Bulawayo Travel Guide: Zimbabwe's Second City

Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second largest city and the historical capital of Matabeleland — the southern region traditionally associated with the Ndebele people, who established their kingdom here in the 1840s under King Mzilikazi after migrating north from Zululand. The city that stands today was laid out by the British South Africa Company after the Ndebele kingdom fell in 1893.

The wide streets — legend holds they were designed wide enough for a full span of 16 oxen to turn — give central Bulawayo a distinctive spaciousness. The colonial-era Edwardian and Art Deco architecture has survived remarkably intact, making a walking tour of the centre more rewarding than in most Zimbabwean cities. Bulawayo is also the most convenient base for Matobo Hills National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s most underrated destinations.

What to See

Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe on Leopold Takawira Avenue is one of Africa’s finest natural history museums. The mammal hall is exceptional — comprehensive taxidermy collection covering every major species in Zimbabwe. The geological section includes a significant collection of Zimbabwean minerals and gemstones. The museum’s scale and quality are worth two to three hours of time. Entry approximately $5 USD; open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm.

City Hall and Main Street — the civic buildings around the Main Street (Joshua Nkomo Street) and Robert Mugabe Way show Bulawayo’s Edwardian commercial heritage most clearly. The Natural History Museum, City Hall, and the old post office building form the core of this architectural zone.

Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre in the township of the same name is where Bulawayo’s sculptors, painters, and craftspeople work. The centre is named for the Ndebele founder-king. Soapstone carvings, weaving, and painting are produced here; prices are significantly lower than at tourist shops near the railway station. Take a taxi (approximately $8–10 USD one-way from the centre). For guided city tours or combined Bulawayo–Matobo Hills day trips, browse Bulawayo tours on GetYourGuide for operator-verified options.

Khami Ruins (18km west of Bulawayo) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the remains of a 15th-century Torwa kingdom city, a successor to Great Zimbabwe. Less dramatic than Great Zimbabwe but far less visited. Entry approximately $5 USD. The site has a single National Parks guide; call ahead if you want a guided tour.

Bulawayo Railway Museum on Lobengula Street houses historic locomotives from the Rhodesian railway era, including steam engines. A niche interest but well-maintained. Entry approximately $3 USD; open weekdays 9am–4pm.

Where to Stay

Nesbitt Castle is Bulawayo’s most distinctive accommodation — a small hotel built in the style of a Scottish castle in the 1920s by entrepreneur Herbert Nesbitt. Rooms decorated with period furnishings and antiques. Rates approximately $90–140 USD per night, including breakfast. One of Zimbabwe’s most interesting heritage hotels.

Cresta Churchill Hotel on Josiah Tongogara Street is the most conventional four-star option in the centre. Rooms approximately $100–140 USD per night. Good pool, reliable restaurant, central location. Often booked for government and NGO visits.

Bulawayo Club on Fife Street — originally the colonial-era gentlemen’s club — now operates as a hotel. Atmospheric interiors; rooms approximately $80–120 USD per night. The club bar and dining room retain a period character.

Cecil Hotel in the centre is a reasonable mid-range option at approximately $60–90 USD per night. The location on the main street is convenient for the museum and city walking.

Budget guesthouses around the Avenues area (Bulawayo’s version of Harare’s equivalent) run approximately $35–55 USD per night for clean, secure accommodation.

Where to Eat

The Cattleman on Fort Street is the reliable choice for grilled meat — Zimbabwe beef is generally excellent, and a well-cooked sirloin here runs approximately $15–22 USD. The restaurant has been a Bulawayo institution for decades.

Indaba Café near the Natural History Museum is a good coffee and lunch spot — wraps, salads, sandwiches from $7–12 USD. The best option for a post-museum meal.

Cresta Churchill’s Horizon Restaurant serves buffet breakfast and à la carte lunch and dinner. Mains approximately $12–18 USD. The most reliable choice for international visitors wanting predictable quality.

Local eating at the informal restaurants around the main bus terminus area delivers sadza, chicken stew, beans, and greens at $2–5 USD — the same meals eaten by most Bulawayo residents every day. Worth trying once; follow local recommendations for which stalls are best.

Sweet Inspirations bakery near the town centre sells excellent bread, pastries, and coffee — a good morning stop at prices below hotel breakfast rates. Pastries from $1–3 USD.

Getting There

By road from Victoria Falls: 440km on the A8 — approximately 5–6 hours. The highway is paved throughout; road quality varies by section. Intercape and Pathfinder run daily services; fares approximately $25–35 USD one-way. If you plan to self-drive between Bulawayo, Matobo, and Victoria Falls, compare car hire options for Zimbabwe — having your own vehicle makes a significant difference in this part of the country.

By road from Harare: 440km on the A4 via the Midlands — approximately 5–6 hours. Well-served by long-distance coaches.

By rail: The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls railway line is one of Africa’s historic routes. Service is infrequent and slow (up to 10+ hours), but the line passes through Hwange National Park and often sees elephant and other wildlife from the carriages. Check National Railways of Zimbabwe for current schedules.

By air: Bulawayo Airport (BUQ) has domestic connections from Harare (approximately 1 hour). Fastjet Zimbabwe serves the route periodically. International connections are limited.

Practical Notes

Bulawayo’s wide streets and compact city centre make it genuinely walkable by day. The distances between the main museum, city hall, railway museum, and central hotels are all under 1km on foot. We recommend arranging travel insurance for Zimbabwe before your trip — essential for remote parks like Matobo and Hwange, which are several hours from any major hospital.

The city is notably calmer and less congested than Harare — a quality that many visitors find a relief after the capital. The pace of life here is slower.

Matobo Hills National Park (35km south) can be done as a day trip from Bulawayo — allow a full day to get to Malindidzimu Hill (Cecil Rhodes’ grave), see rock art, and have a reasonable chance of rhino on a guided walk. A full Matobo guide is at [/city/matobo-hills/].