←Zimbabwe travel guide
Bulawayo Province, Zimbabwe
Bulawayo
City of Kings, gateway to Matabeleland's ancient landscapes
CultureHistory & HeritageWildlife
Zimbabwe's second city occupies a plateau in the south-west, its wide streets originally laid out wide enough for an ox team to turn a full circle, lending the city a distinctly unhurried character. Bulawayo serves as the cultural capital of Matabeleland and the most convenient base for visiting the Matobo Hills and Khami Ruins.
Check Zimbabwe visa requirements →
Best time to visit
May to October (dry season)
Region
Bulawayo Province
Main airport
Bulawayo (BUQ)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Bulawayo
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Matobo Hills
The Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape south of Bulawayo, are an ancient granite massif sculpted over two billion years into balancing boulders, caves, and winding valleys. More than 3,000 San rock art sites have been recorded across the hills, depicting hunting scenes, rituals, and daily life dating back as far as 13,000 years. The area is also home to one of Africa's highest concentrations of black and white rhino, accessible on horseback or on foot through Matobo National Park.
UNESCO World Heritage
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Bulawayo
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Zimbabwe
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Zimbabwe page at Yoogo.
Zimbabwe introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) currency in 2024 as a replacement for the RTGS dollar. The US dollar remains the most widely accepted currency in practice and is preferred for most tourist transactions, accommodation, and national park fees. Card acceptance is improving but cash remains important. Confirm currency acceptance before booking.
Zimbabwe is generally safe for tourists in the main travel areas, including Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Harare. Petty theft occurs and standard precautions apply. The political and economic situation has been volatile historically; check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.
Domestic flights connect Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. Roads are generally driveable but conditions vary; a 4WD is recommended for some national park routes. Intercity buses serve major routes. Safari operators typically include transport. Driving is on the left.
May to October is the dry season and the best time for wildlife viewing in Hwange and other parks. July to September offer cool, dry conditions and excellent game spotting. Victoria Falls is most dramatic from March to May when the Zambezi River is at its highest flow.
Zimbabwe officially recognises 16 languages. Shona and Ndebele are the two most widely spoken, while English is the main language of government, education, and business. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and urban centres, making it straightforward for most visitors to communicate.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Malaria is present in much of Zimbabwe, including near Victoria Falls and Hwange; antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are also recommended. Tap water quality varies; bottled water is advised outside major cities.
Tipping is expected in Zimbabwe's tourist sector. Safari guides and camp staff typically receive USD 10–20 per person per day as a guideline. Restaurant staff appreciate 10% where a service charge is not included. Tips are best given in US dollars.
Mobile coverage is available in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, and major towns via NetOne, Econet, and Telecel. Coverage in rural and national park areas can be limited. Local SIM cards are available with a passport. Wi-Fi is available at hotels and lodges in tourist areas.