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Things to Do in Bulawayo 2027: Tours, Costs and Day Trips
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Things to Do in Bulawayo 2027: Tours and Costs Guide
Last updated: November 2026
Things to Do in Bulawayo 2027: Tours, Costs and Day Trips include museums, railway history, Zimbabwean art, wildlife visits, and Matobo National Park. City entry prices range from US$1 to US$65, while a 4-day Matobo tour starts at US$1,683. Plan a full day for Matobo and compare verified 2027 tour packages before booking.
At a glance
- Cost: US$1 to US$65 for listed city attractions; multi-day tours start at US$1,683 [2]
- Best time: Any confirmed 2027 travel date that fits your chosen tour schedule
- Duration: One day for key city sights; one full day for Matobo National Park
- Best for: Museum visits, local history, art, wildlife, and day trips
- Getting there: Use Bulawayo as a base for city visits and a Matobo day trip
- Wildlife highlights: Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and Matobo National Park
One museum visit in Bulawayo can cost US$1, while a wildlife visit costs US$65. That wide gap makes planning useful.
Things to Do in Bulawayo 2027: Tours, Costs and Day Trips cover more than a quick city stop. Bulawayo is described as Zimbabwe's second city, with colonial architecture, museums, art, railway history, and access to Matobo National Park [3]. You can build a simple city day or add several days for nearby sights.
Known for: Bulawayo is known for cultural sites, railway history, wildlife visits, and its position near Matobo National Park. The National History Museum and National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo suit travelers who want indoor activities. The Bulawayo Railway Museum adds a focused look at transport history.
This guide uses listed 2027 prices where available. It also explains what each visit offers, how long to allow, and when a package may make more sense than separate day trips. Prices can change before travel, so confirm the final amount with the operator before payment.
SafariFind connects travelers with verified tour operators and authentic traveler reviews. Use the marketplace to compare routes, prices, and booking terms before you commit.
What are the main things to do in Bulawayo in 2027?
Bulawayo offers four clear travel themes in 2027: museums, art, railway history, and wildlife. You can cover several city attractions in one day, then reserve a full day for Matobo National Park, which lies about 35 kilometers south of Bulawayo [2].
Visit the National History Museum
The National History Museum is one of the main cultural stops in Bulawayo. Listed admission ranges from US$12 to US$28 [2]. The museum suits travelers who want to learn about Zimbabwe's natural history, people, and past before visiting parks and historic sites.
Allow enough time to read displays instead of rushing through the building. A museum visit also gives you a useful indoor option when you want a slower morning or afternoon. Check the opening schedule for your exact 2027 date before you travel.
See Zimbabwean art at the National Gallery
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo is listed at US$5 [2]. It is a low-cost stop for travelers who want local art and a short cultural visit. The gallery works well in a city itinerary because its price leaves more room for transport, meals, or a second attraction.
Best for: travelers who enjoy paintings, sculpture, and local creative work. The gallery also suits visitors who want a short stop between larger activities. Pair it with the National History Museum if you want a full culture-focused day.
Explore the Bulawayo Railway Museum
The Bulawayo Railway Museum is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and lists admission at US$1 to US$2 [2]. Its low price makes it one of the easiest additions to a budget city tour.
Railway history gives Bulawayo a different feel from a standard museum route. Plan this visit earlier in the day because the listed closing time is 4:00 p.m. Then use the afternoon for the National Gallery or another booked activity.
Visit Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage is listed at US$65 [2]. The visit suits travelers who want wildlife close to Bulawayo without starting a long national park circuit. Its price is higher than the city museums, so include it as a planned wildlife activity rather than an unplanned add-on.
Best for: families, wildlife supporters, and travelers who want an animal-focused visit near the city. Ask your chosen operator what transport and visit time the listed price covers. Those details can affect the total cost of your day.
For a wider route, compare SafariFind listings for Zimbabwe trips that combine city culture with parks. Explore 2027 Zimbabwe safari packages and city tours before choosing separate bookings.
What does a Bulawayo tour cost in 2027?
Bulawayo attraction costs range from US$1 to US$65, while multi-day Matobo packages start at US$1,683. The right budget depends on whether you want a few city entries, a wildlife visit, a day trip, or a guided route with several destinations.
