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July 22, 2024
Bulawayo City In Zimbabwe
Bulawayo city is the second largest in Zimbabwe occupying an area of about 546 square kilometers. It is located in the Matebeleland province. Bulawayo locally means “ the one to be killed” and it is a Ndebere word it is alleged that by the time this city was formed, there was a war power struggle between Mbiko Ka Madlenya Musufu the Kings Muzilikazi confidant who believed that Prince Lobengula was not a legitimate heir to the throne. Get more information here
Bulawayo town was started by a group under the leadership of Gundwane Ndiweni in 1840s. Later King Lobengula established Bulawayo as his capital in 1870 after ascending to the throne. Bulawayo is an industrialized city in Zimbabwe manufacturing cars and there spare parts. Many agricultural products are produced in Bulawayo industrial area that is food products, textiles and others. Feel free to contact us.
The Bulawayo city is an economic hub for Zimbabwe with huge industries in place but due to the past political unrest in the country, some of these industries have closed to moved to other locations of the country.
Brief history of Bulawayo City
Bulawayo city is believed to have been started by the Ndebele King Lobegula who took over power of the Ndebele land from hid fallen father King Mzilikazi. It was during the reign of this king that the kraal of Mzilikazi was slowly turned into a town by a group under Gundwane. Kindly contact us
Later in 1860s when Lobengula turned King after his fallen father, he changed this name to Kobulawayo. When the British South Africa company arrive in Zimbabwe, they upgraded this town. The British South African Company staged a war against the Matebere and took over Bulawayo during the first Matebele war.
In the second Matebele war, the locals attacked the foreign occupants from British South African company in the second Matebele war and ceased the city. Bulawayo upgraded into a municipality in 1897 but later turned into city in 1943.
The history of Bulawayo city is very interesting to read about as it also includes the famous Zulu king Shaka ka Senzangakhona.
Bulawayo has a nickname City of Kings or locally called “ Kontuthu Ziyathunqa” a Ndebere phrase for smoke arising. This City has so many industries that produce smoke and so this might have prompted the locals to come up with such phrases to describe this industrialized town.
What is the population of Bulawayo?
According the census of 2022, about 665,952 people are believed to be occupying the Bulawayo city. About 97% of the total population of Bulawayo city are black Africans, there are colored, Asians, whites and others too. even other natives other than the Ndebele people are living in this city too.
What Is The Official Language Of Bulawayo City
English is the official language spoken on Bulawayo city however as Zimbabwe was colonized by the British. Other local Language are also spoken in Bulawayo like Ndebele.
What means of Transport to used To get Around Bulawayo?
Road transport is the main means to get around Bulawayo and these link this city to other areas of the country like R2 links Bulawayo to Harare. Public and private transport is available in Bulawayo at a friendly price. Note that donot expect a smooth ride in Bulawayo because most of the roads in poor condition.
Railway transport is also used in Bulawayo being an industrialized city. The Bulawayo Railway station is the central part of all railway transport connecting to other cities in Zimbabwe.
What To Do and See in Bulawayo City?
As a tourist on a visit to Bulawayo city, you may plan a Bulawayo city tour where you may visit the business centers in the city, arrange to visit the industries in the city, different levels of education centers, Museums like the National History Museum of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo Railway Museum, National Gallery , bee hive huts called Maqhugwana in a resemblance of the old constructions and others.
What is the climate of Bulawayo?
Bulawayo has hot semiarid climate with average temperature range of 21 degrees to 30 degrees centigrade in the dry season annually. During the wet season, average annual temperature of Bulawayo city may drop to 26 degrees centigrade.
On average, Bulawayo city receives about 594 mm of rain per year. Generally, Bulawayo is prone to drought seasons which changes from one year to another.
What Is The Geographic Location Of Bulawayo
Bulawayo city is placed in the southwestern part of Zimbabwe. This city is on plains that form the Highveld. Its land gradually slopes to the north to the North West. More highlands are located in the southern part of Bulawayo where you find the Matobo hills.
What is the Altitude of Bulawayo?
Bulawayo is elevated at about 1358 meters above sea level with an area code of 029.
Education On Bulawayo City
Bulawayo has a number of schools of all levels starting from preschool centers to the universities name it. Over 128 primary schools are currently registered in the city and more than 48 secondary schools. Tertiary like Bulawayo Polytechnic college and university education like from the National university of science and Technology Zimbabwe established in 1991 and others.
What is the administration of Bulawayo City?
Bulawayo city is under the administration of Bulawayo City Council with the Mayor as the main leader.
