Key Takeaways:
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Bulawayo blends rich history, colonial architecture, and access to natural wonders, making it a top cultural destination in Zimbabwe year-round.
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The city offers unique experiences like ancient ruins, wildlife parks, art galleries, and festivals rooted in local tradition.
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Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or street life, Bulawayo has something for everyone across all seasons.
Known as Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Bulawayo is a fascinating blend of old-world charm, modern creativity, and cultural depth. Founded in the 19th century by King Lobengula of the Ndebele Kingdom, Bulawayo later developed into a key colonial railway and industrial hub. Today, it stands as one of the country’s most important cities, not just for commerce but for preserving Zimbabwe’s rich historical narrative and creative spirit.
Travelers love Bulawayo for its walkable city center, beautifully preserved colonial buildings, and proximity to breathtaking sites like Matobo National Park. The people are welcoming, and the pace of life is more relaxed compared to Harare. You’ll find vibrant local markets, powerful museums, and vast open landscapes—all within reach of the city. Bulawayo isn’t just a stopover; it’s a destination in its own right.
Table of Contents
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Explore Matobo National Park
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Visit the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
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Discover Khami Ruins UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Take a Walking Tour of Historic Bulawayo
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Enjoy Art and Culture at the National Gallery
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Attend the Intwasa Arts Festival
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Go Game Viewing at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
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Shop Local at the Mzilikazi Arts and Craft Centre
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Take a Train Ride from Bulawayo Railway Station
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Relax and Picnic at Centenary Park
1. Explore Matobo National Park
Just 35 kilometers outside of Bulawayo lies Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Zimbabwe’s most spiritually and geologically unique landscapes. The park is home to the Matobo Hills, dramatic granite formations that rise from the earth like ancient monuments. These massive rock domes have long held sacred meaning for local communities and were used as hiding spots during historical battles. Beyond their striking appearance, the hills are also home to ancient rock art that dates back over 13,000 years.
Visitors can hike trails, enjoy panoramic views, and even spot black and white rhinos on safari drives within the park. The wildlife is impressive, and birdwatchers will love spotting the high concentration of eagles. You can also visit the grave of Cecil Rhodes, situated at “View of the World,” a location with breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re in for the spiritual history or outdoor adventure, Matobo is a must-do experience from Bulawayo.
2. Visit the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
One of the largest and most comprehensive museums in southern Africa, the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe is located right in Bulawayo and offers a deep dive into the country’s flora, fauna, and archaeological past. The building itself is grand, with multiple floors dedicated to taxidermy displays, dinosaur fossils, geology exhibits, and the evolution of life in the region. Its colonial-era structure is a reminder of the city’s role in British Southern Africa, but the stories it holds are entirely Zimbabwean.
Families and solo travelers alike will find it engaging, especially the live snake section and mounted wildlife exhibits. The museum does a great job at balancing educational value with interactive features for younger visitors. Scientists and students regularly visit for research, but it’s equally accessible for tourists looking to learn more about Zimbabwe’s biodiversity and cultural evolution. A couple of hours here feels like traveling through time.
3. Discover Khami Ruins UNESCO World Heritage Site
A short drive west of Bulawayo will take you to the ancient Khami Ruins, a lesser-known but equally impressive sibling of the Great Zimbabwe ruins. Once the capital of the Torwa dynasty between the 15th and 17th centuries, Khami is known for its intricate stonework and terraced platforms. These ruins tell stories of power, trade, and advanced engineering that predates colonial history by centuries. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring site with much fewer crowds.
Walking among the ruins gives you a sense of the city’s former grandeur and strategic layout. Informative plaques and local guides help bring the ancient civilization to life, showing how it thrived through trade and craftsmanship. The site also offers picturesque views of the Khami River and its surrounding woodland. It’s a perfect half-day trip for history buffs and travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
4. Take a Walking Tour of Historic Bulawayo
One of the best ways to explore Bulawayo is on foot, especially around its historic city center. The grid layout, wide avenues, and colonial-era architecture make it ideal for slow, immersive travel. You’ll pass buildings like the Bulawayo Club, City Hall, and several art deco-style establishments that speak to a bygone era. Many of these structures are still in use today, housing cafés, government offices, and shops with a retro flair.
Walking tours can be self-guided or led by local historians who offer deeper context about the city’s evolution from a Ndebele stronghold to a colonial trading post and modern cultural hub. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of resistance, resilience, and identity that shaped Zimbabwe. Plus, stopping for a local snack like a vetkoek or roasted maize adds flavor to the experience. This is urban exploration at its best—authentic, educational, and affordable.
5. Enjoy Art and Culture at the National Gallery
The Bulawayo branch of Zimbabwe’s National Gallery is a dynamic space for visual arts, showcasing works from both established and emerging Zimbabwean artists. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the gallery features rotating exhibitions that highlight painting, sculpture, photography, and traditional crafts. It’s more than just a visual space—it’s a creative hub where artists gather for talks, workshops, and performances. For those interested in African art and contemporary culture, this is a must-visit.
The gallery’s curators make a point to highlight diverse voices, often focusing on local themes like identity, heritage, and transformation. The outdoor sculpture garden and on-site café create a relaxed atmosphere for browsing and reflecting. Events are held throughout the year, making it a space that changes with the seasons. Whether you’re a serious art lover or just curious, the gallery offers a modern lens on Zimbabwean creativity.
