Bulawayo is a city of rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient ruins to wild sanctuaries, museums to parks, one can pursue their expedition at the Ethiopian Airlines Bulawayo office. Be sure to view the following five destinations to experience the full breadth of what Bulawayo has to offer. These are the few hidden gems for you to visit and have fun.
Bulawayo Railway Museum
Situated not far from the Ethiopian Airlines Bulawayo Office in Zimbabwe, in this museum, you will find a unique insight into Zimbabwe’s rail history. It is here where visitors can find an unending list of legendary steam engines and coaches apart from the personal coach exclusively about Cecil Rhodes. This exhibition works as a time machine for the visitors that educates them about how the railway system developed right from its inception to the date when it played a very critical role in the industrial development of this country. Inside, visitors can board the nostalgic rail and check out, really hands-on, for the golden era of rail travel.
The displays at the Bulawayo Railway Museum comprise so much more than just a collection of trains; they are a journey back in time. Exhibits include a plethora of fascinating artifacts, from old tickets and rail uniforms to tools used by people working on the railways. Interactive exhibits give one fascinating insight into engineering marvels and the problems overcome in creating and continuing to operate the railway network. There are guided tours too, which give insight and anecdotes upon insight into the history of Zimbabwe’s railways.
Natural History Museum
The Zimbabwe Natural History Museum, situated in Centenary Park, Bulawayo, is one of the largest country museums. It has large exhibitions on geology, paleontology, and ethnography, generalized to explain Zimbabwean natural and cultural heritage. Exhibited are dinosaur fossils and minerals, amongst other exhibits, and detailed dioramas show the variety of wildlife in the country. The geological section gives an excellent representation of the rich mineral resources in the country, including gold, diamonds, and rare minerals.
The overall essence of cultural history in Zimbabwe is observed at the Natural History Museum, which gives an insight into the ethnographic aspects from the viewing of various traditional artifacts, especially clothing, and tools in use by people in the indigenous region. Other lifestyle and religious experiences of people from other ethnic backgrounds provide a deeper insight into the diversity of the country. The museum is also a center for educational programs and workshops, part of what makes it popular among families and school groups.
Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park is the site of some amazing granite rock forms and a tremendous variety of flora and fauna. This park is within a short drive distance from Bulawayo, probably hosting the most impressive populations of both black and white rhinoceroses in the country and making this a haven for wild enthusiasts. This dramatic landscape of balancing rocks and ancient kopjes provides a scenic backdrop for hiking and photography. This park is open to having people walk through themselves or use a guided viewing that gives insights into the area’s geological history and its importance to ecology.
Besides the beautiful natural features, Matobo National Park has a strong cultural heritage. There are many San rock art sites in the park, with some dating back thousands of years. Interestingly, these paintings reveal the details of the lives and beliefs of the people who first inhabited this area. In conclusion, it is also in the park that there is the burial place of British colonialist Cecil Rhodes, at the apex of World’s View. The site is panoramic, offering one the view of the surrounding landscape, and is often visited as a place for reflection and quiet thought.
Khami Ruins
Khami Ruins is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and a great center of trade in the 16th century. Located about 22 kilometers west of Bulawayo, it has very impressive stone walls and terraces that have crowned the place with a lot of architectural and historical importance for this region. The intricate designs and sheer immense scale of the site make it a must-visit place for history enthusiasts and archaeologists alike. The visitors can wander around this former, vibrant commercial and cultural center.
Khami Ruins not only attest to the architectural technicality of the builders but also affirm their artistic sensitivities. The patterns and symbols used in the stonework are for purposes of decoration and give a hint of the belief systems and social organization of the dwellers. What makes it even more interesting is that there are guided tours of the facility, giving a narrative and alive story of people’s history. Accompanied by terribly voluminous vegetation and rolling hills, the site is mystically set and is one of the perfect areas for photography and quiet reflection.
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and Research Centre
Situated a few kilometers outside of Bulawayo, the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage takes in orphaned, injured, and abandoned animals. Here, visitors have an opportunity to encounter some of the wildlife currently under care, including lions, leopards, and various antelopes. Education programs at the center are aimed at driving the message of conservation and the predicament of Zimbabwe’s wildlife. Consequently, it is a great destination for families and even individuals looking to be enlightened about the efforts Zimbabwe is making to ensure its natural heritage is secure.
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage aims at rehabilitating animals and when possible, returning them to the wild. The center also researches wildlife behavior and ecology which will help the general view of conservation. Then, visits can be made to the animal homes in the form of a guided tour of the orphanage, giving full information on how the orphanage functions and about the animals. Other ways of enjoying the orphanage include getting involved as a volunteer to partake in hands-on conservation activities by contributing to the welfare of the animals.