Bulawayo Railway Museum

Located on the border of the industrial estates of Bulawayo between 13^th Avenue and Josiah Chinamano Road is a fantastic National Railways Museum well worth a day’s visit.

It was officially opened on 4^th November 1972. If one is up for a brisk walk, it is enjoyable and after passing beneath a road, a path leads one to the museum. On its approach it looks like an original station and its neatness, tranquillity and displays are impressive. It is very affordable being ZAR20/adult and photographs are allowed. The only downside is the lack of souvenir and refreshment shops. There is neither any verbal commentary nor audio-impressions. The British, in their quest for the colonisation of Africa found it essential that a railroad be constructed. Cecil John Rhodes realised the importance of rail communication and for Rhodesia he envisaged two outlets to the sea. Work began in 1892 from Fontesvilla to Umtali in September 1892, and from Vryburg to Bulawayo in May 1893. Both were completed in October 1897 and February 1898, respectively. The railway network grew rapidly reaching mining areas. Prior to this the only means of transportation was the ox-wagon. The first train arrived in Bulawayo on 4^th November 1897.