Bulawayo

Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second-largest city and the principal urban center of the Matabeleland region, located in the southwest of the country at a high elevation with a semi-arid climate. The city is often described as the City of Kings, reflecting its historical links to the Ndebele kingdom, and it serves as a major commercial and transport hub for western Zimbabwe.

Founded in 1890 during the colonial era by the Pioneer Column of the British South Africa Company, Bulawayo grew quickly as a railway junction and market town. It developed as a major urban center in western Zimbabwe and remains a key manufacturing and distribution base. The surrounding region supports mining and agriculture, and the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company complex in nearby Redcliff has long been associated with the city’s industrial base. The city is connected to the rest of the country by road and rail and is served by Bulawayo International Airport.

Bulawayo is a cultural hub for the Ndebele people, with museums, galleries and theatres that preserve the region’s heritage. Nearby attractions include the Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Khami Ruins. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe maintains a presence in the city, and it hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

Educational institutions in Bulawayo include the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Bulawayo Polytechnic. The city is also home to Highlanders Football Club, based at Barbourfields Stadium, one of Zimbabwe’s oldest and most supported teams.