Bulawayo City Guide 2026
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second-largest city and its cultural capital. Known as the “City of Kings” — named after the royal kraal of King Lobengula of the Ndebele — Bulawayo exudes a relaxed, tree-lined charm that sets it apart from the busier capital Harare. Wide avenues designed to allow a full span of oxen to turn, jacaranda trees that blaze purple in October, one of Africa’s finest natural history museums, and a gateway location to the Matobo Hills and Hwange National Park make Bulawayo an essential stop on any Zimbabwe itinerary. The city has a thriving arts scene, excellent craft markets, colonial-era architecture, and a warmth of welcome that visitors never forget.
Museums & Cultural Attractions
| Attraction | Highlights | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Natural History Museum | One of the best in Africa. Enormous collection of mounted animals, geology gallery, ethnographic displays, second-largest mounted elephant in the world | $5 |
| Railway Museum | Cecil Rhodes’ personal railway coach, historic locomotives, Rhodesia Railways memorabilia, one of the finest railway museums in Africa | $3 |
| Bulawayo National Art Gallery | Contemporary Zimbabwean art, rotating exhibitions, Shona sculpture garden | $3 |
| Mzilikazi Arts & Craft Centre | Working studios where you can watch artists create pottery, paintings, and textiles | Free |
| Nesbitt Castle | A whimsical medieval-style castle built in 1904, now a boutique hotel. Tours available. | $5 |
The Natural History Museum deserves special mention. Founded in 1901, it houses over 75,000 specimens and is considered one of the finest natural history museums in Africa. The main hall displays a remarkable collection of mounted African wildlife, including the second-largest mounted elephant in the world. The geology gallery showcases Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth, and the ethnographic section documents the culture of the Ndebele and other peoples of the region.
Parks & Green Spaces
- Centenary Park: Bulawayo’s main public park, with a small zoo, play areas, miniature railway, and pleasant gardens. Popular with local families on weekends.
- Hillside Dams: A pair of scenic dams on the southern edge of the city, surrounded by natural bush. Excellent birdwatching with over 200 species recorded. Walking and jogging trails circle the dams.
- Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage: A wildlife rehabilitation centre 24km from Bulawayo, caring for injured and orphaned animals. Lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, and various antelope. Educational and family-friendly.
- Tshabalala Wildlife Sanctuary: A small game reserve just 10km from the city centre, home to giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and various antelope. Good for a quick game drive without travelling far.
Craft Markets & Shopping
Bulawayo has a strong artisan tradition, and several markets offer authentic Zimbabwean crafts:
- Main Street Craft Market: Located in the city centre, this market sells woodcarvings, stone sculptures, baskets, beadwork, and textiles. Bargaining is expected.
- Mzilikazi Arts Village: A working craft centre where you can see artists at work and purchase directly. Higher quality than tourist markets.
- City Hall Area: Street vendors along the main streets sell curios, leatherwork, and African jewellery.
Look for Ndebele beadwork (colourful geometric patterns), wire art, recycled-material sculptures, and soapstone carvings — all locally made and excellent souvenirs.
Colonial Architecture & Walking Tour
Bulawayo’s city centre retains much of its colonial-era architecture, and a self-guided walking tour is one of the best ways to explore:
- City Hall (1940): An imposing municipal building on Leopold Takawira Avenue, with a fine clock tower.
- High Court Building: Beautiful sandstone colonial architecture.
- Bulawayo Club: Founded in 1895, one of the oldest gentlemen’s clubs in Southern Africa. The building’s facade is worth admiring.
- Douslin House: Art Deco facade on Eighth Avenue.
- Jacaranda streets: In September-November, the city’s wide avenues are canopied with purple jacaranda blossoms, making Bulawayo one of the most photogenic cities in Africa during this season.
Day Trips from Bulawayo
| Destination | Distance | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matobo Hills | 35km | 45 min | Rock art, rhino tracking, World’s View |
| Khami Ruins | 22km | 30 min | UNESCO site, 15th-17th century stone ruins |
| Chipangali | 24km | 30 min | Wildlife orphanage and rehabilitation |
| Hwange NP | 340km | 4 hrs | Zimbabwe’s premier game reserve |
Getting There & Practical Info
- From Harare: 440km southwest (5 hours) via the well-maintained A6 highway.
- From Victoria Falls: 440km (5 hours) via the A8.
- By air: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport has flights from Harare and Johannesburg.
- By rail: The overnight sleeper train between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls is a classic experience (14 hours, departing 7pm). The Bulawayo-Harare service also runs.
- Getting around: Taxis and ride-hailing apps available. The city centre is walkable.
- Accommodation: From luxury at Nesbitt Castle and Bulawayo Club to budget guesthouses in the suburbs. The Holiday Inn and Cresta Churchill are reliable mid-range options.
FAQ
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1894
- Population: ~650,000
- Altitude: 1,358m
- Airport: JM Nkomo Intl
- From Harare: 5 hours
- Jacarandas: Sep-Nov