Zimbabwe's largest and best museum makes for an essential visit. Set over three floors, it offers a great overview of the country's natural,…
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Bulawayo
Wide tree-lined avenues, parks and charming colonial architecture make Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city, an attractive one. It has a lovely historic feel to it, and it's worth spending a night or two, especially given it's a gateway to Matobo National Park, and an ideal staging point for Hwange National Park and Vic Falls.
The city dates back to pre-colonial days, when it was founded in the 1840s by the Ndebele king, Lobengula Khumalo. Nearly half a century later it was invaded by the British South Africa Company during the Matabele War, and colonised by Cecil Rhodes in 1894. The grand colonial architecture that stands today soon followed, and Bulawayo's claim to fame is that it had electric lighting (switched on in 1897) before London did! The population today remains majority Ndebele.
Explore Bulawayo
- NNatural History Museum
Zimbabwe's largest and best museum makes for an essential visit. Set over three floors, it offers a great overview of the country's natural,…
- KKhami Ruins
Just 22km from Bulawayo, the Unesco World Heritage–listed Khami Ruins may not have the grandeur of Great Zimbabwe, but it's an impressive archaeological…
- BBulawayo Railway Museum
Whether you're a train enthusiast or not, Bulwayo's Railway Museum rarely disappoints. Its passionate curator, Gordon Murray, will take you on a tour of…
- NNational Art Gallery
Set in a beautiful 100-year-old, colonial, double-terrace Edwardian building, the National Art Gallery shows temporary and permanent exhibitions of…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Bulawayo.
See
Natural History Museum
Zimbabwe's largest and best museum makes for an essential visit. Set over three floors, it offers a great overview of the country's natural,…
See
Khami Ruins
Just 22km from Bulawayo, the Unesco World Heritage–listed Khami Ruins may not have the grandeur of Great Zimbabwe, but it's an impressive archaeological…
See
Bulawayo Railway Museum
Whether you're a train enthusiast or not, Bulwayo's Railway Museum rarely disappoints. Its passionate curator, Gordon Murray, will take you on a tour of…
See
National Art Gallery
Set in a beautiful 100-year-old, colonial, double-terrace Edwardian building, the National Art Gallery shows temporary and permanent exhibitions of…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Bulawayo
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