Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second-largest city and the cultural capital of Matabeleland, a region steeped in the history of the Ndebele Kingdom. Known as the 'City of Kings,' Bulawayo has a distinctly different character from Harare: wider streets (originally designed so that a team of oxen could turn a full circle), a more relaxed pace, and a sense of faded grandeur that gives it real charm. With a population of roughly 650,000, the city feels manageable and genuinely welcoming. The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe is one of the finest in southern Africa, and the Railway Museum preserves the rolling stock that once connected Bulawayo to Cape Town. The city's real draw for visitors is its role as the gateway to Matobo Hills, just 45 minutes to the south, where guided walks track rhinos through granite kopjes and San rock art adorns ancient caves. Bulawayo also sits on the route between Hwange National Park and South Africa, making it a natural stop on a longer Zimbabwe itinerary. Its higher altitude (1,358 meters) keeps temperatures comfortable year-round, and malaria risk is minimal compared to the lowland safari areas.
Things to Do in Bulawayo
Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
MuseumOne of the finest natural history museums in southern Africa. Excellent displays on Zimbabwe's geology, wildlife, and human history. The mounted elephant and wildlife dioramas are impressive.
Duration: ~2 hours
Railway Museum
MuseumPreserved steam locomotives and rolling stock from the era when Bulawayo was a railway hub connecting Rhodesia to South Africa and Mozambique. Cecil Rhodes' personal coach is on display.
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Nesbitt Castle
Historic Building / HotelA quirky medieval-style castle built in 1905, now operating as a boutique hotel. The architecture is unique in Zimbabwe and worth a visit even for non-guests.
Duration: ~0.5 hours
Centenary Park
ParkCity park with gardens, a small zoo, and a miniature railway. A pleasant green space in the city center popular with families.
Duration: ~1 hours
Bulawayo Neighborhoods
Where to stay and explore
City Center
Safe during the day. Quieter at night.Historic, quiet, walkable
Broad avenues lined with colonial-era and art deco buildings. The main commercial area with banks, shops, and key museums. Quiet and walkable compared to Harare.
Price level: $$
Suburbs (Hillside, Burnside)
SafeResidential, peaceful, green
Pleasant residential suburbs with some guesthouses, B&Bs, and restaurants. Leafy and quiet.
Price level: $$
Food & Restaurants
Bulawayo's food scene is more limited than Harare or Victoria Falls but has character. Local restaurants serve excellent Ndebele and Shona cuisine, and there are decent steakhouses and cafes. The city is known for its biltong and dried meats. Indian food is available thanks to a long-established South Asian community.
Must-Try Dishes
Sadza ne nyama
Thick maize porridge with beef or chicken stew, the national staple
Amahewu
Traditional fermented maize drink, served cold. Mildly sour and refreshing.
Isitshwala (Ndebele sadza)
The Ndebele preparation of thick maize porridge, served with various relishes
Top Restaurants
Indaba Book Cafe
$$Cafe/Light meals • City Center
Books, coffee, and light meals in a relaxed setting. A cultural hub for Bulawayo.
Cattleman Steak Ranch
$$Steakhouse • Suburbs
Hearty steaks and grilled meats. Solid, no-frills dining.
Bulawayo Nightlife
Bulawayo's nightlife is quieter than Harare, but the city has a strong live music tradition. Look for local bands playing Ndebele music and jazz. Weekends are liveliest.
Best areas: City Center, Hillside suburbs
Indaba Book Cafe
Cultural VenueCity Center
Hosts occasional live music, poetry, and cultural events. The intellectual heart of Bulawayo.
Shopping in Bulawayo
Bulawayo has fewer tourist-oriented craft markets than Victoria Falls, but you can find good quality crafts, Ndebele beadwork, and locally made goods at reasonable prices.
Malls
- Bulawayo Centre (City Center)
Markets
- Bulawayo Craft Centre - Craft market
What to Buy
Safety in Bulawayo
Bulawayo is one of the safest cities in Zimbabwe. It has a lower crime rate than Harare and a more relaxed atmosphere. The city center is walkable during the day. Standard precautions apply at night.
Safe Areas
- ✓ City Center during the day
- ✓ Hillside
- ✓ Burnside
- ✓ Hotels and B&Bs
Avoid
- ✗ City outskirts at night
- ✗ Poorly lit areas after dark
Safety Tips
- • Walking in the city center during the day is safe and pleasant
- • Use hotel-arranged transport for airport transfers
- • Carry small USD notes for purchases
- • The city is quieter than Harare, which adds to its safety
Getting Around Bulawayo
Walking
RecommendedThe city center is flat and walkable. Wide streets and a grid layout make navigation easy.
Free
Taxis
RecommendedAvailable for trips to the airport, Matobo Hills, and suburbs. Agree on the fare before departure.
$3-15 per trip
Car rental
RecommendedUseful for day trips to Matobo Hills and onward travel to Hwange or South Africa. Available at the airport and in the city.
$40-70 per day
Bulawayo Weather
Semi-arid, subtropical highland (warm, rainy summers; cool, dry winters)
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| december | 28°C | 16°C | 120mm | Warm, wet. Afternoon thunderstorms. |
| january | 28°C | 16°C | 140mm | Warmest month. Rainy. |
| february | 27°C | 16°C | 110mm | Warm, still wet. |
| march | 27°C | 15°C | 60mm | Rains easing. |
| april | 26°C | 12°C | 20mm | Cooling. Drier. |
| may | 24°C | 8°C | 5mm | Cool, dry. Pleasant. |
| june | 21°C | 5°C | 2mm | Cool and dry. Cold mornings. |
| july | 21°C | 5°C | 1mm | Coolest month. Very dry. |
| august | 24°C | 7°C | 1mm | Warming. Still dry. |
| september | 28°C | 11°C | 5mm | Warm and dry. |
| october | 30°C | 15°C | 30mm | Hot. First storms. |
| november | 29°C | 16°C | 75mm | Warm. Wet season starting. |
How Many Days in Bulawayo?
1
Minimum
2
Recommended
3
Ideal