Health care of Bulawayo City
On almost every corner of the Bulawayo city there is a health care center. In general, there are public and private health care centers in this city ranging from hospitals to clinics to mobile heath care facilities. These are serviced with by staff from the different nursing schools that are within and out of the city.
Some of the cities of Bulawayo city include United Bulawayo Hospital, Lady Rodwell Maternity Hospital, Mpilo central Hospital and others.
Sports Centers Of Bulawayo City
Bulawayo city is also a home of sports activities in Zimbabwe with locations like Bulawayo Golf club set up in 1895, Bulawayo Athletics club, Queen’s sports club, Hartsfield Rugby ground and much more.
When is the best time to visit Bulawayo City
Bulawayo city is open all year for a visit in Zimbabwe how do you leave the country without walking through this historic city. The dry season however is the best time to visit Bulawayo city when you can walk on the streets without getting wet. You get to experience the daily life of the people of Bulawayo, watch traders in the city up-close and learn about their unique history. The dry seasons are normally from May, June, July, August, September and October.
The wet season of Bulawayo is also not disappointing because you can do so in door activities but you need a vehicle to take you around different places of Bulawayo city.
Is Bulawayo City in Zimbabwe Safe to Visit?
Bulawayo City is safe for a visit even though in the past there was political unrest. On ground are uniformed and ununiformed security operatives who are present to keep law and order in and around the city.
Just like any busy city or town, there are petty thieves who may take possession of your belongings so you need to keep your precious items away from anyone’s sight. Walking on the streets alone as a stranger may not be a great idea so in case you are stepping out of your lodge, inform someone or ask for help from the driver guide with you.
Even when you wish to taste the cuisines of the Zimbabwe, avoid eating street food because you may get food poisoning. Ask your driver guide for the best places where you can have a bite of Zimbabwe.
Try not to count large sums of money in public because you may attract wrong company.
Can Children visit Bulawayo City?
Yes, children can visit Bulawayo city but they must be in company of a responsible adult. The city is crowded especially during the peak hours so make sure you know where the children are every time because they can get lost in the crowds.
There are some children play centers in Bulawayo where you can take children to have some fun.
What accommodation to Book in Bulawayo City?
Bulawayo City has a wide range of accommodations of all budgets that is Luxury, mid-range and basic. Most of these facilities offer Bed and Breakfast so carry some cash or credit cards on you for on ground purchases.
Bulawayo accommodations: Breeze Guest House, Hotel Bulawayo, Cresta Churchhill Hotel, High Mountain Lodge, Munda Lodge, Musketeer lodge, Parrot Lodge, Motsamao Guest House, Ingrid’s Lodge and others
Why Visit Bulawayo City in Zimbabwe?
A visit to Bulawayo city is like walking into history of Zimbabwe. The power of the past descendants of this city still speaks even in the present days as there is Ndebele cultural supremacy in this city. Even when the old Bulawayo was going to be reconstructed, the Chief of the Khumalo clan had to be consulted by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe.
Even under the influence of modernity, the cultural beliefs of the local people still reign and are respected before taking any decisions in this city. When fallen King Lobengula’s Place was going to be refurbished in November 1992, a committee of chiefs and AmaKhulo visited the grave of King Mzilikazi to seek permission and lay there strategy as away of paying a legacy to there ancestors .
To preserve the culture, two princes were chosen to be among the overseers of this construction work so that all the cultural values of Khumalo and preserved. The princes were Ngandela Khumalo and Msindo Gideaon Joy Khumalo. These are some reasons you can visit Bulawayo to learn more about how modernity and traditions are co-existing.
Bulawayo is history itself that is studied at different levels of education so by visiting it, you get to actually walk in the practicals of what you studied as a historian or ethnologist.
Bulwayo is also an industrial hub in Zimbabwe and one of the cities in Africa where cars and car spare parts are manufactured. You get to learn more about the industrialization of Zimbabwe and how it has managed to survive under so much political unrest.
A visit to Bulawayo is always worth every penny you spend because of its uniqueness.
What to Pack for a Visit to Bulawayo
- A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surrounding if Bulawayo city and some birds even if it is town.
- Safari shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.
- Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like tsetse flies. The country is in the tropics so expect some mosquito bites that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
- Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season
- Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
- Apply sun screen because the sun is hot in Zimbabwe so you need to protect your skin from the strong ultraviolet rays
- Sun glasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
- Some warmers because most safari destinations in Zimbabwe experience cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
- Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the safari in Zimbabwe
- First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
- Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case you one runs low.
- Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
- Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are no easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
- Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in Zimbabwe just in case you get hungry.
- A camera to keep memorable moment while on safari in Zimbabwe there many moments that happen
- Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel
