Bulawayo The City Of Kings And Queens

By: Memory Phiri

Worth Noting:

• This was a treat indeed for Bulawayo is the gateway to Manapools which is a staggering waterhole that deserves to be exploited to the fullest. Undoubtedly, the whole province was in the palm of my hands. In relation to the concrete jungle, the town has the Natural History Museum and National Arts Gallery under its belt.
• Not forgetting the Nesbitt Castle that has an enviable antique collection and the City Hall which screams of Victorian Architecture.
• As if this is not enough, the city of Kings and Queens is dripping with royalty and we are literally brushing shoulders with Shaka Ilembe’s descendants. History was left behind for all to witness at the Matobo Hills and heritage is depicted by the Bushmen Safaris.

Bulawayo is a wonder that should not be taken for granted or at face value. Most importantly, it is the second largest city after the capital Harare. Thus, the Matebeleland province is an intriguing destination that is very rich in tourism cynosures like the Matopos National Park.

When I was growing up I always wanted to learn the Ndebele language and fate threw me a bone on my attachment year at university. Who would have thought that I would see the venerable headquarters of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ)?

Moreso, the Shongololo trains from South Africa went on to enrich my travel and recreation dossier. From time to time, they hired the (NRZ) Rail Leisure coaches for excursions to Hwange up to Victoria Falls.

This was a treat indeed for Bulawayo is the gateway to Manapools which is a staggering waterhole that deserves to be exploited to the fullest. Undoubtedly, the whole province was in the palm of my hands. In relation to the concrete jungle, the town has the Natural History Museum and National Arts Gallery under its belt.

Not forgetting the Nesbitt Castle that has an enviable antique collection and the City Hall which screams of Victorian Architecture.

As if this is not enough, the city of Kings and Queens is dripping with royalty and we are literally brushing shoulders with Shaka Ilembe’s descendants. History was left behind for all to witness at the Matobo Hills and heritage is depicted by the Bushmen Safaris.

On one of my escapades, I had the liberty to go all the way to the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport. Consequently, that same year I also witnessed the unveiling of his statue which stands in the heart of Bulawayo.

It is not fair to take a tour around this city without appreciating the showgrounds alias the Zimbabwe International Trade Fare (ZITF). The same applies to the Barbourfields Stadium which is a site for sore eyes. Needless to mention, that this town had me at hello.

Moving on to law and order, the High Court was opened in 1938 and it overlooks the 8th Avenue which is ostentatiously lined with the colorful Jacaranda trees.

For the love of buying and selling, Egodini will forever remain a potent hive of activity. Walking around in circles is generally part of the whole experience therefore tourists can always take a breather in the famous Centenary Park which is one kilometre from the central business district along the Leopold Takawira Avenue.

Before I knew it retrospectively, my time was then up as l had to go back to school. If anything, I would have stayed put in this beautiful city which is close to the Khami World Heritage Site. Bulawayo, you were a learning curve and I miss you.