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Getting Around Bulawayo

Getting Around Bulawayo

Bulawayo Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Kombi Network

These 15-seater minibuses serve as the backbone of urban transport. They operate on fixed routes, mastering and dropping off passengers along the way. They provide a quick, inexpensive, and often bustling way to experience local life.

Larger buses operate on fewer routes, mainly connecting the city center to farther suburbs or specific areas. They are less frequent than kombis.

Kombi Information

  • Route Maps & Hubs: Kombis lack official route maps. Drivers display destinations. Hailing occurs roadside. Main pick-up/drop-off points are in the Central Business District (CBD), notably around Bulawayo Main Terminal (Renkini).
  • Fares & Payment: Payment for kombis is strictly cash. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) or US Dollars. Small denominations preferred. Fares are fixed for certain routes, generally low-cost (US$0.50-US$1.50). Conductors collect fares.
  • Hours & Frequency: Kombis operate from early morning (~5:00 AM) until late evening (~8:00 PM - 9:00 PM). Increased frequency during peak morning and evening commutes. Service becomes sparse after dark.

Ask Locals

Do not hesitate to ask locals or your accommodation staff for advice on kombi routes.

Confirm Destination

Always confirm the place with the conductor before boarding the kombi.

Awareness

Be aware of your belongings, as pickpocketing might take place in crowded kombis. Keep bags secure.

Tips for Navigating Kombis

Before Boarding
  • Avoid Peak Hours: If possible, avoid traveling during peak morning and evening commute hours for a more comfortable ride.
  • Small Bills: Carry small denominations of US dollars or ZiG for kombi fares. Conductors often lack change for large notes.
  • Accessibility: Public transport, notably kombis, is generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.
Onboard Safety
  • Vigilance: Pay attention to your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded conditions.
  • Secure Bags: Keep bags close and valuables out of sight to deter potential pickpockets.
  • Route Confirmation: Always confirm your destination with the conductor for proper route guidance.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Private and App-Based Options

Licensed Taxis

Identifiable by blue numbers on white plates. Use reputable companies. Hail on street or at ranks.

Typical Fares

No meters, agree on fare before starting. Short rides: US$5-US$10. Cash (USD preferred).

Ride-Sharing Apps

Vaya and Hwindi are local options. Require local SIM. Availability varies.

Safety Tips

Take official taxis. Confirm ride-share details. Negotiate taxi fares beforehand.

Rental Options: Driving Yourself in Bulawayo

Car Rental Details

  • Requirements: Valid national driver's license (held for 2+ years), an International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, and credit card for deposit. Minimum age usually 23-25.
  • Major Companies: Local and international companies operate, including Europcar, Avis. Book well pre-book for the main season.
  • Insurance: Confirm comprehensive insurance coverage or purchase separately. Understand insurance coverage and deductibles.
  • Motorcycles/Scooters: Not widely available or recommended for tourists due to road quality and safety concerns.

Driving Conditions

  • Driving Regulations & Conditions on the road: Drive on the left. Seatbelts mandatory. 120 kilometers per hour highways, 60/h urban. Major roads paved but potholes common. Rural roads often unpaved, may be impassable wet season.
  • Fuel: Shortages occur. Keep tank full, especially before long travels or rural trips.
  • Night Driving: Strongly discouraged due to poor lighting, unlit vehicles, livestock, limited roadside assistance.
  • Safety: Be aware of police stops; ensure documents are in order and drive according to regulations.

Walking & Cycling: Exploring Bulawayo on Foot or Bicycle

  • Pedestrian-Welcoming Neighborhoods: Downtown: Grid layout. Streets like Jason Moyo Street, Fife Street, Leopold Takawira Avenue access shops, markets, museums. Suburbs: Pleasant for walking, relaxed environment.
  • Safety: Be cautious of uneven sidewalks and traffic. Exercise vigilance for belongings. Avoid walking alone at night, even in seemingly safe areas.
  • Walking Tour Options: Guided Tours: Local operators offer tours focusing on colonial architecture, history, or art. Self-Guided Tours: With a good map and research, primary points of interest are walkable. Build your own path for historical buildings and markets.
  • Bicycle Infrastructure: Limited dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Cycling on main roads is hazardous due to traffic volume, varying road conditions (including potholes), and a lack of designated bike lanes.
  • Safer Areas: Cycling is safer for leisure purposes in more peaceful suburban areas or inside park boundaries, where traffic is less dense. Always check rules of the park regarding cycling. Mountain biking is not a major organized activity within or near the city.
  • No-Go Areas: Avoid walking or cycling in isolated areas, especially after dark. Exercise caution around coach terminals and busy market areas due to high congestion and potential for petty crime.

