Home to almost 700,000 inhabitants, the second largest city in Zimbabwe and gateway to Matobo National Park and Victoria Falls, Bulawayo is an emerging metropolis and entices visitors from around the world. The city was founded by Lobhengula, a Ndebele king and son of King Mzilikazi Kamat Shabana, circa 1840. During the 1860s, the city attracted European attention, in particular, that of Cecil Rhodes, a mining magnate and Brtish Entrepreneur. By 1893, the region was declared a settlement under the governance of the British South Africa Company by Leander Starr Jameson, a British colonial politician.
Today, this charming city boasts a myriad of attractions and places of interest for visitors. Dine in the finest restaurants or marvel at the exotic wildlife in the region's national parks, shop in one of the many vibrant markets or while away the hours while basking in the sunshine on one of the many unspoilt beaches. The city is also renowned for its bright and flamboyant festivals. Visit in May to join the Bulawayo Music Festival which spans four days and offers a broad spectrum of performances from various musical genres including Jazz, Pop, Gospel and Classical music. Performers from Zimbabwe and beyond perform for festival-goers and the event is considered to be one of the best music festivals in the country.
The diverse and intriguing city of Bulaway delights visitors with its heterogeneous attractions and activities. Choose from cultural and historic sites to safaris in the National Parks, this stunning city boasts something for everyone.
Dine at 26 on the Park. This fine dining establishment is housed in a stunning colonial building overlooking pristine lawns and a huge patio. The impressive menu serves up offerings of authentic, regional dishes such as Nyanga trout and Zimbabwe dry-aged beef.
Visit Main Street Flea Market, a cornucopia of memorabilia, souvenirs and hand-crafted products created by local artisans. Be prepared to barter, however, as this form of trading is expected and never accept the first price offered.
Founded in 1953 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matobo National Park spans more than 44,000 hectares. Spot rhinos, baboons, zebras, cheetahs and giraffes before heading off to view the Matobo Hills, a selection of rock formations, spires and domes dating back millions of years.
Bulawayo plays host to a selection of festivals every year. Enjoy the country's musical offerings or gather at one of the many cultural events hosted in the city.
Bulawayo Music Festival: This festival occurs each May and the event spans four days. Performing artists from Zimbabwe and beyond entertain festivals goers with music of different genres, including Jazz, Country, Pop and Classical music.
Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival: Hosted in November, the venue of this festival alternates between Bulawayo and Harare. It brings together children from around the region who entertain festival goers with indigenous dance, music and song.
Harare International Festival of Arts: One of the largest events in the country, the Harare International Festival of Arts is hosted in April. Native and international artists perform in the genres of theatre, music and the visual arts.
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