Bulawayo Welcome to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city and the administrative centre for the province of Matabeleland. In the heart of a scenically diverse and extensive cattle ranching region, Bulawayo grew from an ancient past, and was the kraal of the Matabele king, Lobengula, son of the famed warrior, Mzilikazi, who brought the Matabele people from the north across the Limpopo River. Bulawayo was declared a municipality in 1897 with the arrival of the railway from Mafeking. In 1943 it was declared a city. The city and its environs are filled with history, and the city itself has retained a special character with many beautiful buildings dating from the turn of the last century. Its wide streets were designed to turn a full span of 24 oxen, purportedly ordered by Cecil John Rhodes himself, and Rhodes's grave is in the nearby Matopo hills. Today, Bulawayo is a major centre, housing the headquarters of the National Railways of Zimbabwe and the annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held every year in April/May. It is the home of the Natural History & Railway Museums, with fascinating displays of history and geology. Centenary Park and neighbouring Central Park provide a green heart to the city, and those of an active persuasion will find comprehensive sporting facilities, including some fine golf courses. Horse racing takes place at Ascot Racecourse twice a month, and there are a number of restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. Those interested in wildlife should not miss Chipangali, the renowned animal sanctuary. |
