Things To Do
in Bulawayo
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, sits in the southwest and acts as a cultural gateway to Matabeleland. It blends wide boulevards, colonial-era architecture, and bustling markets with a generally relaxed pace. Nearby natural wonders like the Matobo Hills and lush river corridors offer easy day trips from the city.
The vibe is friendly, with a strong arts scene and easy access to wildlife and heritage sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Your first morning begins with arrival at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, followed by a transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of Bulawayo. After settling in, you can enjoy a guided orientation walk around the historic city centre. You’ll get a lay of the land while admiring landmarks such as the City Hall and Mzilikazi Monument.
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a local lunch at the Victoria Hotel before exploring delicate exhibits at the Natural History Museum. Wander through paleontology displays that celebrate Zimbabwe’s unique fossil record. Finish your cultural deep dive with a refreshing coffee at a nearby café.
As night falls, relax with sundowners on the hotel rooftop overlooking City Hall. Dine on mouthwatering Ndebele dishes like amadumbe and spicy chicken stew at a traditional restaurant. Wrap up your evening with lively conversation with locals at a cozy bar.
Begin the day at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe, admiring contemporary works by renowned local artists. Continue to the Bulawayo Railway Museum to marvel at vintage steam locomotives and learn about the region’s colonial rail history. Engage with knowledgeable guides who bring each exhibit to life.
After a quick lunch at a nearby bistro, head to the Khami Gate Museum for deeper historical context about the Kingdom of Butua. Explore ethnographic displays of traditional tools, pottery and beadwork. Pause for tea under shady jacaranda trees in the museum gardens.
For dinner, sample a fusion menu at a popular city tavern that blends modern cooking with traditional Ndebele flavors. Afterwards, attend a cultural performance featuring mbira music and traditional dance. End the night with a leisurely stroll through Cathedral Square under softly lit lamps.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🛏️One-night hotel | $40-80 |
| 🚎Local transit ride | $0.5-1.5 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🎟️Museum entrance | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly people and a relaxed pace
- Affordable lodging and meals
- Gateway to Matobo Hills and Khami ruins
- Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
- Seasonal travel disruptions during the rainy season
- Some infrastructure can be older or slower
- "Sawubona" - Hello (Ndebele/Zulu)
- "Unjani?" - How are you?
- "Mhoroi" - Hello (formal, Shona)
- "Ndinofara kukuziva" - Nice to meet you
Places to Visit in Bulawayo
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic granite formations and expansive savanna landscapes ideal for wide-angle shots at dawn.
Colorful streets, colonial architecture, and market life provide compelling urban photography.
Ancient stone ruins with elevated viewpoints and evocative light for architectural and cultural photography.
Food in Bulawayo
Bulawayo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional maize porridge served with meat (beef, chicken, or goat) and sautéed greens.
Must-Try!
Sun-dried or fried tiny fish served with sadza and relishes.
Protein-rich caterpillars often fried or dried; a rural specialty commonly enjoyed with sides.
Grilled meat platter served with sadza and vegetables; popular at braai-style eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively hub for fresh produce, crafts, and local snacks near the CBD.
Grilled meats and maize on sticks along main avenues; great for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a handshake; address elders with respect and use polite language in public.
Ask before photographing people; dress modestly at religious or cultural sites; show appreciation for local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Bulawayo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 5-10% for good service if a service charge is not included; small tips for taxi drivers and guides are appreciated.
Cash in USD or ZWL is widely accepted; mobile money (e.g., EcoCash) is common; many hotels and larger shops accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and often humid with afternoon showers; bring sunscreen and water; great for wildlife viewing and lush greenery.
Mild days with cool to chilly nights; dry season brings clearer skies and comfortable daytime temperatures—ideal for walking and outdoor photography.
Bulawayo at Night
Hiking in Bulawayo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Renowned rock formations, viewpoints, and wildlife; best explored with a guide.
Ruined terraces and surrounding trails offering archaeological insight and scenic outlooks.
Airports
How to reach Bulawayo by plane.
Bulawayo's main international gateway, with domestic connections to Harare and beyond.
Zimbabwe's primary international hub, used for longer international connections; far from Bulawayo but accessible by air.
Major airport in the northwest; included for longer multi-city itineraries; distant from Bulawayo but connected via domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest cultural group in Matabeleland with strong traditions in arts and music.
A diverse mix that adds to the city’s cultural and linguistic variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most widely followed sport; local clubs and matches draw large crowds.
Popular at schools and clubs; occasional regional fixtures and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bulawayo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; opt for leafy greens, maize porridge, beans, and vegetable stews; communicate any stock or meat-based sauces to kitchen staff.