Old Bulawayo
The site of King Lobengula's Ndebele royal capital. Parts of the palace area, beehive huts and enclosures have been rebuilt on their original layout, and an interpretation centre details the history of the Ndebele kingdom.
In the 1870s, King Lobengula of the Ndebele founded the royal capital Bulawayo. He moved it to this site in 1881. In 1893, as the forces of the British South Africa Company drew near, the king ordered it burned. The National Museum of Zimbabwe has rebuilt, based on archaeological excavations, parts of the royal palace area, beehive-shaped huts and enclosures on the original site. An interpretation centre on the history of the Ndebele kingdom is also here. The site lies about 17 km south of the city centre and receives few visitors. Opening hours and maintenance vary, so it is advisable to join a local tour or contact the site in advance.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00 (confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- Tshabalala Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
- Bulawayo Railway Museum
- Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe
- Bulawayo City Hall & City Centre
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo
- Cyrene Mission
- Khami Ruins