Introducing Bulawayo

Formerly called Gu-Bulawayo (‘Killing Place’) by the Ndebele, Zimbabwe’s calm second city shows no signs of the violence it has witnessed at various times in the past. Indeed it produces and attracts creative people, and at any time of year, you can usually find an art show or music festival on somewhere. The National Art Gallery is a great place to find out what’s on around town.

Peaceful parks, low colonial buildings and tree-lined streets give Bulawayo a laid-back atmosphere, while wide avenues divide the city into neat symmetrical blocks.

For information on accommodation, transport, tours, activities and events in Bulawayo, head to the Bulawayo Publicity Association (60867; www.arachnid.co.zw/bulawayo; City Hall car park, off Leopold Takawira Ave; 8.30am-4.45pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-noon Sat). It also sells the detailed Bulawayo Mobil Street Atlas (US$0.60) and distributes Bulawayo This Month, which lists upcoming events and useful addresses. National Parks Bulawayo Office (63646; cnr Herbert Chitepo St & Tenth Ave; 8am-4pm Mon-Fri) takes accommodation bookings for Matobo National Park. For other parks you’ll be better off booking at the Harare headquarters, where the system is more reliable. Internet access, phone and fax services can be found at Kwik Net (cnr Ninth Ave & Main St; internet per hr US$0.30; 8am-10pm) and Tshaka’s Communications (66992; Bulawayo Centre, Main St; 8am-6pm). Rennies Travel (880531; rtzim@africaonline.co.zw; Fidelity Life Centre, cnr Fife St & Eleventh Ave) can arrange international travel bookings.