Bulawayo
Bulawayo suits travelers who want Ndebele culture, granite hills and stone ruins, plus a practical base for trips into western Zimbabwe.
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Bulawayo is the second-largest city in Zimbabwe, in the southwest of the country on the Matabeleland plateau. Ndebele art, beadwork and crafts remain part of the city's culture, and the museums and galleries in town cover that history. Most travelers come for the places around it: the granite hills of Matobo, the stone ruins of Khami, and the city itself as a base.
The city suits travelers who want history and cultural sights at a slower pace than Victoria Falls or Harare. Plan two or three days: one for the city museums and galleries, one for Khami, and one for Matobo Hills, a short drive south of the city. Bulawayo is also a common overland stop on the way to Hwange National Park. The dry season from May to October is the most comfortable time to visit, with cooler days and clear skies.
Bulawayo in five
- Carry clean US dollar notesUS dollars are used for many prices and small purchases alongside Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG). Shops often refuse torn or heavily worn notes, so bring crisp bills.
- Check your visa before you book flightsVisa rules depend on your passport and are set by Zimbabwe's Department of Immigration. Look up your nationality on the official site before you pay for flights.
- Set up a data plan from Econet or NetOneEconet and NetOne are the main mobile networks and both sell data bundles. Load data before you head out to the hills.Phones and eSIM
- Book a guide for Matobo Hills rock artThe rock art and Cecil Rhodes's grave are spread across a national park. A guide or driver from Bulawayo can take you there for the day.Tours and tickets
- Agree the taxi fare before you get inSettle the price before the ride starts. Your hotel can call a driver and quote the fare for you.
Things to do in Bulawayo
See all attractions in Bulawayo
Need to know
- Currency
- Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG); US dollars widely used
- Entry
- Visa rules vary by passport; check before you fly
- Emergency
- 995 police, 994 ambulance, 993 fire
- Tipping
- About 10% at restaurants if no service charge is added
- Time
- UTC+2, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryHot, rainy
- FebruaryHeavy rain
- MarchRain tapers
- AprilGreen, cooling
- MayDry, mild
- JuneCool, dry
- JulyCold nights
- AugustDry season
- SeptemberHot, dry
- OctoberHot, dusty
- NovemberStorms start
- DecemberRainy season
Right now in Bulawayo
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
22
- Feels like
- 19°
- Humidity
- 44%
- Wind
- 20 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Bulawayo
11:14 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today33°21°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue33°19°35%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Wed33°19°18%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Thu34°20°2%Thursday: Drizzle. High 34°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Fri35°20°6%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 35°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Sat36°22°39%Saturday: Drizzle. High 36°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Sun35°20°62%Sunday: Drizzle. High 35°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 62%.
Updated 11:13 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Matobo Hillsabout 45 min by roadGranite hills, rock art and the grave of Cecil Rhodes.
- Khami Ruinsabout 30 min by roadStone ruins of a historic capital, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Hwange National Parkabout 3 to 4 hours by roadOne of Zimbabwe's largest national parks, best for game viewing in the dry season.
Before you go to Bulawayo
Rules for Bulawayo, checked
- Check visa requirements for your passport on the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration site before you fly.
- Ask permission before photographing people, rock art and sacred places in the Matobo Hills.
- Prices can be quoted in US dollars or ZWG. Confirm the currency with the seller before you pay.
Plan around Bulawayo
Cities, parks, entry rules and money
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa rules by passport and entry checks
Read the guideMoney and costsUsing US dollars and ZWG, and where cards work
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData for maps, transfers and calls
Read the guideWhere to stayCity centre, suburbs and lodges near Matobo
Read the guideGetting aroundTaxis, kombis and driving to the parks
Read the guideBulawayo FAQ
Is Bulawayo worth visiting?
Yes, for two or three days. The city's museums and Ndebele culture, plus Matobo Hills and the Khami Ruins nearby, make a good mix of history and scenery.
How many days do you need in Bulawayo?
Two days covers the city and one day each for Matobo Hills and Khami Ruins. Add a third day if you want to walk the hills slowly or drive out to Hwange.
How do you get from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls?
By road it is a long drive, usually by hired car or long-distance bus. Check current bus and flight options before you book, as schedules change.
Where should I stay in Bulawayo?
The city centre if you want to walk to shops and restaurants. Choose a suburb or a lodge near Matobo Hills if you have a car and want quiet nights.
Do I need a car in Bulawayo?
For Matobo Hills and Khami Ruins, a car, driver or tour is the easiest option, since both are outside town. Within the city, taxis are the usual choice.
Is Bulawayo safe for tourists?
Stay alert in the city centre and avoid walking alone late at night. Ask your hotel to book a taxi after dark.