Bulawayo is a fantastic base for exploring Zimbabwe’s less-trodden but deeply rewarding attractions. Unlike busy tourist hotspots, Bulawayo offers authentic experiences that highlight the country’s rich culture, history, and wildlife. Whether you’re interested in walking among rhinos in the wild or uncovering ancient stone ruins, you’ll find options that suit different tastes and budgets.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Matobo Hills Day Trip with Rhino Tracking stands out for its blend of adventure and education. Meanwhile, history buffs will enjoy the Bulawayo City Guided Tour, which reveals the city’s past and architecture.
If you’re looking to combine nature, culture, and a bit of adrenaline, the list below offers a variety of memorable experiences.
Quick Overview
Our list includes five top tours in Bulawayo, each offering a distinct way to experience Zimbabwe’s landscapes and heritage:
– An exciting Matobo Hills day trip with rhino tracking, perfect for wildlife lovers.
– An insightful Bulawayo city tour exploring the city’s history and Victorian architecture.
– An extensive Zimbabwe 6-Day Adventure covering Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Great Zimbabwe.
– A fascinating Khami Ruins sunset tour blending history and scenic views.
– An immersive 5-day horseback safari, for those who want to experience wildlife up close on horseback.
1. Matobo Hills Day Trip with Rhino Tracking
For around $140 per person, this Matobo Hills day trip offers a full day of adventure in one of Zimbabwe’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour takes you into the rolling granite formations of the Matobo Hills, where you’ll learn about the area’s fascinating history and see the final resting place of Cecil Rhodes, set amid the scenic rocks.
What makes this experience special is the chance to track rhinos on foot—a rare opportunity to get close to these impressive creatures without the crowded safaris.
Your guide, often with years of wildlife experience, will lead you through the diverse landscape, pointing out unique plant species and local wildlife. The highlight comes with rhinoceros tracking, which requires patience and respectful observation—an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
After your morning of adventure, a delicious lunch in a local restaurant provides a chance to reflect on the day’s sights.
Bottom line: This tour combines physical activity, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, making it ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see Zimbabwe’s wilderness up close. It’s a top pick for those wanting a personalized wildlife experience with expert guides.
2. Bulawayo City Guided Tour
For just $55, the Bulawayo City Guided Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s cultural fabric. It’s perfect for travelers who want to understand Bulawayo’s roots as the first settlement of the Ndebele Kings. The tour hits key sites like the Railway Museum, which showcases Zimbabwe’s railway development—a critical part of the country’s growth.
The tour also explores the Victorian-era architecture along the main street, reflecting the city’s colonial past. A visit to Makokoba, the oldest township, brings you face-to-face with the vibrant local culture. The guide’s insights make history come alive, sharing stories that are often missing from guidebooks.
What makes this tour stand out is how it combines history, architecture, and contemporary culture in a manageable half-day walk. It’s suited for travelers interested in cultural history and urban charm, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Bottom line: A well-rounded introduction to Bulawayo, this tour offers exceptional value and a chance to see the city’s past and present in one go.
3. Best of Zimbabwe 6-Day Adventure
For travelers with more time and a desire for a broad Zimbabwe experience, the Best of Zimbabwe 6-Day Adventure is unmatched at $2,316 per person. This tour covers iconic sights like Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matopos, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. It’s a comprehensive taste of Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and ancient history.
Your days will include game drives in Hwange, where elephants, lions, and other wildlife are common sightings, as well as visits to the Royal Great Zimbabwe ruins—a UNESCO site where you’ll explore the stone structures and hear about the fascinating history of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe.
The tour balances outdoor safaris, archaeological exploration, and cultural storytelling, making it suitable for those who want to see it all in a relatively short period.
While the price reflects the extensive itinerary, the included lodges and meals add value, making it a good choice for travelers ready to commit to a deeper Zimbabwe experience.
Bottom line: This is a perfect tour for families or groups seeking a full, varied adventure without the hassle of planning each leg themselves.
4. Khami Ruins: Guided Tour with Sunset Drinks
At $80 per person, this Khami Ruins guided tour offers a blend of history, scenic beauty, and relaxing sunset views. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Torwa Dynasty and provides a fascinating glimpse into early Zimbabwean civilization. Your guide will bring the ruins’ stories to life, pointing out the King’s Residence, the Sacred Ground, and the Passage Platform.
What makes this tour particularly special is the opportunity to watch the sunset from the top of the King’s Residence, offering stunning vistas over the surrounding landscape. It’s a quieter, more contemplative experience than a busy safari, perfect for history buffs and those who enjoy scenic, reflective moments.
The tour’s value lies in combining the historical site with a relaxed, scenic experience—ideal for travelers who want a mix of education and leisure without a full-day commitment.
Bottom line: A great choice for history lovers or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic end to a day exploring Zimbabwe’s ancient sites.
5. Zimbabwe: 5-Day Horseback Safari
For about $1,800, the 5-day horseback safari offers a chance to see Zimbabwe’s wildlife from a different perspective. Staying at a family-run ranch, you’ll ride through open plains, bush tracks, and forested areas, with opportunities to spot animals like giraffes, kudu, impala, and eland.
Riding on horseback allows you to get closer to nature than most vehicle safaris, with the added benefit of personal interaction with your guide.
The itinerary includes lodge stays with farm-fresh meals, swimming, and downtime, making it suitable for families and active travelers. Guides with years of experience will help you navigate the terrain safely and share insights about the wildlife and environment. Many travelers find this experience both exhilarating and grounding—quite different from a typical safari.
While the price might seem high, the combination of riding, wildlife viewing, and comfortable accommodations makes it worthwhile. It’s best suited for physically active travelers comfortable on horseback.
Bottom line: This safari is perfect for those who want an authentic, up-close wildlife experience combined with the tranquility of a family-run ranch.
How to Choose the Right Experience
Choosing among these tours depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you have. If wildlife is your priority, the Matobo Hills Rhino Tracking or the Horseback Safari are excellent options. For a cultural and historical day, the Bulawayo City Tour and the Khami Ruins Sunset Tour offer immersive insights into Zimbabwe’s past.
Budget travelers may prefer the city tour, while wildlife or adventure lovers should consider the multi-day safaris or the full Zimbabwe adventure. Booking early is advisable for popular tours, especially during peak dry seasons when wildlife viewing is best.
Consider your fitness level—riding safaris require a bit of stamina—and whether you want a full-day experience or something more relaxed. Think about combining a city walk with a nature trip if you want variety.
Final Thoughts
Bulawayo offers a range of experiences that can turn any trip into a memorable journey. For wildlife lovers, the Matobo Hills Rhino Tracking is hard to beat, while history enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the city’s architecture and ancient ruins. If you have more time, the Zimbabwe 6-Day Adventure provides a comprehensive look at the country’s highlights.
No matter your interests, booking early and choosing a tour that matches your energy level and curiosity will lead to a rewarding Zimbabwean adventure.