
Queens Park - Shaded lawns, local families, and a small animal enclosure for relaxed afternoon strolls.
Bulawayo City Hall - Edwardian-era municipal building and civic heart of the city, good for photos.
Hidden Gems
Queens Sports Club - Historic cricket ground where Zimbabwean and regional matches create lively local atmospheres.
Nesbitt Castle - Early-20th-century castle-turned-hotel with ornate interiors and an atmospheric dining room.
The Bulawayo Club - Private colonial-era members’ club with period décor, popular for afternoon tea.
Centenary Park - A quiet green space with sculptures, picnic spots, and shaded paths favored locally.
Day Trips
Matobo National Park - Granite kopjes, ancient San rock art, and Cecil Rhodes’ gravesite within easy reach.
Khami Ruins (Khami National Monument) - Stone-walled 15th-century royal city, UNESCO-listed ruins perched on terraces outside Bulawayo.
World’s View (Matobo) - Panoramic vantage point in Matobo offering sweeping views and interpretive plaques about the landscape.
Khami Ruins (Khami National Monument) - Stone-walled 15th-century royal city, UNESCO-listed ruins perched on terraces outside Bulawayo.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Bulawayo
The best time to visit Bulawayo is the cool, dry winter (May-August) when comfortable temperatures and clear skies make sightseeing and walks pleasant. The hot pre-rain months get dusty and stifling, while the rainy season brings lush scenery but periodic storms and muddy roads.
Winter
Crisp, dry days and chilly nights - perfect for exploring Bulawayo and nearby Matobo Hills. Less dust, clearer skies, easy walking and game-spotting.
Hot Season
Very hot and dusty before the rains-afternoons can feel stifling. Travel is cheaper, but avoid long daytime walks and outdoor exertion.
Rainy Season
Lush landscapes and fewer tourists, with warm humid days and frequent thunderstorms; some roads become muddy and outdoor plans may be interrupted.
Bulawayo's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in November) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (638 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 16° - 28° | 22° | 152 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.5 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 13.1h |
| February | Very Good | 16° - 28° | 22° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 2.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.7h |
| March | Excellent | 15° - 28° | 21° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 2.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 26° | 19° | 29 mm | some cloud | 62% | 2.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| May | Ideal | 9° - 24° | 17° | 7 mm | clear | 53% | 2.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.0h |
| June | Excellent | 7° - 22° | 14° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 53% | 2.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| July | Excellent | 7° - 22° | 14° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 50% | 2.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.9h |
| August | Ideal | 9° - 25° | 17° | 1 mm | clear | 39% | 2.9 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.3h |
| September | Ideal | 12° - 28° | 20° | 7 mm | clear | 36% | 3.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 15° - 29° | 22° | 32 mm | mostly sunny | 41% | 3.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Excellent | 16° - 29° | 22° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 52% | 2.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.0h |
| December | Very Good | 16° - 28° | 22° | 135 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.8 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.2h |
How to Get to Bulawayo
Bulawayo is served primarily via Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) and by rail at Bulawayo Railway Station; many visitors combine air and overland travel when coming from Harare or neighbouring countries. Long‑distance buses and private coaches are a common and practical way to reach the city from elsewhere in Zimbabwe and the region.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ): The city’s main airport, about 14-18 km south of central Bulawayo. From BUQ you can take a metered or negotiated taxi into town (approximately 20-30 minutes; typically around US$10-15 depending on luggage and time of day), arrange a hotel transfer (many hotels offer pickups, roughly US$12-20), or use a rental car from the small on‑site desks for self‑drive.
Harare (Robert Gabriel Mugabe International, HRE): Harare is the country’s main international gateway and is served by more airlines; it lies roughly 440 km to the northeast of Bulawayo. If you fly into Harare you can catch a domestic flight to BUQ when available, or travel overland by intercity coach or private car - road journeys take roughly 6-8 hours depending on route and stops (see the bus section for typical coach options and fares).
Train: Bulawayo Railway Station is the main rail hub in the city and is the terminus for National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) routes. Passenger services have historically run between Bulawayo and Harare (overnight services taking around 12-16 hours) but schedules can be irregular; check NRZ or local notices before planning rail travel.
Bus: Long‑distance coach operators connect Bulawayo with Harare, Victoria Falls and South Africa; reputable carriers include intercity coach companies (e.g., Intercape on regional South Africa routes when operating) and Zimbabwean private coaches. Typical coach travel to Harare takes about 6-8 hours; fares vary by operator and class but are commonly in the low tens of US dollars for standard seats. Within the region, minibuses/”kombis” provide frequent, much cheaper services for shorter trips.
