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Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and an exciting future. Known for its cleanliness, safety, and welcoming locals, Bulawayo is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Africa. In this blog post, we will explore the the top 7 reasons to visit Bulawayo, as well as where to stay and tips for your visit.
Table of Contents
Where is Bulawayo?
Bulawayo is located in southwestern Zimbabwe, in the Matabeleland It is the country’s second-largest city. Situated in the Matabeleland region, It is about a 6 hours drive away from Victoria Falls, and only a couple hours from the borders of Botswana and South Africa.
What Language Do They Speak in Bulawayo?
Most people in Bulawayo speak a language called Ndebele. People from Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, who live in Bulawayo speak a language called Shona. Most people in Bulawayo will also speak English.
What does the name Bulawayo mean?
Bulawayo comes from the Ndebele language meaning the place of the one to be killed. This name refers to the struggle in the 1800’s between a prince and the king’s aide on who would ascend to the king’s throne.
1. Matobo National Park
Located just a short drive from Bulawayo, Matobo National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black and white rhinos, leopards, and impalas. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and cave art tours. I recommend visiting the grave site of Cecil Rhodes, especially around sundown. While you might not be a fan of him, you will appreciate the location of his grave – at the top of Malindidzimu hill overlooking the park. You will be treated to some awesome views of the surrounding area at sunset!
2. Khami Ruins
Khami Ruins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Bulawayo. The ruins date back to the 15th century and were once the capital of the Kingdom of Butua. You can take a day trip from Bulawayo to explore the site and see the remains of stone walls, buildings, and terraces that once formed the impressive city. The site offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the region, and visitors can learn about the customs and traditions of the ancient inhabitants.
3. Traditional Architecture
Bulawayo is well known for its unique colonial architecture. Many of the city’s buildings are over a hundred years old and still showcase the colonial style that was popular in Europe at the time. There are several examples of this, such as the Bulawayo High Court and the Main Post Office. The streets are also extremely wide, designed back when carriages were common.
4. National Railways Museum
The National Railway Museum is a great attraction for families and those interested in Zimbabwe’s history. The museum showcases a vast collection of steam engines, diesel locomotives, and railcars, many of which are in excellent condition. Visitors can learn about the history of the railway in Zimbabwe, from its beginnings to the present day, and see the impressive engineering and design of the trains up close. The museum also offers guided tours and interactive exhibits, providing a fun and informative experience for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to explore the rich railway heritage of Zimbabwe at this unique museum.
5. Traditional Foods
The cuisine of Bulawayo is a diverse mixture of traditional and international flavors. Here are the top 3 traditional foods you should try!
Sadza
Sadza is a traditional staple food made from finely ground maize meal cooked with water to create a porridge-like consistency. It is typically served with meat, vegetables, and relish, and eaten by hand.
Muriwo
Muriwo is a vegetable dish commonly eaten in Zimbabwean cuisine. It is made by sautéing a mix of leafy greens such as kale, spinach or collard greens, with onions and tomatoes, and sometimes flavored with garlic and chili pepper. It is often served as a side dish to the main course, which is usually sadza.
Maguru
Maguru is a popular food in Zimbabwe and is made from cow or goat intestines. It is often grilled and seasoned with spices, onions, and tomatoes to add flavor. Maguru is high in protein and, like sadza, is eaten by hand.
6. International Trade Fair
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is held annually in Bulawayo and is the largest trade fair in the country. The event attracts exhibitors from all over the world and provides an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services. Taking place in April each year, the trade fair is a major economic event for the region, bringing in large numbers of visitors and generating significant revenue. It is a platform for companies to network and make deals, while also providing entertainment through performances and exhibits. The trade fair covers a variety of industries, including agriculture, mining, technology, and tourism. It is a great way to learn about the local economy and connect with businesses from around the world.
7. The Bulawayo Club
The Bulawayo Club is a historic landmark and must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of Zimbabwe. The club was established in 1895, and has hosted numerous influential figures over the years, to include British royals and politicians. The colonial-style building is impressive both on the inside and out. Once you enter the Bulawayo Club, you will be surrounded by antique furniture, old paintings, and various animal skulls mounted on the wall. After admiring the interior, feel free to grab a drink from the bar.
Where to Stay
Due to Zimbabwe’s current inflation woes, Bulawayo is not a very cheap city to visit. In addition, there is a lack of hostels and guest houses in the area. Despite this, I was able to find some affordable options in and around the city center. See which option works best for your budget!
Low Budget
The cheapest option you are likely to find (unless you know somebody who lives there) is to rent a room on AirBnB. I was able to find a place for $33 USD/night in the city center. Most options go for $35-50 USD/night. The Burnham Road Suite Guest House is located near the center of the city, offers complimentary breakfast, and is about $50 USD/night.
Medium Budget
The most affordable hotels in Bulawayo start around $60/night and go to $80-$90/night. You may find some hotels that are cheaper, but they will likely be far from the city center. Unless you have your own car, you should stick to the city center. The Bulawayo Club is a great option for its central location and bar.
High Budget
There are some luxurious hotels in Bulawayo, especially outside of the city center. These hotels easily go for $100+/night. If money isn’t an issue, you can stay at the Cresta Churchill hotel for about $187/night!
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Tips for Visiting
Before your trip to Bulawayo, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Save money with an AirBnB
Zimbabwe is expensive, especially coming from other countries in Africa where it is more affordable. Unfortunately, there are not many options for hostels or guesthouses, especially in the city center. I recommend checking out AirBnB. Not only was I able to stay there for an affordable rate, the host’s family actually took me to visit Matobo National Park free of charge!
2. Eat at Sis Bee's Kitchen
This restaurant has some of the best traditional Zimbabwean foods that I had in Bulawayo. I ate here every day that I was in Bulawayo. This is a great place to try new foods and get a taste of what most people eat here.
3. Check out 10th Avenue for nightlife.
On 10th Avenue, east of Robert Mugabe way, you’ll find bars like Vivo and clubs like Cubana. These are the best spots for nightlife in the city. Even on a week night, these spots will be packed. Like always, take the proper safety precautions and try not to go alone.
4. Get change for large bills at stores and banks
In Zimbabwe, the US dollar is king. While they have a Zimbabwean dollar, the US dollar is used more often. Don’t expect to be able to use anything larger than a $20 bill outside of large restaurants or shops. Come prepared with plenty of $1 bills.
5. Learn at least a few words in Ndebele
The main language spoken in Bulawayo is Ndebele. This is a very difficult language to learn due to the different clicking sounds (you can listen to them here). However, there are a couple of words you should learn that are easy to pronounce.
Ola (like Spanish hola) – how are you?
Siyabonga (see-ya bong-ga) – thank you