City attraction prices
| Attraction or tour | Listed price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bulawayo Railway Museum | US$1 to US$2 | Railway history and budget sightseeing |
| National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo | US$5 | Zimbabwean art |
| National History Museum | US$12 to US$28 | History and natural heritage |
| Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage | US$65 | Wildlife visits near Bulawayo |
| 4-day Castles of Matobo Hills tour | From US$1,683 | Multi-day guided Matobo travel |
| Longer Matobo packages | Up to US$6,100 | Extended guided tours |
These listed prices show why a city itinerary and a guided package serve different travelers. A museum day can stay low cost. A multi-day Matobo route adds transport, guiding, accommodation, and more time, so the total rises sharply [2].
How Matobo changes the budget
Matobo National Park is about 35 kilometers south of Bulawayo [2]. A day trip needs a full day, not a rushed morning. You should allow time for the drive, park activities, stops, and the return journey.
The 4-day Castles of Matobo Hills tour starts at US$1,683. Longer packages reach US$6,100 [2]. These figures suit travelers who want a planned route with several days in the hills. They are less useful for visitors who only want a short city break.
A longer Zimbabwe route
A listed 6-day Zimbabwe tour costs US$2,617 and includes Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Masvingo, Tshipise, and Johannesburg [6]. This option suits travelers who want Bulawayo as part of a wider southern Africa journey.
The route covers more ground than a Bulawayo stay. Therefore, compare travel time as well as price. A lower daily cost may still mean more time on the road. A local city and Matobo plan may feel better if you want slower travel.
Budget first, then compare inclusions. Compare verified tour operators for 2027 Bulawayo and Matobo trips to review prices, routes, and traveler feedback before requesting a quote.
How should you plan Bulawayo day trips?
Start with one city day, then reserve a full day for Matobo National Park. This plan gives you time for museums and art without squeezing the park visit into a short window.
Day one: choose a city route
Begin with the Bulawayo Railway Museum because its listed hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. [2]. Its US$1 to US$2 entry price also makes it an easy first stop. Afterward, visit the National Gallery at US$5 or continue to the National History Museum.
The National History Museum costs US$12 to US$28 [2]. Choose it when history and natural heritage matter most. Choose the National Gallery when you want a shorter art visit. Chipangali costs US$65, so give it a separate time slot.
Day two: plan Matobo as a full day
Matobo National Park is approximately 35 kilometers south of Bulawayo [2]. A full-day plan is the sensible choice because the distance is only one part of the trip. Your schedule also needs room for guided activities, viewing areas, and the return journey.
Ask for a clear itinerary before you book. Check the pickup point, transport type, guide service, meals, park fees, and accommodation if the trip lasts more than one day. A written plan helps you compare packages fairly.
Choose between a day trip and a package
A day trip suits travelers with limited time in Bulawayo. A 4-day Castles of Matobo Hills tour suits travelers who want a deeper route. Listed prices start at US$1,683 for four days and reach US$6,100 for longer packages [2].
Families may prefer a slower plan with fewer long drives. Wildlife-focused travelers may want Chipangali and Matobo. History-focused travelers can spend more time in the city. SafariFind reviews can help you see how past travelers judged guides, timing, and service.
Prepare for 2027 booking
Set your travel dates before requesting quotes. Then send the same questions to several verified operators. Ask what the price includes and whether attraction entry, transport, meals, and guides appear in the quote.
Read authentic traveler reviews before paying a deposit. Look for comments about communication, pickup timing, guide knowledge, and changes to the route. Those details matter more than a polished package name.
For travelers adding a wider Zimbabwe route, the 7-day Hwange safari itinerary for 2027 can help you compare a longer park journey with a Bulawayo stay.
What else can you add near Bulawayo?
Bulawayo works best as part of a wider Zimbabwe route when you have more than two days. Matobo is the closest major day-trip choice, while other destinations require more planning and travel time.
Travelers who want caves can review the 2027 Chinhoyi Caves package guide. Chinhoyi Caves is a separate destination, so it should not be treated as a quick Bulawayo outing. Build it into a wider route instead.