How to Get Around Bulawayo
Getting around Bulawayo is best done with a mix of taxis for convenience and kombis for the lowest cost; intercity coaches are the practical choice for longer overland trips. Walking is very workable in the compact CBD, while self‑drive gives flexibility for exploring the surrounding region.
- Taxis (US$1-15) - Taxis are the most convenient way to get around Bulawayo for short trips and airport transfers. Many taxis do not use meters, so agree a fare before you start; trips inside the CBD are typically quick (5-15 minutes). For airport transfers expect roughly US$10-15; short inner‑city fares commonly range from a few dollars depending on distance and bargaining.
- Kombis (shared minibuses) (≈US$0.20-1) - Shared minibuses (kombis) are the cheapest public option for getting around Bulawayo and nearby towns. They run on fixed corridors and drop passengers at common points rather than fixed timetable stops; expect crowded conditions at peak times and limited luggage space. Fares are very low (often under US$1 for short urban trips), but routes and schedules require local knowledge - ask at your hotel or a local shop for the right kombi.
- Intercity coaches (US$10-30) - Coaches link Bulawayo with Harare, Victoria Falls and South Africa; they are comfortable and reliable when the service is running. Journeys to Harare typically take about 6-8 hours; to Victoria Falls about 4-6 hours by road depending on stops. Book with reputable companies in advance for guaranteed seats; fares are generally in the low tens of US dollars for standard seating.
- Train (National Railways of Zimbabwe) - Bulawayo Railway Station is a historic transport hub and the main start/end point for NRZ passenger services. Trains to Harare and other points can be an option for overnight travel (journeys to Harare take roughly 12-16 hours), but services are intermittent and schedules change - confirm availability well ahead of travel. The train can be comfortable when operating but should not be relied on for time‑sensitive plans.
- Car rental / Self‑drive (From ~US$40/day) - Car hire is available from international and local agencies at the airport and in town and gives the most flexibility for exploring Matabeleland. Roads between major towns are generally passable, but rural routes can be rough and signage sparse - a 4x4 is useful off the main highways. Factor in fuel availability and security advice when planning self‑drive trips outside Bulawayo.
- Walking - Bulawayo’s central business district is compact and pleasant to explore on foot, with shops, markets and colonial‑era buildings within easy walking distance. Use normal urban precautions at night and avoid poorly lit side streets; during the heat of the day carry water and sun protection. Walking is often the fastest way between nearby attractions in the city centre.
Where to Stay in Bulawayo
Budget
CBD / Northend - $25-60/night
Bulawayo has budget guesthouses and small hotels near the CBD; expect basic but functional rooms, domestic restaurants, and straightforward access to sights.
Mid-Range
CBD / Suburbs - $60-120/night
Mid-range hotels offer more comfortable rooms, onsite dining, and secure parking; convenient for business travellers and tourists exploring nearby parks.
Luxury
Suburban / Near Clubs - $120-220/night
Luxury options are limited but include established hotels with larger rooms, conference facilities, and higher service levels for discerning travellers.
Best for First-Timers
CBD - $40-150/night
Choose accommodation near the CBD for easy access to museums, markets, and transport hubs; straightforward streets make first visits easy to navigate.
Best for Families
Suburban / CBD - $50-140/night
Look for guesthouses or hotels with family rooms, secure grounds, and nearby parks - useful for children and relaxed evenings.
Best for Digital Nomads
CBD / Suburbs - $40-120/night
Internet quality varies by property; choose well-reviewed mid-range hotels or serviced apartments with reliable Wi‑Fi and quiet rooms for work.
Where to Eat in Bulawayo
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Bulawayo’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Bulawayo
Bulawayo offers a mix of formal shopping centres, busy municipal markets and small specialist shops. The main markets sell fresh produce, clothing and traditional crafts; larger malls provide modern retail, electronics and fashion. For handicrafts, look for small stalls and informal traders rather than high-end boutiques.
Best Bets
- Bulawayo Main Market - Central market for produce, clothing and household goods.
- Main Street retail strip - Cluster of local shops and small boutiques in the city centre.
- Local craft stalls and informal markets - Handmade beadwork, baskets and small wood carvings.
- Shopping malls (Milton Park area) - Modern retailers, groceries and electronics under one roof.
- Second‑hand/flea market spots - Used goods, clothing and bargain household items.
- Independent book and gift shops - Local reads, maps and small artisanal products.