Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
BULAWAYO is sparkling this festive season as travellers flood Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, bringing life, laughter, and holiday cheer to the City of Kings and Queens.
Locals returning home for family reunions, festive celebrations, and well-earned holidays are joined by foreign visitors eager to experience the city’s unique charm. Many arrivals praised the calm, welcoming atmosphere, saying Bulawayo offers a relaxing break from the bustle of larger cities. Airport staff even greeted foreign guests with national fabric, giving them a warm homecoming from the moment they touched down.
But the city’s magic is not only in the smiles at the airport. Bulawayo is a treasure trove of attractions that make it a festive must-visit. Just outside the city, history buffs can explore Khami Ruins, a 500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site with terraces, passages, and granite walls overlooking Khami Dam. Adventure seekers and nature lovers flock to Matobo National Park, home to breathtaking rock formations, ancient cave paintings, diverse wildlife, and the world’s largest concentration of black eagles.
For a closer encounter with wildlife, Tshabalala Game Sanctuary and Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage offer giraffe, kudu, zebra, impala, and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Within the city, Hillside Dams provide a serene spot for birdwatching, picnics, and exploring historical sites linked to King Lobengula Khumalo.
Culture and arts thrive in Bulawayo with the Museum of Natural History, Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre, and Bulawayo Home Industries Centre showcasing everything from sculptures to batiks. History lovers will marvel at the Railway Museum and the mystical Nesbitt Castle, a towering relic of the Middle Ages full of twisting passageways and stories of old.
Even sports fans have something to cheer for. Makokoba’s Thabiso Youth Centre stands as the training ground of Africa’s first Premier League footballer, Peter Ndlovu, inspiring young players and visitors alike.
With warm hospitality, rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Bulawayo is a destination that welcomes everyone with open ARMS. This holiday season, the city is calling travellers home, inviting locals and visitors alike to make memories that last a lifetime.
