Last updated October 2026

Drive times are rounded estimates for good conditions. Roadworks, roadblocks, wildlife and weather can add hours, so avoid driving after dark and check your route before you set off.

Day 1: Bulawayo

Start at the Natural History Museum in Centenary Park, which National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) says is the largest museum in the country. Then explore the city centre's grid of wide streets. Use taxis recommended by your hotel, especially at night. See the Bulawayo guide.

Day 2: Khami and Old Bulawayo

Khami World Heritage Site lies about 22.5 km west of the city, with terraced stone walls and what NMMZ calls the longest decorated stone wall in the country. In the afternoon, visit Old Bulawayo, about 22 km south, built for King Lobengula in 1870. Neither has convenient public transport, so hire a car, take a tour or ask your accommodation to arrange a transfer.

Day 3: Into the Matobo Hills

Drive: Bulawayo to the Matobo National Park boundary, about 30 km.

Zimbabwe Parks gives the route: take Robert Mugabe Way from the city centre, which becomes Matopos Road. Spend the afternoon among the granite domes and rock art, and stay a night or two in the hills so you are not rushed. See the Matobo guide.

Day 4: Rhino tracking and rock art

Matobo is one of Zimbabwe's intensive rhino protection zones, with black and white rhino. Track them on foot only with licensed guides. Walk early or late in the day, wear shoes with good grip on the granite, and confirm fees for World's View and guided activities. The Matobo planning guide has more.

Day 5: Drive to Great Zimbabwe

Drive: Bulawayo to Great Zimbabwe, about 310 km on the A9, around 4½ to 5 hours.

Allow extra time if you set off from a lodge in the Matobo Hills. Great Zimbabwe lies about 27 km south-east of Masvingo town. Stay nearby, and visit the Great Enclosure in the late afternoon. See the Great Zimbabwe guide.

Day 6: Great Zimbabwe

Climb to the Hill Complex early, before the heat, then explore the Valley Ruins and the site museum. Lake Mutirikwi is close by if you have time to spare. The Great Zimbabwe planning guide explains how to experience the site and how to help protect it.

Going home, or carrying on

• To Harare: about 325 km on the A4, around 4½ hours.
• Back to Bulawayo: about 310 km on the A9, around 4½ to 5 hours.

The cool, dry months, about May to August, are the most comfortable for walking at all three sites.

The guides for this route

• Bulawayo · Plan your visit
• Matobo Hills · Plan your visit
• Great Zimbabwe · Plan your visit