Top Attractions
Khami Ruins: Located about 22 km (14 miles) west of Bulawayo, the Khami Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an essential stop for history enthusiasts. The site, dating back to the 14th century, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Butua and offers insights into the region's ancient civilizations.
Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe: This impressive museum, one of the best in Africa, boasts a vast collection of exhibits showcasing the country's natural history. Highlights include the life-sized elephant display, dinosaur fossils, and a wide variety of Zimbabwean wildlife specimens.
Railway Museum: The Railway Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Zimbabwe's railways, featuring a collection of antique steam locomotives, carriages, and other railway memorabilia. Don't miss the meticulously restored Cecil Rhodes' personal railway coach.
Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre: Located in the heart of Bulawayo, the Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre is home to talented local artisans specializing in pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. The centre provides a unique opportunity to witness traditional crafts and purchase handmade souvenirs.
Tshabalala Game Sanctuary: Situated just 10 km (6 miles) south of Bulawayo, this small game reserve offers a chance to observe African wildlife, including zebra, giraffe, impala, and various bird species. The sanctuary features guided walks and picnic sites, making it perfect for a day trip.
Dining & Entertainment
26 On Park: This stylish restaurant, set in a beautifully restored colonial building, offers a fusion of European and African cuisine. With a relaxing atmosphere and an outdoor terrace, it's an ideal spot for a memorable dining experience.
Haefeli's Restaurant: Haefeli's Restaurant is a popular family-run eatery offering delicious homemade Swiss and Zimbabwean dishes in a cosy setting.
New Orleans Restaurant: Located within the Nesbitt Castle, this fine dining restaurant serves a variety of international and local dishes, providing an elegant dining experience in a unique setting.
Ascot Coffee Shop: Situated within the Ascot Racecourse grounds, the Ascot Coffee Shop is a great place to enjoy a casual meal, snacks, or a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
Practical Tips
- The best time to visit Bulawayo is during the cooler, drier months of April to October.
- The official currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), but US Dollars are widely accepted.
- Carry cash, as credit card acceptance may be limited, and ATMs can sometimes be unreliable.
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink, so stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Dress modestly and respect local customs, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites.
- While English is widely spoken, learning a few phrases in Shona or Ndebele can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
Conclusion:Bulawayo, with its rich history, cultural attractions, and inviting atmosphere, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. By exploring its top attractions, indulging in local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the city's charm, you'll create lasting memories of your time in Zimbabwe's City of Kings.
What is the best time to visit Bulawayo?
The best time to visit Bulawayo is during the cooler, drier months of April to October. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
April to May marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season, with temperatures gradually dropping and the landscape still lush and green. This period is excellent for wildlife spotting, as animals start to congregate around water sources.
From June to August, the weather remains cool and dry, with colder nights. This is the peak of the dry season, offering comfortable temperatures and minimal rain for exploring the city and its surroundings.
September and October bring warmer temperatures, with the rainy season starting around late October or November. Visiting Bulawayo during these months offers the advantage of fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates.
Keep in mind that weather patterns can vary year-to-year, and it's essential to check the most recent forecasts before planning your trip.
What is the best time to get cheapest flights to Bulawayo from United Kingdom?
To find the cheapest flights from United Kingdom to Bulawayo, it's generally best to plan your travel during the low season or shoulder season. In the case of Bulawayo, the low season usually falls between November and March, coinciding with the rainy season. During this time, there are fewer tourists, and airlines may offer lower fares to attract travellers.
The shoulder season, which typically occurs in April-May and September-October, can also offer more affordable flights as it lies between the high and low seasons. The weather during these months is generally pleasant, and the tourist crowds are less intense.
However, flight prices can vary significantly due to factors such as demand, holidays, and special events. To secure the best deals:
- Book your flights well in advance, ideally 2-3 months before your planned travel dates.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and consider travelling on weekdays, as fares are often lower than on weekends.
Set up fare alerts
www.travelup.com to track price changes and be notified of discounts or special offers.
- Consider connecting flights or alternative nearby airports, as these options might be cheaper than direct flights or flights to the primary airport.
Remember that flight prices can change rapidly, so it's crucial to monitor fares and be ready to book when you find a good deal.
Which Airlines operate flights from United Kingdom to Bulawayo?
There are no direct flights from United Kingdom to Bulawayo. However, several airlines operate connecting flights with layovers. Some of the airlines that fly from London to Bulawayo with stopovers include:
Ethiopian Airlines: Flights usually have a layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
South African Airways: Flights typically connect in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Kenya Airways: Flights often have a layover in Nairobi, Kenya.
Emirates: Flights may include a layover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Qatar Airways: Flights generally connect in Doha, Qatar, and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Keep in mind that routes and airline options may change, so it's essential to check the most recent information when planning your trip. You can use flight search engine www.travelup.com to explore available options and find the most suitable itinerary for your needs.
How much is a return flight from United Kingdom to Bulawayo?
