Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second city and a wonderfully calm gateway to the ancient Matobo Hills. I found wide streets, leafy parks, and some of the friendliest people in Africa here.

Let me share the best things to do in Bulawayo with all the detail you need.

Overview

Bulawayo was built to a grand colonial plan, with wide tree lined avenues and a relaxed, civilized pace. It is often called the city of kings and queens.

I found it a peaceful base for exploring the Matopo hills and the wider Matabeleland region. Its quiet charm won me over completely.

When to Go

The dry months from May to September are my favorite for Bulawayo, with sunny days and cool, comfortable nights.

I visited in August and loved the clear skies and mild temperatures for hiking and sightseeing. The wet season from November to March turns the hills green and lush.

I would pack for the occasional afternoon shower. A walking tour through the old streets revealed grand buildings and hidden cafes. The city’s pace suited me perfectly.

Top Things to See and Do

Explore the Matobo Hills National Park, a landscape of balancing granite boulders and ancient rock art. I scrambled among the rocks and loved every step.

See the grave of Cecil Rhodes at the World’s View and the vast panoramas beyond. The view from the summit was spectacular.

Wander the National Museum of Zimbabwe to learn the region’s history and wildlife. I found the collections fascinating. Relax in the city’s leafy parks and admire the colonial architecture.

I walked the tree lined avenues of the wide central grid. The chilled evening air after warm days was perfect for stargazing from my garden lodge.

I watched the southern sky fill with stars.

Where to Stay

Bulawayo has reliable hotels near the center and good guesthouses. I stayed in a friendly lodge with a garden and a proper breakfast.

Budget backpackers will find hostels close to the bus station. I met many overland travelers there swapping route advice. For nature lovers, camps near the Matobo Hills offer a magic stay.

I slept under a vast, brilliant night sky of stars. Combis to the hills leave early, so I arranged my ride the night before. It saved me precious daylight hours.

Getting Around

Central Bulawayo is easy to walk, with its grid pattern and wide sidewalks. I covered the main sights on foot happily.

Taxis and kombis carry you to the outer suburbs and the park. I negotiated fares before each ride.

For the Matobo Hills I hired a driver or joined a tour, as the rough roads need a capable vehicle. It made the visit effortless.

The local markets served fresh roasted nuts and grilled corn that I loved. They made perfect energy for my hikes.

Food to Try

Local restaurants serve sadza, a thick maize porridge, with grilled meat and vegetable relishes. I loved the hearty comfort food. Grilled beef and chicken with spicy sauces feature everywhere.

I found the braai culture wonderfully social and delicious. Fresh fruit and snacks from the markets rounded out my days. I carried mangoes and roasted nuts on my hikes.

Daily Budget

Bulawayo is one of the more affordable cities in the region. I managed on around fifty dollars a day with a decent hotel and meals.

Adding guided trips to the Matobo Hills brought my costs closer to ninety dollars daily. The parks have modest entry fees that go toward conservation and community. I was happy to support them.

Safety Tips

Bulawayo is generally safe and calm, and I felt comfortable walking by day. I kept my valuables tucked away in the markets.

At night I used registered taxis for longer trips rather than walking empty streets. It kept everything simple and secure.

When hiking in the Matobo Hills I carried water and stayed on the marked paths. The boulders are lovely but can be slippery.

The city’s wide avenues are ideal for an easy afternoon stroll. I walked the tree lined grid and enjoyed the colonial charm.

Local Tips

Hire a local guide in the Matobo Hills to read the ancient rock paintings. Their knowledge brought the art vividly to life.

Visit the hills either early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat and see the wildlife. I saw rhinos at dusk this way.

Carry cash for park fees and local vendors, as cards are not always accepted. I kept a steady supply of small notes.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day one I arrived, walked the city parks, and explored the central avenues. Day two I drove to the Matobo Hills and hiked among the boulders and ancient art.

Day three I visited the museum and relaxed before catching my connection onward. With more time I would add a night camping in the hills and a trip to the nearby dams.

Common Mistakes

Rushing through Bulawayo on the way to Victoria Falls is a mistake. I gave it a full day and found the history worthwhile.

Skipping the Matobo Hills leaves the region’s greatest treasure unseen. I made them the highlight of my stay. Forgetting to book a guide for the park can leave you guessing.

I arranged one ahead and the experience soared.