Things To Do
in Kadoma
Kadoma is a mid-sized mining and agricultural city on Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke in Mashonaland West, known historically for its chrome and gold industries. It serves as a regional service centre with a mix of busy market streets, small industry and surrounding communal and commercial farms. The town offers access to scenic rocky outcrops of the Great Dyke, birding and rural village visits rather than major tourist infrastructure.
Visitors can expect a working Zimbabwean town atmosphere, friendly local hospitality and straightforward day trips to nearby nature and cultural sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Kadoma Town Hall, an architectural gem that tells the story of the area's colonial past. Stroll through the local markets where vendors display vibrant crafts and fresh produce, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere. Take a moment to enjoy a local breakfast of sadza and eggs at a nearby eatery, fueling up for a day of exploration.
After lunch, head to the Kadoma Museum to delve deeper into the region's fascinating history, featuring artifacts and exhibits from both pre-colonial and colonial times. Spend the afternoon exploring the lush gardens surrounding the museum, perfect for a leisurely walk or a quiet moment under the shade of a tree. Capture the beauty of the area with your camera as you encounter local flora and fauna unique to Zimbabwe.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant that serves traditional Zimbabwean dishes, enjoying the rich flavors of the region. Engage with friendly locals who share stories about Kadoma’s history and culture while savoring your meal. Conclude your evening with a relaxing walk through the town, taking in the lively nightlife and perhaps enjoying some live music at a nearby bar.
Rise early and head to the Chete Safari Area, where you can witness the awakening of wildlife in their natural habitat. Join a guided safari tour that takes you through the bush, offering opportunities to spot elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species. Breathe in the fresh morning air as you listen to the sounds of nature around you.
After a thrilling morning of wildlife watching, enjoy a packed picnic lunch in a scenic spot within the safari area, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild. Spend the afternoon on a walking safari, led by a knowledgeable guide who shares insights about the ecosystem and the animals that inhabit it. Keep your camera ready for close encounters with the diverse flora and fauna.
As dusk falls, return to your lodge and unwind with a refreshing drink while reminiscing about your day’s adventures. Partake in a sunset viewing, where the sky transforms into a canvas of colors, casting a magical glow over the landscape. Enjoy dinner under the stars, listening to the sounds of the African night as you reflect on your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚕Local taxi/kombi short trip | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse room (per night) | $20-50 |
| 🛍️Groceries (basic weekly) | $10-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, working-town Zimbabwean experience with friendly locals
- Access to Great Dyke landscapes and off-the-beaten-path nature
- Affordable prices for food and accommodation
- Good base for short cultural visits and rural excursions
- Limited tourist infrastructure and formal guided services
- Some roads and rural tracks are difficult in the rainy season
- ATMs and card payment can be unreliable; cash often needed
- Nightlife and dining options are modest compared with larger cities
- "Mhoro / Mangwanani" - Hello / Good morning (Shona)
- "Tatenda / Ndatenda" - Thank you
- "Ndokumbirawo…" - Please (polite request)
- "Zvingani?" - How much?
- "Kupi…?" - Where is…?
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you (Ndebele)
- "Ehe / Kwete" - Yes / No
Places to Visit in Kadoma
Visit one of these nice places.
Rocky outcrops and ridgelines near Kadoma provide dramatic geological formations and sweeping landscapes at golden hour—excellent for wide-angle and landscape shots.
Vibrant market scenes with colourful produce, vendors and daily life—great for candid street and cultural photography (ask permission before photographing people).
Small rocky hills and indigenous vegetation provide intimate nature shots, birdlife opportunities and sunrise/sunset compositions.
Capture local nightlife atmosphere, live music and social gatherings—respectful framing and permission recommended.
Food in Kadoma
Kadoma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The maize-meal staple served with a variety of relishes (muriwo — leafy greens, beef or chicken stews). Found at nearly every eatery and family home.
Must-Try!
Charcoal-grilled beef, goat or chicken often served at shebeens and small restaurants; great for trying local flavors and social dining.
Leafy greens (like spinach or covo) cooked with peanut butter for a rich, traditional relish commonly available at local homes and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh produce, local snacks, grilled items and small vendors selling sweets and roasted maize; ideal for sampling inexpensive local food and watching daily life.
Informal food stalls and shebeens near transport hubs serve grilled meat, sadza plates and fried snacks—ask locals for the busiest stalls for the best freshness.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important—offer a friendly hello (mhoro/mangwanani) and inquire about well-being; a handshake is common among men and friends.
Show deference to elders in conversation and seating; ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.
Dress conservatively in villages and when visiting homesteads; casual western dress is fine in town but avoid overly revealing clothing outside nightlife venues.
Safety
Tipping in Kadoma
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; small tips (a few US dollars or equivalent) for guides, drivers and helpful staff are welcomed.
Zimbabwean dollar and US dollars are commonly used; cash is king in smaller shops and markets. ATMs exist in town but can be unreliable—carry sufficient cash and consider using EcoCash/mobile money for local payments where accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and lush green landscapes; some rural tracks can become muddy—4x4 or good ground clearance helps for excursions and insect protection is advisable.
Temperatures begin to cool, skies clear and landscapes remain green; a good time for hiking, birding and traveling on most roads as dirt tracks dry out.
Dry, sunny days and cool to chilly nights—ideal for walking and photography but bring a jacket for evenings; very little rain and low humidity.
Warming up with occasional early showers, wildflowers appear and wildlife becomes more active—great for outdoor activities before the heavy rains.
Kadoma at Night
Hiking in Kadoma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes along accessible sections of the Great Dyke offer geology, panorama and photo opportunities—best done in the dry season and with sturdy footwear.
Numerous small rocky outcrops (kopjes) and farm roads provide informal walking routes for half-day hikes, birdwatching and local flora observation—seek permission on private property.
Occasionally organized by local groups or guesthouses, these trails focus on birding, medicinal plants and local culture—ask at your accommodation for guided options.
Airports
How to reach Kadoma by plane.
Main international gateway to Zimbabwe (about 2–3 hours by road from Kadoma depending on route and traffic); major airlines and onward connections to the region.
Regional airport in Gweru, closer than Harare for some routes; limited commercial services but convenient for access to the Midlands region by road.
Major airport servicing western Zimbabwe; longer drive from Kadoma but useful for visitors combining travel to Bulawayo and Matabeleland.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Shona-speaking people engaged in farming, trade and local industry with strong cultural traditions.
Smaller Ndebele and mixed communities live and work in the area, contributing to cultural diversity.
There is a presence of commercial farm operators and town-based business owners, including long-term families and more recent entrepreneurs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, widely played in schools, community fields and local leagues—match days draw strong local interest.
Played at schools and clubs; Zimbabwe has a cricket tradition and local matches can be found at club fields.
Netball is popular among women and girls, while rugby has a following in schools and some clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kadoma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but may be limited to vegetable relishes, salads and starches; ask for muriwo (leafy greens) and peanut-based dishes, and be specific about no meat stock.
Vegan travel is possible but requires asking about added dairy or meat stock. Carry snacks and explain preferences clearly—communication in simple English or Shona phrases helps.
Many staple foods like sadza (maize) are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with sauces and processed foods; clarify ingredients in restaurants.