Bulawayo is the second largest city in the country after Harare, with a multicultural population of approximately 1 500 000 people. Bulawayo forms the axis of a well-established rail and road network to the north, south, east and west of southern Africa. Despite some economic challenges, it remains the regional centre for southern Zimbabwe and forms a key link to the South African border at Beitbridge, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Gonarezhou National Park and Matobo National Park.

Bulawayo’s beginnings are intertwined with the history of the Ndebele people. It is located on a site selected by King Lobengula, the second and last official king of the Northern Ndebele people, for his personal kraal, and is sometimes referred to as ‘The City of Kings’.

Tourist office: Mon-Fri: 08:30-16:45 & Sat 08:30-12:00

ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation is available in many guesthouses, while nature lovers may prefer camping at the Hillside Dam Conservancy on the town’s outskirts (note, cold water showers only).

BANKING:
Banks provide bureau de change services since none of the currencies used is Zimbabwe are Zimbabwean – US Dollars, Rand, Pula, etc.

CLIMATE:
Bulawayo has a humid subtropical climate due to its high altitude. If you want to avoid the rain, stay away during the wet months of December and January. September and October are the hottest months, with June and July being moderate in temperature, though often chilly at night.

EMBASSY:
There is a VFS Global South Africa Visa Application Centre. Tel: +263(0)242 851 260.

HEALTHCARE:
Hospital number is for Mater Dei Hospital. The Doctors contact is for Galen House/Dr. Ferguson & Partners.

INTERNET SERVICES:
On Robert Mugage Way between 10th and 11th Avenues.

LANGUAGES:
English, Ndebele and Shona are the main spoken languages, with some smaller indigenous languages in the mix.

ROAD/SAFETY INFO:
There is one stretch between Hwange and Bulawayo where there are undulations in the road. There is a warning sign saying 'Deadly Danger' and it is no understatement. Anything above 50 kph and you could be in trouble.

It is relatively safe exploring the city’s attractions on foot by day, however walking around at night is not a good idea. As in Harare, road conditions have declined over the years, so be prepared to manoeuvre around potholes when driving through the city! Street names are often hard to spot or missing all together, so have your GPS with T4A maps handy.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
High street shops and pharmacies can be found along Main Street and Fort Street, as well as at the Zonkizizwe and Ascot Shopping Centres. Zonkizizwe has a well-stocked Food Lovers Market and a Pick and Pay. There are several medical facilities in the city, including the two 24-hour medical centres, those being Galen House Emergency Clinic and Cornerstone Medical Centre.

TOW-IN SERVICES:
Road Angels vehicle recovery service. Operates 24 hours: +263(0)71 412 2122.

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