Travelers who want walking can compare Matobo walking safari packages for 2027. Walking changes the pace of a Matobo visit and may suit travelers who want more time outside the vehicle.
Travelers planning a lake break can read about Zimbabwe beach and lake packages for 2027. A lake stay is a different trip from Bulawayo museums, but it can fit a longer Zimbabwe itinerary.
Keep the route realistic. Each extra destination adds transport time and may change the total quote. A focused Bulawayo and Matobo plan often gives you more time at each place.
Key takeaways
- Start with the Bulawayo Railway Museum at US$1 to US$2 for a low-cost history stop [2].
- Choose the National Gallery at US$5 when Zimbabwean art is your main interest [2].
- Budget US$12 to US$28 for National History Museum admission [2].
- Reserve a full day for Matobo National Park, located about 35 kilometers south of Bulawayo [2].
- Compare 4-day Matobo tours from US$1,683 before considering longer packages up to US$6,100 [2].
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Bulawayo in 2027?
The best things to do in Bulawayo in 2027 include the National History Museum, National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo, Bulawayo Railway Museum, Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, and Matobo National Park. The city sights suit a one-day plan, while Matobo needs a full day.
How much does a Bulawayo tour cost in 2027?
A Bulawayo tour costs US$1 to US$65 for listed city attractions. The Bulawayo Railway Museum costs US$1 to US$2, the National Gallery costs US$5, the National History Museum costs US$12 to US$28, and Chipangali costs US$65 [2].
How far is Matobo National Park from Bulawayo?
Matobo National Park is approximately 35 kilometers south of Bulawayo [2]. Plan a full day for the visit because the trip includes transport, park activities, stops, and the return journey.
How much is a 4-day Matobo tour?
A listed 4-day Castles of Matobo Hills tour starts at US$1,683. Longer Matobo packages reach US$6,100 [2]. Compare the route, transport, guiding, accommodation, meals, and park costs before choosing a package.
Is Bulawayo worth visiting on a Zimbabwe trip?
Bulawayo is worth visiting for travelers who enjoy museums, art, railway history, and access to Matobo National Park. It is described as Zimbabwe's second city and can work as a cultural base before a full-day Matobo trip [3].
To book with clearer price and review information, use SafariFind to compare verified operators and request a quote for your 2027 route.
Conclusion
Things to Do in Bulawayo 2027: Tours, Costs and Day Trips fit both short city breaks and longer Zimbabwe journeys. Start with the Railway Museum, National Gallery, and National History Museum if you have one day. Entry prices run from US$1 to US$28 for these three sites [2]. Add Chipangali at US$65 when wildlife is your priority.
Reserve a full day for Matobo National Park, about 35 kilometers south of Bulawayo. A 4-day Castles of Matobo Hills tour starts at US$1,683, while a listed 6-day Zimbabwe route costs US$2,617 [2][6]. Compare what each quote includes before you pay.
Compare verified safari packages on SafariFind, read authentic traveler reviews, and request a quote from a suitable operator. In 2027, a clear plan will help you spend less time arranging transport and more time exploring Bulawayo and Matobo.
Plan Your Safari with SafariFind
These recommendations use real data from SafariFind, where you can compare operators, browse packages, and read verified traveler reviews before you book.
