Bulawayo

Africa > Zimbabwe > Bulawayo (BUQ)

The Car or no Car advice for  Bulawayo can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Bulawayo ;  is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).

🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Bulawayo ?

These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.

🇿🇼 Mode

Score
🚆 Non-car score non-car score 4

💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Bulawayo?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

🇿🇼 Factor

Score
🚗 Car Score car rental availability score 6
🚗Do we need a car in Bulawayo? Is it worth it? Should we rent one? | Comment
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second city, known for its wide avenues, historic buildings and access to Matobo National Park. Because the region has limited public transport, visitors frequently ask: should you rent a car in Bulawayo? The answer centres on whether you want to explore the national parks independently. Since attractions lie far apart, a car often becomes the simplest option.

🚶‍♂️ Exploring Bulawayo Without a Car

The city centre is walkable, with cafés, colonial buildings and museums clustered close together. Taxis are available for short trips, and the National Gallery sits within easy reach.

🚗 When a Car Helps

A car is extremely useful for:

  • Matobo National Park

  • Khami Ruins World Heritage Site

  • Rural landscapes and granite kopjes

  • Wildlife areas beyond the city

Because buses rarely reach trailheads, driving offers the only practical solution.

🎯 Conclusion: Should You Rent a Car in Bulawayo?

  • ❌ Skip the car if you restrict your stay to central Bulawayo.

  • ❔ Consider renting a car in Bulawayo if you plan to explore Matobo or the region’s historic sites.

🚗Do we need a car in Bulawayo? Is it worth it? Should we? Destinations | Comment

🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table

This summary score brings how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.

🇿🇼 Factor

Score
🚗Should You Rent a Car in Bulawayo?
 overall should you rent a car score 7
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