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Old Bulawayo

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Historical site
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Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)

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Old Bulawayo was established in 1870 by King Lobengula Khumalo as the second capital of the Ndebele State, following his father Mzilikazi's death. The settlement was designed following a traditional layout known as a royal kraal, with the king's residence at the center surrounded by his elite guard and subjects. In 1881, due to strategic shifts and resource management, Lobengula ordered the abandonment and ritual burning of the capital before relocating northwards. During the 1990s, the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe launched a reconstruction effort to restore the site for educational and cultural tourism. Today, the complex features reconstructed beehive huts and archaeological remains that illustrate the socio-political hierarchy of the 19th-century Ndebele kingdom. As a designated national monument, it serves as a vital historical link to Zimbabwe's pre-colonial past and the legacy of the Khumalo dynasty.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Old Bulawayo in Zimbabwe is a historic site open to visitors. The remains of King Lobengula's kraal and surrounding ruins can be viewed. A local guide can bring the history to life.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open from 8 AM to 5 PM. On weekends hours may be shorter; it is advisable to call ahead. Rain can make access difficult.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. The ruins and the vast savanna offer impressive subjects. Drones are not allowed without a permit.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for a guided tour. Without a guide, 45 minutes suffice, but history is better understood with a guide.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with Matobo National Park, a short drive away. The city of Bulawayo with its museums and markets is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
The site is about 20 km southwest of Bulawayo. Best reached by private car or taxi. The road is partly unpaved; a 4x4 is recommended.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there are no refreshment stalls in the area. Visit the site in the morning to avoid the heat.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.28330, 28.63330

Facts

  • Old Bulawayo served as the Ndebele capital from 1870 to 1881.
  • The site is located approximately 22 kilometers south of Bulawayo city.
  • King Lobengula ordered the site to be burned in 1881 when moving.
  • A major restoration project was initiated by the government in 1990.
  • The monument covers a total area of about 100 hectares of land.
  • Archaeological findings include cattle kraals and royal residential structures.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

How MineHow Mine4 km · NExplore →
King Mzilikazi's GraveKing Mzilikazi's Grave4 km · SWExplore →
Bulawayo HillsBulawayo Hills9 km · SEExplore →
NRZ HeadquartersNRZ Headquarters14 km · SEExplore →
Centenary Park AmphitheatreCentenary Park Amphitheatre14 km · EExplore →
Bulawayo Bird SanctuaryBulawayo Bird Sanctuary17 km · SEExplore →
Barbourfields StadiumBarbourfields Stadium17 km · SEExplore →
Bulawayo Children's ParkBulawayo Children's Park18 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can visitors expect at Old Bulawayo?
A reconstructed historic village that gives insight into the era of King Lobengula.
Is the place suitable for families?
Yes, the village is educational and features plenty of space for children to move around.
Do you need to book the visit in advance?
No, advance booking is usually not necessary.
What are the opening hours?
Usually from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm.
Are there guided tours there?
Yes, guides are available on-site to explain the history and traditional lifestyle.
Old Bulawayo: where is it located?
Old Bulawayo is located in Zimbabwe.
Old Bulawayo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Old Bulawayo: why is it worth visiting?
Old Bulawayo was established in 1870 by King Lobengula Khumalo as the second capital of the Ndebele State, following his father Mzilikazi's death.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Bulawayo — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Bulawayo
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second-largest city and is widely known as the 'City of Kings' due to its rich Ndebele heritage.
Inyati — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Inyati
Inyati is one of the oldest modern settlements in Zimbabwe, founded in 1859 as a mission station.
Gwanda — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Gwanda
Gwanda is the administrative capital of Matabeleland South and serves as a major hub for cattle ranching and gold mining.
Filabusi — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Filabusi
Filabusi is a small but busy mining and agricultural center in the Matabeleland South Province.

History & landmarks

Bulawayo City Hall — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Bulawayo City Hall
The historic municipal administration building in the center of Bulawayo.
NRZ Headquarters — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
NRZ Headquarters
The imposing main administration building of the National Railways of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
Centenary Park Amphitheatre — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Centenary Park Amphitheatre
A distinctive open-air theater located within Bulawayo's large Centenary Park.
Bulawayo Centre — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Bulawayo Centre
A large shopping and business complex in downtown Bulawayo.
St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica (Bulawayo) — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica (Bulawayo)
A Roman Catholic basilica in Bulawayo featuring impressive architecture.
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Barbourfields Stadium
The main football stadium in Bulawayo and home to the popular club Highlanders FC.

More places

🗺️
How Mine
A significant gold mining operation located just outside Bulawayo.
Bulawayo Dry Port — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Bulawayo Dry Port
An inland terminal strategically placed to connect South African and regional rail networks.
Delta Beverages Bulawayo — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Delta Beverages Bulawayo
A key brewing and distribution hub for the southern regions of Zimbabwe.
🗺️
Bulawayo Bird Sanctuary
An urban sanctuary for diverse bird species.
Bulawayo Children's Park — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Bulawayo Children's Park
A public park with play areas for children.
Khami Ruins — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Khami Ruins
Khami was the capital of the Torwa dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
King Mzilikazi's Grave — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
King Mzilikazi's Grave
The secret cave grave of the founder of the Ndebele Empire.
Bulawayo Hills — Old Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)
Bulawayo Hills
Hilly terrain around Bulawayo.