6. Attend the Intwasa Arts Festival
Held annually in September, the Intwasa Arts Festival is one of Bulawayo’s biggest cultural celebrations and a highlight of the city’s creative calendar. The festival brings together artists from across Zimbabwe and the wider African continent, showcasing talent in music, theatre, literature, visual arts, and dance. Performances take place across multiple venues including theaters, public spaces, and pop-up stages, creating a citywide buzz. It’s a vibrant, high-energy event that celebrates both tradition and innovation in African arts.
Even if you’re visiting outside of the festival week, the cultural presence of Intwasa lives on in local galleries and youth programs. Attendees often speak of the electric atmosphere and the openness of the artists who frequently interact with the public. It’s a rare chance to see Zimbabwe’s creative scene at full throttle. If you can time your trip with Intwasa, it’s an unforgettable experience that fuses storytelling, rhythm, and visual expression.
7. Go Game Viewing at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
Just 25 kilometers outside the city, the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage offers a close-up look at Zimbabwe’s rescued and rehabilitated animals. Founded in the 1970s, this conservation center is home to lions, leopards, baboons, antelopes, and birds of prey that are injured or orphaned in the wild. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about each animal’s story and the center’s mission to reintroduce some species back into their natural habitat. It’s educational, family-friendly, and ethically run.
Unlike a traditional zoo, Chipangali focuses on rehabilitation and education, making it a meaningful stop for those who care about animal welfare. The facility also includes a small museum and environmental education center, perfect for kids and curious travelers. Photography is allowed, and the staff is happy to answer questions about conservation in Zimbabwe. It’s a powerful way to engage with wildlife in a respectful and responsible setting.
8. Shop Local at the Mzilikazi Arts and Craft Centre
For authentic souvenirs and cultural immersion, the Mzilikazi Arts and Craft Centre is the place to go. This artisan hub supports local crafters who specialize in pottery, sculpture, wood carving, and textiles. Visitors can watch artists at work and even commission custom pieces or buy directly from the workshops. It’s a fantastic way to take home something handmade while supporting the local economy and traditional craftsmanship.
Many of the artists are happy to explain their creative process and share the stories behind their work. Prices are reasonable, and you can often find one-of-a-kind items that aren’t available in commercial shops. Whether you’re looking for a small keepsake or a larger decor piece, the center offers cultural depth in every item. Plus, shopping here feels more like a cultural exchange than a transaction.
9. Take a Train Ride from Bulawayo Railway Station
The Bulawayo Railway Station is a relic of colonial engineering and still operates trains connecting to destinations across Zimbabwe. Whether you’re boarding a train to Victoria Falls or just exploring the station, it’s a beautiful example of early 20th-century design with arched ceilings, ironwork, and polished wooden benches. Taking the train offers a scenic, nostalgic way to travel and connect with the country at a slower pace. For train enthusiasts, it’s a hidden gem.
Even if you don’t plan a full journey, visiting the station gives you a glimpse into the past and how the railway shaped Bulawayo’s growth. Ticket counters, old signage, and passenger lounges retain their vintage charm, making it feel like time has paused. Staff are friendly and used to tourists asking questions or snapping photos. If you’re up for it, taking the train to a nearby town makes for a unique travel experience.
10. Relax and Picnic at Centenary Park
Located in the heart of the city, Centenary Park is one of Bulawayo’s most accessible green spaces and a favorite among families and locals alike. With manicured gardens, shady trees, fountains, and benches, it’s the perfect spot to unwind or enjoy a casual afternoon picnic. The park also houses a small zoo and children’s playground, making it especially appealing for those traveling with kids. You’ll often see locals reading, painting, or playing music on the grass.
During public holidays or weekends, Centenary Park becomes a social hub filled with food vendors, balloons, and laughter. It’s free to enter and provides a quiet break from sightseeing or shopping. Bring a blanket, some local snacks, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of everyday life in Bulawayo. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest experiences leave the strongest impressions.
What to do if you have kids?
Bulawayo is a welcoming city for families, offering plenty of activities to keep kids entertained and engaged. Places like Centenary Park and Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage are perfect for children to explore and learn in a safe environment. The Natural History Museum also has interactive exhibits and live animals that appeal to curious young minds. Street vendors selling local treats and colorful trinkets can add fun surprises along your journey. Overall, the city’s pace, open spaces, and warm people make it a great family-friendly destination.
Where can I find free events in Bulawayo Zimbabwe taking place this weekend?
The easiest way to find free events in Bulawayo happening this weekend is by using PlanMyWeekend.ai. This tool helps you discover music events, art exhibits, local festivals, food fairs, and community meetups—all at no cost. Just enter your location and preferred dates, and the platform will show you curated recommendations in real time. Whether you’re a traveler or local, it’s the smartest way to uncover hidden events and experiences happening right now in Bulawayo.
Final thoughts
Bulawayo is a city full of soul, stories, and scenery that invites you to experience Zimbabwe beyond the tourist trail. With its rich mix of history, nature, and cultural expression, the city offers something meaningful in every season. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, enjoying local art, or watching wildlife up close, Bulawayo rewards curious travelers with authenticity and depth. Plan your trip with an open mind and a flexible schedule—you’ll likely find more reasons to stay than you expected.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