The cost of a return flight from the United Kingdom to Bulawayo can vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year, the airline, how far in advance you book, and the chosen route.
Prices for a return flight generally range from £500 to £1,200 or more.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date flight prices, it's essential to check flight aggregator websites or airline websites directly. Keep in mind that flight costs can change rapidly and can differ at the time of your search.
To secure the best deals on flights, consider the following tips:
- Book your flights well in advance, ideally 2-3 months before your planned travel dates.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and consider travelling during the low or shoulder season.
Set up fare alerts on
www.travelup.com to track price changes and be notified of discounts or special offers.
- Consider connecting flights or alternative nearby airports, as these options might be cheaper than direct flights or flights to the primary airport.
By being flexible and proactive in your search, you can increase your chances of finding more affordable flights from the United Kingdom to Bulawayo.
How to find cheap flights from United Kingdom to Bulawayo with flexible booking policies?
To find cheap flights from the United Kingdom to Bulawayo with flexible booking policies, follow these steps:
Use flight search engine
www.travelup.com allow you to compare multiple airlines and routes at once. This search engine provides filters to sort flights by price, duration, and number of layovers, making it easier to find the best deals.
Set up fare alerts: Flight search engine
www.travelup.com allow you to create fare alerts for specific routes. This feature will notify you when prices drop or when special offers become available, helping you stay informed about the best deals.
Book in advance: Booking your flights 2-3 months in advance can help you secure lower prices compared to last-minute bookings. Being flexible with your travel dates and avoiding peak travel periods (such as holidays or special events) can also lead to cheaper fares.
Research airline policies: Some airlines offer more flexible booking policies than others, including free date changes or cancellations within a specific timeframe. Before booking, check with the travel agent at 0118 956 6464 to understand airline policies and any associated fees or restrictions.
Be flexible with your route: Connecting flights or alternative nearby airports might be cheaper than direct flights or flights to the primary airport. Explore different routing options to find the best deals.
Follow www.travelup.com on social media: Travelup occasionally announce special offers or flexible booking options through the social media channels with the information on the airlines that operate flights between the United Kingdom and Bulawayo which can help you stay updated on their latest deals and policies.
Contact a travel agent: Call a Travel agents at 0118 956 6464 have access to exclusive deals and can often find flights with flexible booking policies. They can also help you navigate the booking process and find the best options to meet your specific needs.
By using these strategies, you can increase your chances of finding affordable flights from the United Kingdom to Bulawayo with flexible booking policies, allowing you to plan your trip with greater peace of mind.
How Long is a Flight to Bulawayo from United Kingdom?
There are no direct flights from the United Kingdom to Bulawayo. The total travel time for a connecting flight depends on the layover duration and the chosen route. Generally, flights from the United Kingdom to Bulawayo take approximately 16 to 24 hours or more, including layovers.
Common layover cities include:
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Ethiopian Airlines)
- Johannesburg, South Africa (South African Airways, British Airways, or other airlines)
- Nairobi, Kenya (Kenya Airways)
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Emirates)
- Doha, Qatar (Qatar Airways)
Keep in mind that travel times may vary depending on factors such as the airline, the route, and the duration of layovers. To find the most suitable itinerary for your needs, use flight engine www.travelup.com or consult with the travel agent at 0118 956 6464 directly.
What are the closest airports to Bulawayo?
The closest airports to Bulawayo are:
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ): Located approximately 21 km (13 miles) north of Bulawayo's city centre, this airport is the primary gateway for international and domestic flights to and from the city.
Harare International Airport (HRE): Also known as Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, this airport is around 435 km (270 miles) northeast of Bulawayo. It is the largest airport in Zimbabwe and serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights. Travelers can take a domestic flight or drive from Harare to Bulawayo, which takes approximately 5-6 hours by road.
Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA): Situated about 435 km (270 miles) northwest of Bulawayo, this airport primarily serves tourists visiting the iconic Victoria Falls. Travelers can take a domestic flight or drive from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo, which takes around 5-6 hours by road.
Depending on your travel itinerary, you might need to fly into one of these airports and then take a domestic flight or other transportation means to reach Bulawayo. Always check the most recent flight schedules and routes when planning your trip.
Which United Kingdom Airport Can I fly to Bulawayo?
From the United Kingdom, you can fly to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from several major airports. However, there are no direct flights available, and you will need to book a connecting flight with one or more layovers. The most common UK airports with flights to Bulawayo include:
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
- Manchester Airport (MAN)
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Flights from these airports typically have layovers in cities such as Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha, or Dubai. In most cases, you will need to change planes in Johannesburg, as it is the most common connection point for flights to Bulawayo. The layovers and total travel time will depend on the airline and route you choose.
To find the best flight options for your trip, use flight search engine www.travelup.com which allow you to compare multiple airlines, routes, and prices. Be sure to consider factors like layover duration, ticket price, and airline reputation when choosing your flight.