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What Travelers Say (SafariFind Reviews)
"In July we returned from a safari in Botswana. For my family of four (including two teenage boys) it was our first time to Africa. We had dreamt of the trip for a long time, and the camping safari with Moonstroll surpassed all expectations. Our Safari started in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with a local tour provider who Moonstroll arranged for us. After our tour of the falls (wow!) we transferred to Botswana where our safari commenced. The next 5 days included multiple game drives, a boat tour on Chobe River and a mokoro tour in Okavango. The wildlife was abundant. We saw many elephants, giraffe and hippopotamuses. Highlights included seeing a leopard that had dragged an impala up a tree in Savuti, and front row seat on an interaction between lions and elephants (two lionesses were sizing up a young elephant for dinner) and driving through Moremi reserve with water holes full of hippopotamus and crocodile. Our Guide, Tracker and Driver was Thuso. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the animals and all the different birds. Thuso worked long days with us, as we were keen to savour every last minute of daylight on the game drives. We love camping in Australia, so thought a camping safari would be a great way to experience Africa. The Moonstroll team made sure we had fantastic camp sites arranged in the parks and reserves. A highlight was camping on the edge of a hippopotamus pool for two nights in Khwai and getting to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner by their waterhole. Camping was a great choice - hearing animals noises at night was also something else!! Another benefit was that we didn’t need to leave the park to drive back to a lodge. The evening we watched the leopard we stayed until almost dark as our campsite was only a few minute’s drive away. We had two tents to accommodate our family of four. Each tent had comfortable single camp stretchers and an annex addition for an outdoor ensuite bathroom. Kennedy and Howard did a great job setting up a comfortable campsite in each location. Our Safari chef, Midoh, created delicious meals each day and the highlight was a traditional meal she prepared for our family on the last night. On the days we travelled to a new campsite we had a picnic on the road and these generally included some meat, salad and pasta, campfire bread and fruit. Mr Monametsi from Moonstroll made all our arrangements and it was well executed by his team. We feel privileged to have had this experience, and would highly recommend both Moonstroll and Botswana to have an African Safari adventure."
Katie & Simon•4 November 2026
"The booking process was relatively smooth and seamless. Mr. Monametsi responded to emails promptly and professionally, and the price was very reasonable. I quickly completed the reservation and payment for our family of ten. However, about two weeks before departure, I lost contact with Mr. Monametsi. My emails went unanswered. I later learned that Mr. Monametsi wasn't actually leading the tour group, but rather was managing and directing the group from his office. I couldn't figure out why he didn't respond to my crucial inquiries at this crucial time before our departure. Our group set off with trepidation, fearing they wouldn't honor their prior agreement. Fortunately, a few hours before arriving in Zimbabwe, we received an email from Mr. Monametsi's friend, providing the details and phone number of our airport pickup. We met our pickup person at the Zimbabwean airport without incident, and we thought we could finally join our scheduled Zimbabwe and Botswana trip. However, he was only responsible for picking us up at the hotel and had no idea about our five-day tour. We spent the first and second days in confusion, making numerous phone calls and wasting considerable time trying to find someone. The next day, our driver dropped us off at the Botswana border and handed us over to a Botswanan driver. He, completely clueless about the itinerary, simply dropped us off at our pre-booked hotel and disappeared. We had to rely on the help of the hotel's owner, using her WhatsApp account, to contact Mr. Monametsi and confirm our safari arrangements. The communication was so poor that we missed several planned activities and wasted significant time. Fortunately, on the morning of the third day, the safari driver arrived at our hotel, and we were finally able to begin our subsequent itinerary. Our trip had to be condensed and adjusted, with changes occurring daily. However, the team was very professional, especially Ben, our driver and guide, as well as the chef and logistics team. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Overall, the trip was truly fascinating. We saw lions, leopards, countless elephants, and various herbivores. The Okavango Delta was flooded this year, making many areas inaccessible and lacking in animal life. Savuti was particularly impressive with its abundance of lions. At the end of the trip, our driver, Ben, rescued a wounded elephant on the roadside, which was truly remarkable. Apart from some confusion in communication and arrangements, this company is still worthy of praise. It is very cost-effective, has a lot of service staff, and the service quality is also very good. The food is especially good. Overall it is worth recommending!"
Tu Xin•4 November 2026
"My group of 5 had an incredible time on the 7-day Victoria Falls to Okavango Delta safari. We were met at the airport in Victoria Falls and everything there was handled through our lodge, including a lovely guided tour of the falls (Zimbabwe side). Our Victoria Falls lodge also handled our transfer to Botswana, where another driver met us; everything went smoothly and was very easy for us. We then had a wonderful boat tour on the Chobe River, where we saw a group of elephants cross the river at sunset. After the boat tour we met our guide for the rest of the safari, Sox, who was amazing! Sox took us on our game drives and handled the rest of our transfers on the safari. The game drives were incredible. We saw so many amazing animals, including many that Sox sought out for us. Our three nights of camping were also amazing. Our chef, Enoch, cooked incredible meals for us (taking into account our dietary restrictions), and camp manager Gaetey and camp services Jonathan made sure everything was comfortable. There was even a toilet and shower set up behind each tent! I highly recommend Moonstroll!"
