Bulawayo Travel Guide
Often called the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is a multicultural hub in the southwest of Zimbabwe. The second-largest city after Harare, it is regarded as the business and industrial capital, partly due to its proximity to South Africa and Botswana.
Once a thriving city, Bulawayo has experienced a sharp decline in living standards and infrastructure over the past decade. The city was once home to a number of large business headquarters, including large manufacturing centres and transportation company hubs, but many of these have since closed or moved to Harare, leaving behind large-scale unemployment and poor service delivery.
Nevertheless, Bulawayo remains the country's cultural centre, with a large community of creatives and artists in the city. Various theatre and dance productions, classical and contemporary music events and open-mic poetry evenings can be enjoyed here. The scattered parks, low colonial buildings, minimal traffic, and wide tree-lined streets give Bulawayo a laidback atmosphere. Close to the Kalahari Desert, Bulawayo is hot and dry for most of the year, with enough rainfall in the summer to support the natural vegetation of open woodland that surrounds the city.
Bulawayo is the largest city near the tourist hotspots of Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Matobo National Park. The Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage for abandoned, sick or wounded animals is a great educational outing for the kids, as many exotic animals there are rescued pets and therefore perfectly tame. Visitors should also make sure to visit the city's museums and parks. Another good kid's attraction in Bulawayo is the Bulawayo Railway Museum, one of only a few of its kind in the world, which features some excellent colonial-era exhibitions.
Things to do in Bulawayo
Getting Around
It's fairly easy to get around Bulawayo city itself on foot, although visitors may want to consider hiring a car as a safer option; walking around parts of the city is fairly safe during the day, but walking is not advisable at night. Several international car hire companies, such as Avis and Europcar, are represented at Bulawayo Airport. Driving is one of the most convenient ways to get around, but travellers should note that the roads have deteriorated over the last few years. Local taxis are also a good option; taxis are usually light blue. The minibus taxis used by locals are cheap and convenient, but tend to be overcrowded and poorly maintained, which can make catching a ride a hair-raising experience.
Bulawayo Climate and Weather
The climate in Bulawayo is a humid subtropical climate due to the city's high altitude. As with most of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo has three main seasons: a dry, cool winter season from May to August, a hot, dry early summer from late August to early November, and a warm, wet late summer from early November to April.
Zimbabwe travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin rectangular blade plugs are common.
Language
English is the official language in Zimbabwe, although it is only spoken as a first language by a tiny percentage of the population. Several indigenous languages are spoken including Shona and Ndebele.
Money
Though the primary legal tender is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL), travellers can transact using the US dollar at the official exchange rate, as it's widely accepted. The symbol for both is $, so travellers should check which currency is in use before making a transaction. They should also confirm in advance what payment method a restaurant, hotel or tour operator will accept. Some businesses, including medical providers, may not accept payment by credit or debit card. The country is currently experiencing a shortage of cash. Withdrawals are possible at some ATMs and bank branches with an international bank card, but the availability of cash is not always guaranteed.
Tipping
A service charge is usually included in the bill, and a 10 percent tip is customary for staff in restaurants, hotels and taxis. Some tour guides and game rangers depend largely on tips for their income.
Health
Travellers to Zimbabwe who arrive from infected countries must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are recommended. There is a year-round risk of malaria in most of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo. Precautions against mosquito bites should be taken to avoid a number of mosquito-borne diseases. Cholera outbreaks usually occur during the rainy season, when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Rapidly declining health standards are also responsible for Zimbabwe having one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, according to the World Health Organization; visitors are advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and striking is common; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication and travel health insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high.
Safety
The level of crime is moderate and visitors who are travelling alone may be more vulnerable. Mugging as well as petty crimes such as pick pocketing are common in city centres, especially after dark. Travellers should be vigilant at Harare International Airport and when leaving banks and cash points, and should avoid carrying or displaying large amounts of cash in public places.
Travellers shouldn't use intercity bus and rail services, as they're dangerous. Buses are overcrowded and poorly maintained, and drivers are often reckless; the rail system is also inadequately maintained, and there are many accidents. Visitors are better off using taxis that are either owned or recommended by major hotels.
Wildlife viewing presents risks, especially for safari-goers who are on foot or at close range. Adventurers should always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife, and only exit the tour vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it is safe to do so. They should also only use reputable guides or tour operators, and closely follow park regulations and their guide's advice.
Victoria Falls is considered the most safe and well-policed part of Zimbabwe and the majority of visits are hassle-free. The resort areas around Lake Kariba are also considered to be safe, especially on guided tours and package holidays.
Local customs
In Zimbabwe it's a sign of respect to stand up when greeting people who have recently entered a room, or to physically lower the head when meeting someone older or of higher status. It's important to greet elders or senior-ranking people first, and it's considered extremely rude to challenge an elder's opinion, even if they are incorrect. Locals will often communicate gratitude nonverbally with claps to show respect. For instance, people clap twice to say 'thank you' if someone is passing them something.
It is against the law to take photographs of public buildings or government institutions, and it is not advisable to take photographs anywhere in the vicinity of such buildings, or any roadblocks and illegally occupied farms, as this could lead to arrest. It is also illegal to photograph police and military personnel, as well as of demonstrations. Homosexuality is illegal; civilians are not permitted to wear camouflage clothing.
Doing business
Business in Zimbabwe is conducted in English, and is fairly informal, with drinking and socialising very much part of the business culture. Dress is fairly conservative, but lightweight suits or casual jackets are more suited to the hot climate than formal business wear. It is customary to shake hands with men and women at the beginning and end of a meeting. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, although hours vary considerably depending on the establishment; some businesses close at 11am on Wednesdays, and some are open on Saturday mornings.
Duty free
Travellers to Zimbabwe do not have to pay duty on items to the value of US$200 provided this allowance is not claimed more than once in a 30-day period. These include goods for personal consumption, including tobacco, and alcohol up to 5 litres with no more than 2 litres of this being spirits. Prohibited items include narcotic and amphetamine drugs, indecent or obscene reading material, toy firearms, and blade knives.
Communications
The international dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263. Travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones and top hotels offer WiFi.
Passport & Visa
All visitors require travel itineraries, tickets, and documents for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. Visa fees, where applicable, are payable in US dollars. Fees vary depending on nationality and type of visa. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
UK passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Canadian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Australian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
South African passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Irish passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
New Zealand passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Useful contacts
Official tourism website of Zimbabwe: www.zimbabwetourism.net
999Embassies / consulates in other countries
Zimbabwe Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 7100.
Zimbabwe Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7836 7755.
Zimbabwe Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 421 2824/1242.
Zimbabwe Embassy, Canberra ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 2281/2700.
Zimbabwe Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5125.
Embassies / consulates in Zimbabwe
United States Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 250 593.
British Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 338 800
Canadian Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 252 181/2/3/4/5.
Australian High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 853 23 555.
South African High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 760 404.
Honorary Consulate of Ireland, Harare +263 (0)4 771 949.
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria (also responsible for Zimbabwe): +27 (0)12 435 9000.