Old Bulawayo

The reconstruction of the Old Bulawayo was started in 1997. A delegation was sent to South Africa to study similar projects at Ondini, Bulawayo and Mgungundlovu. The reconstruction was limited only to the Royal Enclosure - a place where the king and his close relatives lived. A double palisade of mopane timber have been put in place, together with the cattle byre, which completes the palisade. An ox-wagon shed has been refurbished and roofed. One royal western type house, is complete. An interpretative centre, featuring an architectural design which blends with that of Old Bulawayo is also complete.

Bulawayo has a well-recorded cultural history with a number of interesting historical sites near the city. ‘Old Bulawayo’ (18 km) is the reconstructed capital of the Ndebele King Lobengula, son of Mzilikazi.
The monument was a reminder of how the Ndebele king of the 19th century, Mzilikazi, administered his kingdom. It gave a clear picture to historians and international visitors alike of how the traditional Ndebele king’s village looked like.

20km south of City on Hillside Road, which continues as Burnside Road, the Douglasdale Road, past Criterion Water Works, turning right on Criterion Mine Road for 6km. Established by King Lobengula in 1870 where he lived until 1881. Archeological prospecting of Old Bulawayo and nearby Jesuit Mission in being undertaken by National Museum and Monuments. Recostruction is underway. Visitors welcome.