The Bulawayo-born events and social media consultant Sherine Anne Taylor is perfectly placed to offer a fascinating insight into Zimbabwe’s second largest city.
Bulawayo, in south-west Zimbabwe, is known by many tourists as the gateway to Matopos (Matobo) National Park, but Sherine encourages visitors to spend some time in the city to discover its rich culture, great food, fascinating history and exciting events.
What do you love move most about Bulawayo?
There is a really strong sense of family and ‘village’ within the Bulawayo community so visitors will definitely feel that friendly spirit when they visit.
What are the best places to take a visitor?
My favourite place is the Matopos (also called Matobo) National Park some 35km south of Bulawayo. A ‘must see’ are the white and black rhinos. I also love the Bulawayo (or National) Railway Museum for all its history and the really incredible manager/curator Gordon Murray who is a wealth of knowledge and has many fascinating facts to share about the railways and trains of Zimbabwe – and beyond!
What is your favorite view?
World Views or View of the World (also called Malindidzimu Hill) in Matopos (Matobo) National Park. It has incredible views while also being a site of spiritual significance for the the indigenous Ndebele people and burial place for the 19th-century imperialist Cecil Rhodes.
What activity do you most enjoy?
I’m a passionate foodie person so I enjoy trying out new places to eat. Of course a great place to start any foodie exploration of Bulawayo is Banff Lodge that is well-known for its awesome food, good wine and great atmosphere. It’s also a really great place to stay if you are exploring the area.
What local dishes/food is the region known for?
Umxlanxa (maize and a melon mixed together with sugar) Ichakata (samp mixed with peanut butter), Inkobe (cooked maize, ground nuts and round nut), Isejeza (a thick porridge of maize and melon), Amatumbu (cow intestines) and maybe the adventurous will sample Amacimbi (dried Mopane worm).
Any local traditional drinks?
Umqomboti is a beer made from maize and sorghum.
Favourite shop?
The Orange Elephant. It’s the best place to find really authentic crafts or souvenirs as its supports talented Zimbabwean crafts people.
What’s Bulawayo’s best kept secret?
The National Art Gallery, an amazing hub of creativity and culture that is often overlooked, would be my first choice. Similarly, visitors should discover the Bulawayo drumming group Drums of Peace that are famous for their interactive drumming. Many visitors might not have heard of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (officially titled Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards) that recognises the talents of local artists in the city and wider Matabeleland North and South. The event is packed with great performances and is happening on the 29th August. Also the Spar Bonsa Cancer Walk is a fun event in aid of those suffering with the condition and is held every year in September. The 7.6 km event involves running, walking and cycling around the Hillside area of Bulawayo. The Hillside Dams Festive Art and Craft Fair is an exciting bi-annual showcase for artists and craftsmen from around the country.
Any special events during the year?
The PPC Matapos Marathon is a 33-miler Ultra Marathon held annually. The Dwala Health and Fitness Fair and Fun Walk to raise funds for children with cancer takes places alongside a family fun day featuring live entertainment, fitness activities and team sports. The Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo is an amazing multi-disciplinary arts festival that brings together dance, theatre, music, film, literary arts, visual arts, spoken word and fashion within one platform.
Most interesting buildings?
The National Art Gallery and the Bulawayo Club because they are filled with so much history connected to Bulawayo. The Big Bhawa (Big Bar), one of the biggest bars in the country, is an intriguing place located in Makokoba which is the oldest township and the first black African suburb in Bulawayo. It is a really historical place. The Nesbitt Castle, located in the suburbs of Bulawayo, is a quirky 19th-century, Gothic-style building that is now a boutique hotel (but currently under refurbishment).
What is the best time to visit?
Bulawayo has incredible weather all year round. My favourite time of the year is mid-spring (October-November) to summer because this is the time the Jacaranda trees bloom and decorate our city like a bride before her wedding.
Top image: City Hall in the centre of Bulawayo.
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