Rich in culture, quaint Victorian-style buildings, impressive heritage sites, myriad fauna, and tons of other stuff to explore, Bulawayo is as intriguing as fun. Sprawling natural reserves, national parks and wild foliage make up the city’s landscape, adding to its appeal. However, Bulawayo is not just all fun and games. The city was once an important industrial centre of the country – giving it the nickname, ‘City of Kings’ – with large-scale automobile, textile, construction material, and food factories. While this has reduced over time, Bulawayo still attracts lots of travellers from the African subcontinent and beyond. So, if you too are planning to head there anytime soon, try some (or all) of these top things to do in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and you’ll not be disappointed. There are also a couple of safari lodges you can rent and return to after a long day of adventuring and touring.
1. Drop by Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe houses an exceptional collection of items that throw light on the country’s geological, environmental as well as anthropological history, along with an array of local gemstones. The museum’s nine public galleries – an excellent space for curious kids, avid researchers, and information-thirsty tourists – have enjoyed similar popularity ever since its opened its doors in 1964. Head to the Hall of Man to learn about the evolution of humankind, from early hominids to modern-day humans. Else, Hall of Kings for insight into the local history of the country. There’s also a small shop on-site that boasts an excellent collection of books that you can use to expand your understanding and knowledge base.
Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
Address: Park Rd, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Website: Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD
2. Check out Bulawayo Railway Museum
Chuck aside the fact whether you’re a train enthusiast or not, and go on a tour of the brilliant Bulawayo Railway Museum. The life-sized locomotive displays, equipment, railway-related artefacts, and well-preserved historical documents will allow you to learn the nitty-gritty of early railway operations in Zimbabwe. Don’t forget to click a snap while aboard the Jack Tar display, which is a 19th-century carriage that was famed to be the first train to cross the Victoria Falls Bridge. The museum’s main building also recreates the old-time Shamva train station, with its old-worldly charm and decor.
Pro tip: If you’re lucky and happen to catch hold the museum’s curator Gordon Murray, don’t forget to ask him to show you around – he’ll gladly oblige and make the tour a wholly fantastic experience for you.
Bulawayo Railway Museum
Address: Crew Rd, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Website: Bulawayo Railway Museum
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 1 - 2 USD
3. Shop some at Makokoba Town Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Touted to be Bulawayo’s oldest township, Makokoba oozes an effervescently rustic flavour with its setting, people, and atmosphere. Hidden within Makokoba many ruined buildings and piles of dirt are bits and bobs of open-air markets that sell a variety of items, ranging from local crafts, handmade jewellery and pottery, native fruits and nuts as well as other souvenir-worthy stuff. Do remember to go equipped with masks, in case you’re sensitive to smell.
Makokoba Town Market
Address: Makokoba, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
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4. Grab the best at Giga & Sons
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
All you shopaholic men, do NOT forget a trip to this local gem in Bulawayo. Giga & Sons, a family-run menswear store, was established back in 1932 and has since been quite a hit with men. The store is famed for its Courtney Boots, a type of safari boots, that are manufactured from pure leather and carefully handcrafted. However, those of you concerned about animal cruelty may keep in mind that this leather may be sourced from buffalo, crocodile, ostrich, elephant, and hippos. Rest assured, they are comfy, look smart, and every bit do the job. You’ll also find a great collection of other safari wear at Giga & Sons, so do swing by and lighten your pockets a bit!
Giga & Sons
Address: 93b Robert Mugabe Way, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
5. Stay or dine in at The Bulawayo Club
The regal appeal, stately decor, carpeted floors, and shining silverware define The Bulawayo Club’s ambience. Fret not, though, you’re not expected to be dressed in formal tuxedos and glamorous gowns to enter. While there are several areas of the club that you can make use of, its dining room is probably among the more famous spots. You can choose to grab a table on the ground floor or climb up to the first-floor dining area and enjoy the posh atmosphere. As for food, go in for their pie and gravy or chips and peas and wash it down with a side of your favourite drink or cocktail from the in-house bar.
The Bulawayo Club
Address: Cnr 8th Ave & Fort St, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Website: The Bulawayo Club
Opening hours: 8am - 6:30pm (daily)
6. Visit the fascinating Queens Sports Club
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Cricket lovers, listen up! Former cricket stadium, Queens Sports Club is in Bulawayo and can be accessed by tourists. While it doesn’t host any international teams now, smaller, limited-over matches are still played here. You can drop by and grab a spot in the lawn or in the grandstand and witness a match!
Queens Sports Club
Address: A5, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Website: Queens Sports Club
7. Make a trip to Silunguzi Matopos Cultural Village (from USD 76.0)
Visit Silunguzi Matopos Cultural Village and dive into a world of yesteryears that’ll show you the life of the Ndebele community. While here, you can walk through the natural mini-township, inhabited by the Ndebele people, and interact with them to learn about their community, culture, practices, and basic day-to-day life. The village’s many structures and architecture showcase exceptional African painting techniques and local art, along with other intriguing cave paintings, balancing rocks, etc. You’ll also be treated to a taste of the community’s local foods to savour!
Silunguzi Matopos Village & Rock Paintings Visit !
Duration: 6 hours
8. Admire the impressive works at National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo is a regional counterpart of the main National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare. Nonetheless, it is nothing short of a candy store for art admirers. Housed within an impressive Edwardian-style building is an array of contemporary Zimbabwean sculptures and paintings that bring out the best of African art. Additionally, you’ll even find several books that cover important aspects of local art and background on the artists whose collections are displayed in the gallery’s permanent and temporary exhibitions. If interested, you may even visit studios of the gallery’s resident artists and interact with them.
National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo
Address: Joshua Nkomo St, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Website: National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Sun)
9. Dig into good food at Studio Nosh
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Studio Nosh on Wednesday, November 30, 2016
While you are visiting the National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo, don’t skip a stop at its in-house coffee shop – Studio Nosh. It is the ideal stop for a quick bite or even a relaxed outing. And, don’t miss out on their sumptuous handmade ravioli and lasagna, with a side of refreshing lemonade. Barbecue chicken and french fries are among other fave choices. Excellent food, plus the open-air ambience and friendly hospitality make Studio Nosh a must-visit.
Studio Nosh
Address: Joshua Nkomo St, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Website: Studio Nosh
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 4:30pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
10. Witness the pub culture at King's Head
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Want a taste of Bulawayo’s pub culture? Head over to King’s Head, housed within the Selborne Hotel. It is touted to be Zimbabwe’s oldest pub, attracting locals and tourists for its sophisticated ambience and local flavour. Not just vibrant chatter, you’ll also find the beer on tap here – win-win for zythophiles, or beer lovers!
King's Head
Address: 134 Leopold Takawira Ave, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Touristy, with a dollop of local
Bulawayo exudes a sort of laid-back charm that leaves travellers feeling thoroughly rejuvenated, which is part of the reason it still enjoys popularity among tourists, despite a decline in the city’s economic and political prowess. Whether it’s the popular festivals or the numerous places to visit, there is plenty of things to do in Zimbabwe. You may belong to any age group, the city will have something to cater to your interests. Our list of top things to do in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, covers everything that’ll interest most of you while here.
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