Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, located in the south of the country. It is an important industrial, commercial and mineral hub, and major stops for tourists. Additionally, Bulawayo has served as an iconic symbol of the nation's colonial and post-colonial history, culture and development. In this text, we will explore the many facets of Bulawayo, from its history to the culture, economy and attractions it provides.
Getting to Know Bulawayo
Bulawayo is a major city located in the southwest of Zimbabwe. It covers an area of 575km2 and has an estimated population of 1.2 million people.
Bulawayo is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +2) and is located in the Central Africa Time Zone.
English is the official language of Zimbabwe and many of the people in Bulawayo are fluent in it. Other languages spoken in the city include Ndebele and Kalanga.
The official currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Dollar, which is also accepted in Bulawayo.
Climate and Weather
Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe. It has a subtropical climate with moderate rainfall and warm to hot summers. The average temperature during the summer months is around 25 degrees Celsius. The dry season runs from June to October, and precipitation is usually no more than 400 mm, mainly in the form of showers. During this period, the temperature is pleasant and the days are sunny. During the rainy season, November to March, the rainfall is up to 600 mm, with thunderstorms occurring some days. Temperatures still remain high and the humidity is high. The coldest months of the year are May and June, when the temperature drops to 15 degrees Celsius and nights are chilly.
Touring Bulawayo: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Bulawayo: Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and Bulawayo Airport. You can get from the main airport to downtown Bulawayo via a taxi. The cost is usually around US$15-20. There are also buses, which cost around US$3-5. No, you cannot change money at Bulawayo airport.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Bulawayo
- Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, with a proud history and vibrant culture
- As a major trading center in the 19th century, Bulawayo was widely known as the “City of Kings” due to its strong cultural foundation
- Tourists can visit many historic sites throughout the city, as well as experience traditional dance performances and storytelling