Outside The City

Just outside the city of Bulawayo, history and nature collide. There are a few options that you can visit for a family day out that is both relaxing and enjoyable.

Explore the grandeur of Matopos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its dramatic granite formations and ancient San rock paintings. Here you can visit the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, embark on a rhino tracking adventure, or visit the fascinating Silozwane Cave.

Outside The City

For a glimpse into the past, head to the Khami Ruins, the impressive remains of a 16th century kingdom. A small but very beautiful setting that is fascinating to walk around in.

Animal lovers can also visit the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and Research Centre, which cares for injured and orphaned animals.

There are many famous Zimbabwe landmarks that are not very far from Bulawayo and are an easy drive to visit.

Matobo National Park

Not very far outside the city is one of Zimbabwe’s major tourist attractions, 32 kilometers south of Bulawayo. The Matobo National Park is a Unesco World Heritage site covering an area 2 000sq km. The park contains fantastic rock formations with San (Bushmen) cave paintings.

The National Parks Rest Camp overlooks the Maleme Dam, where there are also caravans and camping sites within a game park with 20 varieties of wild game.

Some species of animals – sable, impala, klipspringer, rhino, wildebeeste, zebra, and occasionally leopard may be seen in the Park. Bird life is prolific and includes the world’s largest concentration of Black Eagles.

There are Site Museums at Nswatugi, Pomongwe San painted caves and Old Bulawayo site.

There is an entrance charge.
PAYMENT CAN BE MADE AT POMONGWE CAVE OR RHODES’ GRAVE TO THESE NATIONAL MONUMENTS.

The park gates open at 6am and close at 6pm. There is also a charge into the park itself.

Caravan parks and camping sites adjoin the picturesque dams which are under the control of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

On the hill “Malindidzimu”, the legendary place of Benevolent Spirits, also known as “View of the World”, are the tombs of Cecil John Rhodes, Leander Starr Jameson, Sir James Coghlan and the Allan Wilson Memorial.

The distance from Bulawayo to Rhodes’ Grave is 46km; to the Game Park via Maleme Dam – 80km, or 52km direct.

The road passes Lake Matobo, 26km from Bulawayo. Leave the city southwards on Robert Mugabe Way, which becomes the Matopos Road. Several lodges adjoin the park. Fuel is not available in the Park.

Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and Research Centre

A short trip outside the city, situated on the main Gwanda Road, 23km east of Bulawayo, Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage provides a home for orphaned, sick or abandoned wild animals.

There are lion, leopard, cheetah, black rhino, many species of antelope and a large collection of birds.

Open daily except Mondays, and Christmas Day, from 10am to 5pm. Refreshments available.

There is an entrance charge. The Princess Diana Memorial Education Centre, was funded by donations from her Trust and was officially opened by her brother Lord Spencer in January 2000.

Mr Viv Wilson, founder of Chipangali Wildlife Orphanange was initially a Curator at the Natural History Museum.

Khami Ruins

A Unesco World Heritage Site, situated 22km outside the city of Bulawayo, Khami Ruins consists of a series of terraces and passages supported by massive granite walls, some overlooking Khami Dam and Khami Gorge.

This very attractive area is all made of natural stone that was sourced in the surrounding area. Building in stone began in this region over 500 years ago.

A small museum displays relics found at the site, some over 100 000 years old. This informative little museum has recently been renovated to showcase the history of the people who lived there in murals and displays.

No refreshments or snacks are sold here, although braai and seating areas are available, set under beautiful shady trees.

Ablutions are available.

To get there, proceed west on 13th Avenue, through the Industrial Area, straight out to the sign post to turn right into the road taking you to the park. Closes at 4.30pm.

Pomongwe Cave

Situated in the Matobo National Park, the Pomongwe Cave is definitely worth a visit.

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stone Age hunter-gatherers who lived there left behind rock art, tools and settlement remains. Some of these can be viewed at the on-site museum.

Mazwi Nature Reserve

Mazvi Nature Reserve is a municipal recreational park on 13th Avenue, 28km west from the City Centre. To get there, turn right at Khami Prison Road and continue for 6 km, then turn right and travel another 6km to the entrance gate.

There is a small entrance charge.

Umguza Nature Reserve

Umguza Nature Reserve is found 15km on the Victoria Falls Road, on the route out of Bulawayo. It covers 650 hectares, boasting picnic spots, picturesque walks, and fishing opportunities.

You will be able to see a variety of wildlife and a wide selection of birds.

There is a small entrance charge to get into the picturesque nature reserve.

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair

Held annually at the end of April. Various other exhibitions are held throughout the year in the Zimbabwe Exhibition Centre, situated on Hillside Road. Exhibition Halls are also available for hire.

Tel: 884 911

Email: zitf@zitf.co.zw

Hillside Dams

Hillside Dams is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, with many picturesque walks and picnic areas, as well as a restaurant.

Take Hillside Road for 5kms and then turn left into Cecil Avenue and right into Banff Road.

There is a small entrance charge.

Sporting Facilities

Bulawayo has a large number of sporting clubs and stadia, where national and international matches frequently take place.

There are several gymnasia, as well as an Olympic size swimming pool.

Further Affield

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a breathtaking cascade of water located on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is the largest sheet of falling water in the world, spanning over 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) wide and dropping a height of 108 meters (354 feet).

The falls create a massive cloud of mist that can be seen from miles away, and the thunderous roar of the water is audible for many kilometers.

Victoria Falls is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter tours. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffalo.

To get there by car, it will take about 5 hours and 45 minutes from Bulawayo by road.

Flights to Bulawayo from Johannesburg, with a connecting flight to Victoria Falls is available, as well as direct flights from Johannesberg to Victoria Falls International Airport