Bulawayo
City

Bulawayo

Zimbabwe's cultural heart with colonial charm and Ndebele heritage

Look, most people skip Bulawayo for Victoria Falls or Harare. Big mistake. Zimbabwe's second city pulses with Ndebele culture and colonial history that feels authentic, not staged for tourists. The wide tree-lined streets tell stories of railway barons and liberation heroes. Art galleries showcase contemporary African talent alongside traditional crafts. And here's the thing — you're 30 minutes from some of the world's most ancient rock formations at Matobo Hills. Bulawayo doesn't shout for attention like other African cities. It whispers its secrets to those who take time to listen.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Bulawayo. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Burnside remains the safest bet for visitors. The leafy suburb puts you walking distance from the Natural History Museum and decent restaurants. Guesthouses here run $30-50 per night and most owners speak excellent English. But don't overlook Kumalo if you want something more local. It's grittier, sure, but you'll pay half the price and get twice the cultural immersion. The city center works for budget backpackers — just stick to main streets after dark. Hillside offers mid-range options with better security, though you'll need transport to reach the action downtown.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Negotiate taxi fares before getting in - meters are rare and drivers often quote tourist prices
  • 2.Buy local SIM cards at Econet shops for $2 rather than using expensive roaming
  • 3.Eat at informal restaurants on Fife Street where locals go - meals cost $3-5 vs $15+ at hotel restaurants
  • 4.Book accommodation directly with guesthouses to avoid online booking fees
  • 5.Shop at Ascot Shopping Centre for groceries rather than hotel convenience stores
  • 6.Use kombis (shared taxis) for $1 rides instead of private taxis when traveling short distances during daylight

Travel Tips

  • •Learn basic Ndebele greetings like 'Sawubona' (hello) - locals appreciate the effort
  • •Carry cash in US dollars - most places don't accept cards and ATMs are unreliable
  • •Download offline maps before arriving as mobile data can be spotty in some areas
  • •Pack layers for temperature swings - mornings are cool but afternoons get warm
  • •Respect photography restrictions around government buildings and always ask permission for portraits
  • •Book Matobo National Park visits in advance during peak season (May-August)
  • •Keep your passport with you at all times - police checkpoints are common

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally yes, especially during daylight hours in main areas like the city center and Burnside. Stick to well-lit streets after dark and avoid walking alone at night. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, but violent crime against tourists is rare.

Explore Bulawayo

Things to Do in BulawayoWhen to Visit Bulawayo3 Days in Bulawayo7 Days in Bulawayo

Ready to explore Bulawayo?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.