Matobo National Park - click here

Khame Ruins. (a Unesco World Heritage Site) 22 km West of Bulawayo, Khame was a successor to Great Zimbabwe and dates from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The Ruins consist of a series of terraces and passages supported by massive granite walls. Building methods employed resemble those at Great Zimbabwe but at Khame the use of varied decor indicates an improvement in design techniques. The site was inhabited by Stone-age then Iron-age people whose relics are displayed at the Site Museum. There is an entrance fee. No refreshments available.

The Cyrene (Anglican) Mission Church, 32 km along the Botswana road is noted for its art school founded in 1939 by Canon Edward Paterson. Inside and outside walls of the chapel are decorated with religious scenes.

Chipangali Wild Life Orphanage and Research Centre 23 km from Bulawayo along the Beit Bridge road provides a home for orphaned, sick or abandoned wild animals. It is a breeding station for black rhino. Open daily, except Mondays, and on all public holidays except Christmas Day from 10 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Refreshments are available and an entrance fee is charged. There is also a Children's Conversation Education Centre and small bush camp.

Tshabalala Sanctuary 10 km from Bulawayo off the Matopos Road is run by Department of National Parks. One could expect to see giraffe, a variety of antelope, zebra, wildebeest and tsessebe. Bird are there in abundance. Open 6 a.m.- 6 p.m.

General Interest

"Gubulawaho" (the place of slaughter) was the domain of King Mzilikazi and later his son, King Lobungula. The latter's kraal situated north of present Bulawayo on the Mguza River, was the destination of many traders, hunters and prospectors all seeking permission from King Mzilikazi to pursue their ambitions. Reconstruction has commenced on this site known as "Old Bulawayo" and promises to be a significant cultural centre.

The tree still standing in the gardens of State House is the one under which Lobengula held his indabas (meetings). Cecil John Rhodes' rondavel, now a National Monument, also still stands in the same gardens.

Numerous sporting facilities reflect the importance Bulawayo residents place on outdoor recreation. The City boasts an Olympic sized swimming pool, hockey stadium, and a number of sports clubs and stadia.

Bulawayo is the setting for scenes from the movies "Cry Freedom", "A World Apart" and "The Power of One". The house at the intersection of Josiah Tongarara and 14th Street was used for "A World Apart".

Exceptionally wide streets in the city centre are a relic of days when oxen were used. The streets were designed to allow a 24-pair team of oxen together with the wagon to do a one-point turn.