Welcome to Bulawayo - an ancient and vibrant city of Zimbabwe. Situated in the south-west of the country, Bulawayo is the biggest city of Zimbabwe outside the capital, Harare. With its rich history and culture, Bulawayo has something unique to offer its visitors. From traditional dances and music to ancient archaeological sites, Bulawayo is sure to satisfy your curiosity. Get ready to explore and learn more about this amazing city!
Getting to Know Bulawayo
Bulawayo is a city located in the province of Matabeleland in Zimbabwe. It is the second most populous city in the country, with an estimated population of over 1.5 million inhabitants. Bulawayo is in the Central Africa Time Zone, which is UTC+2. The official language of Bulawayo is English, however, the local languages of Ndebele, Kalanga, Venda and Shona are also widely spoken. The currency of Bulawayo is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL).
Climate and Weather
Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe and has a warm, semi-arid climate with an average low temperature of 7 °C (45 °F) and an average high temperature of 29 °C (84 °F). The city experiences its hottest temperatures from October to March, with January and February being the hottest months. During these months the average daily temperature can reach up to 36 °C (97 °F). Rainfall is generally low and sparse, with January to April receiving the most precipitation. Bulawayo averages around 600 mm (23.6 inches) of rain each year, almost all of which comes between October and April. The period from May to September is characterized by much drier conditions, with very little rainfall.
Touring Bulawayo: Airport and Transportation
There is only one airport in Bulawayo, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ). You can take a taxi from the airport to downtown Bulawayo. The cost is about ZW$50-60 for the 15 minute ride. There is no money changing facility at the airport, but you can change money from the Bureaux de Change in downtown Bulawayo.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Bulawayo
- Bulawayo is the city with the best preserved architecture and culture in Zimbabwe, with a history that dates back to 1894 when the British arrived. Its traditional Ndebele culture is still present today
- Tourists can visit the historical sites of the city, including the National Art Gallery and the Mzilikazi monument, to learn more about its cultural heritage.
- The lively City Hall, Rhodes Estate, and Khami ruins are also popular attractions and remind one of the colorful past of this vibrant African city