Bulawayo is a city located in southwest Zimbabwe and is the second-largest city in the country. It is a city full of culture, history, and beauty. From its traditional cuisine and music to its vibrant art and lively nightlife, Bulawayo has something for everyone. In this text, we'll take a look at what makes Bulawayo such a great destination for travelers and locals alike.
Getting to Know Bulawayo
Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, located in the south-west of the country. It has a population of about 2 million people, with a mix of mostly Shona, Ndebele and English-speaking people living there.
The time zone in Bulawayo is Central Africa Time (CAT).
English is the official language of Zimbabwe, but the major local languages spoken in Bulawayo are Shona and Ndebele.
The currency in Bulawayo is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). It is officially divided into 100 cents, but due to hyperinflation, the currency is rarely used.
Climate and Weather
Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe and is located in the southwest part of the country. The city has a dramatic, semi-arid climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Bulawayo has hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in the afternoons and mild winters with temperatures reaching as low as -2°C (28°F). Rainfall is highly variable and varies between 400–600 mm during the wet season, which runs from October to March, and 100–200mm during the dry season.
Bulawayo is susceptible to droughts due to the semi-arid climate and can experience periods of being without rain for months at a time. Despite the dryness, the city enjoys a pleasant, temperate climate year-round and is relatively free from extreme temperatures.
Touring Bulawayo: Airport and Transportation
There is only one airport in Bulawayo, called Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (there are also two military airports). To get from the main airport to downtown Bulawayo, you can either take a taxi or ride-hail service, which typically cost around ZAR 50 (approximately $3.44 USD). You can also take the Bulawayo City Bus, which costs around ZAR 5 (approximately $0.35 USD). The airport does not offer currency exchange services, however there is an ATM located near the Check-In counters inside the International Departures area.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Bulawayo
- Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe and is a major economic hub. It is home to a rich history and culture, with influences from southern Africa, its colonial past, and various local ethnic communities
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, from the traditional crafts and foods to contemporary art galleries and theater. Bayethe Harare, a traditional arts market, showcases the vibrant local music, dance, art and cuisine
- Bulawayo is also home to several historically significant monuments, including the Zimbabwe National Monument, a memorial dedicated to the fighting spirit of the nation’s freedom fighters and the Khami Ruins National Monument, a World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe that is among the most remarkable ruins in Southern Africa
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