Bulawayo Travel Guide
Known as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second-largest city and a multicultural hub in the southwest. Historically the country's industrial and commercial heart, its location near Botswana and South Africa made it a key gateway for trade and transport.
In recent decades, Bulawayo has experienced economic decline, with many factories and transport companies shutting down or relocating. This has led to high unemployment and struggling infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the city remains Zimbabwe's cultural capital and a thriving creative community, whose theatre productions, music events and poetry nights continue to showcase local talent.
Bulawayo's wide tree-lined streets, colonial-era architecture and relaxed traffic give the city a laidback feel. It sits on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, with a hot, dry climate for much of the year. Summer rains support the open woodland that surrounds the city.
The city is also a convenient base for exploring top tourist destinations such as Matobo National Park, Hwange National Park, and Victoria Falls. Local attractions include the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, which cares for rescued animals and offers family-friendly educational experiences.
For history lovers, the Bulawayo Railway Museum features colonial-era locomotives and rail memorabilia, including Cecil Rhodes's personal coach. The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe also has impressive exhibits on wildlife, geology and archaeology, including one of the largest mounted elephants in the world.
Bulawayo blends cultural richness with historical depth, making it a rewarding destination for those interested in Zimbabwe's past, creative spirit and natural beauty.