Bulawayo Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Bulawayo is a relaxed city with a strong cultural identity and remarkable landscapes on its doorstep.

• Matobo National Park — A UNESCO-listed landscape of balancing granite boulders, ancient rock paintings, rhinos and abundant black eagles, including the viewpoint known as World’s View.
• Khami Ruins — A World Heritage Site of stone-walled terraces from a former capital of the Torwa state, west of the city.
• Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe — The country’s leading natural history museum, with extensive wildlife, geology and ethnography collections.
• Bulawayo Railway Museum — Steam locomotives and carriages that tell the story of rail in southern Africa.
• Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre — A long-running centre known for pottery, sculpture and local crafts.
• Centenary and Central Parks — Shady green spaces in the heart of the city, pleasant for a stroll.

Thanks to its altitude, Bulawayo has a mild climate. The rainy season runs from about November to March, with warm days and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter, from May to August, is dry and sunny, with cool to cold nights, while September and October are the hottest months before the rains.

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit, especially for game viewing and walking in Matobo, when vegetation is thinner and tracks are easier to use. Bring a warm layer for winter mornings and evenings.

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport lies north of Bulawayo, around half an hour’s drive from the city centre depending on traffic. It handles domestic and regional flights and has a modern terminal.

Taxis are available at arrivals, and many hotels and lodges arrange transfers if booked ahead, which is the most reliable option. Car hire is available and useful for visiting Matobo and Khami independently.

Bulawayo’s accommodation ranges from city hotels to lodges in the Matobo Hills.

• City centre — Close to museums, banks and offices; convenient for business travellers.
• Suburbs — Leafy residential areas east of the centre with guesthouses and quieter surroundings.
• Hillside — A residential area with guest lodges, popular with families and longer stays.
• Matobo Hills — Lodges among the granite kopjes, ideal for nature lovers and walkers.

• Money: US dollars are widely used; carry small notes, as change can be scarce, and do not rely solely on cards.
• Getting around: Use taxis arranged by your hotel or hire a car to explore beyond the city.
• Etiquette: Greetings are important; take time to greet people politely before getting down to business.
• Health: Malaria risk is low in the city but present in some rural areas, so seek medical advice before travel.
• Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card for data, as Wi-Fi can be inconsistent outside hotels.