Amanda•4 November 2026
"We had an excellent experience in Zimbabwe and Botswana :) The journey was well organised and the staff was lovely! It’s been a memorable holiday - thank you Safari Tailors!"
Solène•13 September 2026
"Booking the safari at Miombo Safari Camp with Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours was easy and they answer all our questions thoroughly and in a timely fashion. We communicated through email, payment was easy too through email. There was no availability for the Hwange safari camp on the dates we requested but Mr. Tongesai managed to find us another safari camp, Miombo, which was a delightful place whilst honoring the rates offered at their website. Mr. Tongesai made sure we were picked up and driven to the camp, accompanying us on the 2-hour trip and later receiving us back at our hotel. Miombo's accommodations, the tent, was like camping with glamour. It was spacious with 2 comfortable single beds and charming decoration. The ensuite bathroom felt like we were in the woods but protected and with the comforts of a good hotel. The hot water in the shower was not working but Mr. Bernard, Miombo's host, made sure it was fixed by the time we came back from the afternoon game drive. The tent was right in front of a water hole, which depending on the season, would have received the visit of elephants. We didn't see any animals there but one night a leopard came to our camp. Unfortunately, we didn't see it as we slept safely under the watch of night guards. They also made sure we were escorted back and forth during the night between our tent and the common area. Mr. Bernard served delicious meals in the beautiful open common area viewing the forest and sometimes with a visit of monkeys. The dessert was always delicious! At night we had a bonfire to huddle to, and one of the nights we were treated with local barbecue and a dance. Everything was a delight. The game drivers are also a delight with their stories, knowledge and funny jokes, Nigel and Mr. B are amazing hosts, making sure everyone is comfortable and going out there to find the great animals and birds for us. The game drives in Hwange were amazing! We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeasts, buffalos, impalas, koudos, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, amazing birds! We missed the lions and leopards by minutes but it was okay. Makes us want to come back again. The sunset drive was also a delight with Nigel, including a stop for a snack. Our driver back to the hotel was also a great delight with his incredible stories and knowledge. I learned so much about the animals in these 3 days. The tour has lived up to our expectations and more! Mr. Tongesai also took care of our requests for a Sunset Cruise and an Elephant Ride as soon as we reached the hotel. Less than half an hour, Mr. Tongesai arranged us to be picked up to go to a Sunset Cruise on the evening we arrived from the safari. The cruise was a delight, the sunset on the Zambezi river was amazing and the service on board was great, great food and beverages, Zambezi beer of course! The Elephant Ride arranged by Mr. Tongesai was also an amazing adventure I will never ever forget. Riding my elephant Detema with the driver Tunzi was amazing, against the sunrise backdrop, amazing colours in the sky. The lady that accompanied us taking pictures, she did such a great jobs, I love my pictures on the elephant! The feeding and petting the elephants after the ride was another amazing experience! These elephants are such a delight, sucking fiercely the food in our hands! I simply loved it! Then they served us a delicious breakfast while watching our beautiful pictures on the elephant. I learned so much about elephants with my driver. Everything in this place, this tour, the people and the animals, is amazing, unbelievable, unforgettable! I love Vic Falls, Hwange, Zimbabwe! I hope to come back and I will definitely tell all my friends that they have to have this experience in their bucket list. And it is easy, just reach out to Mr. Tongesai and Cultural Vibes, they will take great good care of you! You will love them! We thank Mr. Tongesai and everyone at Cultural Vibes, Miombo Safari Camp, Sunset Cruise, Elephant Ride, who made us have the time of our life!"
Joann Fuentes•22 June 2026
References
- [1] South Africa and Zimbabwe 6/28/2027, GEEO
- [2] Things to Do in Bulawayo Zimbabwe 2027: Tours and Prices, SafariFind
- [3] Travel with Orbridge and Iowa State University Alumni
- [4] Top Bulawayo Wildlife Viewing Tours and Trips for 2027 to 2028, Adventure Life
- [5] 10 Best Zimbabwe Tours and Trips 2026 to 2027, TourRadar