Specialized Transportation: Beyond the Usual

Tour Buses

No formal hop-on-hop-off tour bus services run. Private tour operators offer guided day trips and multi-day safaris to Matobo Hills, Hwange National Park, and The Largest waterfall in the world. These guided trips generally use comfortable minibuses or specialized safari vehicles.

Water & Unique Transport

Not applicable to Bulawayo. Water transport is confined to specific tourist activities on large lakes or rivers far from the city. Bulawayo does not have cable cars, funiculars, or other unique mechanical local transport systems.

Accessibility Services

Public getting around and infrastructure are generally not designed for accessibility. Sidewalks can be uneven, and public buildings often lack ramps or lifts. Travelers with mobility challenges may need to set up private, accessible transport with focused tour operators.

General Transportation Advice

A smooth travel experience in Bulawayo gains from understanding local transit options and ideal practices.

Kombi Navigation Tips

  • Hailing: Hail kombis from the roadside along their routes; they stop frequently.
  • Routes: Kombis operate on fixed routes, but official maps are unavailable.
  • Payment: Only cash (ZiG or USD); small denominations are highly preferred.
  • Crowds: Expect bustling conditions, especially during peak hours.

Taxi & Ride-Share Tips

  • Licensed Taxis: Identify by registration plates. Negotiate fare beforehand as meters are not used.
  • Ride-Sharing: Vaya and Hwindi exist but driver availability is not consistent. A local SIM is typically needed.
  • After-dark Travel: Taxis or ride-sharing are safer options after dark due to limited street lighting and foot traffic.
  • Pre-booking: Pre-book airport transfers with the place you are staying or a reputable company to avoid confusion.

Driving & Walking Tips

Car Rentals

Needs a valid national driver'a driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Book in advance. Confirm comprehensive insurance. Avoid night driving due to hazards.

Be mindful of potholes and livestock.

Walking

Bulawayo's city center is walkable; wear Sturdy, comfortable shoes. Be cautious of bumpy pavements plus vehicle flow. Self-guided and guided walking tours are options for city exploration.

Avoid walking alone at night.

Cycling

Limited dedicated infrastructure. Safer for leisure purposes in more peaceful suburban areas or within park boundaries. Main roads are hazardous because of traffic and varying conditions. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not widely available.

Check rules of the park for cycling.

Accessibility & Specialized Transport

Accessibility Considerations
  • Public transportation and infrastructure are generally not designed for accessibility.
  • Sidewalks can be uneven, and public buildings often lack ramps or lifts.
  • Travelers with mobility challenges may need to organize private, accessible transport with expert tour operators.
Specialized Options
  • Tour Buses: No formal hop-on-hop-off services. Private tour operators offer guided day trips and safaris.
  • Water Transport: Not applicable to Bulawayo; limited to specific tourist activities on distant lochs or rivers.
  • Unique Local Transport: Bulawayo does not have cable cars, funiculars, or equivalent systems.

Final Safety Notes

  • Self-driving: Avoid night driving due to poor lighting, unlit vehicles, pedestrians, and roaming livestock.
  • Fuel: Always fill your fuel tank whenever possible; shortages may occur.
  • Documents: Carry driver's license, IDP, passport, and vehicle rental documents for police stops.
  • General Safety: Be watchful in crowded areas and protect your valuables.
  • Emergency Contacts: Save all important emergency contacts on your phone and keep a written copy.
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of potholes on main roads and potentially impassable rural roads during the wet season.
  • Vigilance: Be aware of opportunistic traffic police stops; confirm all vehicle documents are in order.
  • Local Interaction: Meeting locals can provide valuable information for safe navigation.

Driving Document Check

Always have your driver's license, IDP, passport, and vehicle rental documents readily accessible when driving. This aids during any police stops.

Wear comfortable, Sturdy walking shoes. Bulawayo's city center can be explored on foot, and good footwear aids in navigating uneven pavements.

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Getting Around Bulawayo. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental