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Zimbabwe🇿🇼 | festivalsIntwasa Arts FestivalNew Zimbabwean plays, multilingual stages, gallery shows, film screenings | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Intwasa Arts
🌟 Highlightfestival ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Intwasa Arts Festival, run by the Bulawayo arts organization Amakhosi Theatre's circle of partners, is spread across the city's own venues rather than a single field, so you can walk or take short taxi rides between shows. It sits in Bulawayo, in the southwest of Zimbabwe. Expect theater, live music, poetry, dance, film and visual art, with a crowd of local artists, students and curious regulars, and a warm, argumentative, talkative mood. It runs for about a week, usually around the cooler, drier months. On my first visit I assumed every show started at the printed time, sat alone in an empty hall for forty minutes and missed the act next door. Now I chase word of mouth and hop between rooms. Go for the raw creative energy of a city that makes its own culture. Before going, carry small US dollar notes for tickets and snacks, since card machines are unreliable.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Zimbabwe Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 festival in ZimbabweWhat sets this place apart

Intwasa Arts Festival gives you a way into Bulawayo that no hostel noticeboard can match. The audiences here talk back, so a single play can turn into a two-hour conversation with the actors, and by day three you will be greeted by name in the foyer. Many of the performers work in Ndebele and English, and the humor and politics in the pieces tell you more about modern Zimbabwe than a week of sightseeing.

Cost matters too. Most theater and music events cost only a few dollars, and with dozens of acts across the week you can fill every evening cheaply, which is hard to do at festivals in Europe or South Africa.

The festival also fits a longer route well. Bulawayo is the gateway to Matobo Hills and Hwange, so you can spend mornings in the bush and nights in the theater, then continue toward … read more 👉
Intwasa Arts Festival gives you a way into Bulawayo that no hostel noticeboard can match. The audiences here talk back, so a single play can turn into a two-hour conversation with the actors, and by day three you will be greeted by name in the foyer. Many of the performers work in Ndebele and English, and the humor and politics in the pieces tell you more about modern Zimbabwe than a week of sightseeing.

Cost matters too. Most theater and music events cost only a few dollars, and with dozens of acts across the week you can fill every evening cheaply, which is hard to do at festivals in Europe or South Africa.

The festival also fits a longer route well. Bulawayo is the gateway to Matobo Hills and Hwange, so you can spend mornings in the bush and nights in the theater, then continue toward Victoria Falls with a full camera roll and a few new friends.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Theater productions at Bulawayo venues: Plays are the core of Intwasa, often new Zimbabwean writing performed in Ndebele, Shona and English. Intimate halls put you close enough to see the actors sweat.
  2. Live music nights: Marimba, jazz, Afro-fusion and the Bulawayo sound known for its sweet harmonies fill the evenings. Crowds sing along, and dancing usually starts before the second song.
  3. Poetry and spoken word sessions: Local poets deal with migration, power and daily life in the city. Short sets make them easy to drop into between other shows.
  4. Visual art exhibitions: Painters, sculptors and photographers show work in galleries and public venues. Many pieces are for sale, and artists are often on hand to talk about them.
  5. Workshops and film screenings: Daytime sessions in dance, writing and filmmaking
… read more 👉
  1. Theater productions at Bulawayo venues: Plays are the core of Intwasa, often new Zimbabwean writing performed in Ndebele, Shona and English. Intimate halls put you close enough to see the actors sweat.
  2. Live music nights: Marimba, jazz, Afro-fusion and the Bulawayo sound known for its sweet harmonies fill the evenings. Crowds sing along, and dancing usually starts before the second song.
  3. Poetry and spoken word sessions: Local poets deal with migration, power and daily life in the city. Short sets make them easy to drop into between other shows.
  4. Visual art exhibitions: Painters, sculptors and photographers show work in galleries and public venues. Many pieces are for sale, and artists are often on hand to talk about them.
  5. Workshops and film screenings: Daytime sessions in dance, writing and filmmaking let you take part instead of only watching, and short Zimbabwean films rarely get seen outside the country.
Intwasa Arts Festival makes a good day when you pair an afternoon workshop or exhibition with an evening live music night, since both are easy to reach on foot in the city center.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Intwasa Arts Festival

Full-Day Matobo Rhino Tracking & Rock Art from Bulawayo

Full-Day Matobo Rhino Tracking & Rock Art from Bulawayo

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Khami Ruins & Matopos Silunguzi Village Day Tour!

Khami Ruins & Matopos Silunguzi Village Day Tour!

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Silunguzi Matopos Village & Rock Paintings Visit !

Silunguzi Matopos Village & Rock Paintings Visit !

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Half-Day Matobo Hills Cave Expedition & Ancient Rock Art Tour

Half-Day Matobo Hills Cave Expedition & Ancient Rock Art Tour

5.0(1) 5h
From €82
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Matopos Park Day Game Drive With Rhino Tracking!

Matopos Park Day Game Drive With Rhino Tracking!

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Bulawayo 4 Days Tour Pass & Victoria Falls Drop off !

Bulawayo 4 Days Tour Pass & Victoria Falls Drop off !

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Half Day Rhino Tracking and White Rhino Cave Tour

Half Day Rhino Tracking and White Rhino Cave Tour

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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Intwasa Arts Festival?

Intwasa Arts Festival, run by Bulawayo’s Amakhosi Theatre collective (Intwasa is the isiNdebele word for spring), takes place in Bulawayo over about a week to ten days, usually in late September, with performances at venues across the city center and suburbs.
  • Best days: Opening weekend brings the parades and the busiest program, while weekdays are calmer and easier for catching theatre and poetry nights.
  • Weather: Days are dry, sunny and hot, around 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F), with cool evenings near 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F). Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for night shows.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed two to four weeks ahead. Prices rise only modestly, as Bulawayo is not a crowded festival town.
  • Getting around: Roads and buses to Bulawayo are busiest on Fridays, so arrive midweek and head out
… read more 👉
Intwasa Arts Festival, run by Bulawayo’s Amakhosi Theatre collective (Intwasa is the isiNdebele word for spring), takes place in Bulawayo over about a week to ten days, usually in late September, with performances at venues across the city center and suburbs.
  • Best days: Opening weekend brings the parades and the busiest program, while weekdays are calmer and easier for catching theatre and poetry nights.
  • Weather: Days are dry, sunny and hot, around 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F), with cool evenings near 12 to 15°C (54 to 59°F). Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for night shows.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed two to four weeks ahead. Prices rise only modestly, as Bulawayo is not a crowded festival town.
  • Getting around: Roads and buses to Bulawayo are busiest on Fridays, so arrive midweek and head out Sunday or Monday morning.
Check the program once it is released and plan your evenings around the shows you most want to see.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: not recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: not recommended for travelingMARMarch: not recommended for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: not recommended for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: not recommended for travelingDECDecember: not recommended for traveling

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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Stay in or near the Bulawayo city center, because most festival venues sit within a short walk or a cheap shared taxi ride, and this is where budget travelers and solo backpackers gather.

The central grid of wide streets around the main avenues (Fort Street, Jason Moyo and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo) has the densest cluster of backpacker-style lodging, guesthouses and cafes. It is flat, easy to walk in daylight, and you meet other travelers at breakfast tables and communal areas. After dark, use a taxi even for short hops.

Suburbs such as Suburbs, Hillside and Matsheumhlope offer quieter guesthouses … read more 👉
Stay in or near the Bulawayo city center, because most festival venues sit within a short walk or a cheap shared taxi ride, and this is where budget travelers and solo backpackers gather.

The central grid of wide streets around the main avenues (Fort Street, Jason Moyo and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo) has the densest cluster of backpacker-style lodging, guesthouses and cafes. It is flat, easy to walk in daylight, and you meet other travelers at breakfast tables and communal areas. After dark, use a taxi even for short hops.

Suburbs such as Suburbs, Hillside and Matsheumhlope offer quieter guesthouses and a calmer, greener setting. They suit travelers who want sleep after late shows, and they feel safe with gated properties. Expect to need a taxi for evenings, which is easy to split with new friends from your lodging.

Burnside and the Kumalo area are comfortable middle options, with restaurants nearby and some of the city’s better-run guesthouses. They suit solo travelers who value security over social buzz.

Book early and ask whether your host can arrange pickups from the bus station or airport.
Best hostels in Zimbabwe


Best quality hotels in Zimbabwe

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Intwasa Arts Festival costs most independent travelers around US$59 to 100 a day, including a mid-range bed, shows and local meals.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$2 to 10 per showMany events are free or low cost, with bigger theatre and music nights at the upper end.
AccommodationUS$15 to 25 (dorm or basic room); US$30 to 55 (guesthouse, high season)Guesthouses in the center and suburbs are the standard option, and breakfast is sometimes included.
Local transportUS$1 to 10Shared minibuses cost about US$1 per ride, while taxis in Bulawayo cost roughly US$3 to 8 for typical city trips.
Food & drinksUS$8 to 20Sadza and stew plates run US$3 to 6, and a beer costs about US$1.50 to 3.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 10Craft souvenirs, water, data and tips for guides or parking helpers.
… read more 👉
Intwasa Arts Festival costs most independent travelers around US$59 to 100 a day, including a mid-range bed, shows and local meals.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$2 to 10 per showMany events are free or low cost, with bigger theatre and music nights at the upper end.
AccommodationUS$15 to 25 (dorm or basic room); US$30 to 55 (guesthouse, high season)Guesthouses in the center and suburbs are the standard option, and breakfast is sometimes included.
Local transportUS$1 to 10Shared minibuses cost about US$1 per ride, while taxis in Bulawayo cost roughly US$3 to 8 for typical city trips.
Food & drinksUS$8 to 20Sadza and stew plates run US$3 to 6, and a beer costs about US$1.50 to 3.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 10Craft souvenirs, water, data and tips for guides or parking helpers.
Total Daily BudgetUS$59 to 100Based on a guesthouse bed, several shows and local meals.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

Food at Intwasa Arts Festival is mostly Bulawayo’s everyday cooking served from stalls and cafes around the venues, so expect plates built on sadza, the thick maize porridge that anchors nearly every meal.

The thing to order is sadza with beef stew, braised greens or kapenta, small dried fish fried with tomato and onion. Grilled meat is everywhere: braai smoke drifts across the evening, and boerewors sausage and chicken pieces are easy to eat between shows. Look for amasi, soured milk, and roasted maize cobs for a snack. Vendors sometimes offer mopane worms, a crunchy salty bite that is worth one try.

Drinks run from soft drinks and bottled water to local lagers such as Zambezi and Castle, plus the sweet fizzy Mazoe orange cordial, which is a classic Zimbabwean taste.

Portions are generous … read more 👉
Food at Intwasa Arts Festival is mostly Bulawayo’s everyday cooking served from stalls and cafes around the venues, so expect plates built on sadza, the thick maize porridge that anchors nearly every meal.

The thing to order is sadza with beef stew, braised greens or kapenta, small dried fish fried with tomato and onion. Grilled meat is everywhere: braai smoke drifts across the evening, and boerewors sausage and chicken pieces are easy to eat between shows. Look for amasi, soured milk, and roasted maize cobs for a snack. Vendors sometimes offer mopane worms, a crunchy salty bite that is worth one try.

Drinks run from soft drinks and bottled water to local lagers such as Zambezi and Castle, plus the sweet fizzy Mazoe orange cordial, which is a classic Zimbabwean taste.

Portions are generous and meant to share, so a plate between two travelers works well. Eat with your right hand when sadza is served, rolling a small ball and dipping it into the relish. Bring cash in small US dollar notes for stalls, since card machines and change are unreliable. Queues move slowly because food is cooked fresh, so order early before an evening show.

FAQFrequently asked questions about Intwasa Arts

Intwasa Arts Festival is held in Bulawayo, usually in late September, and runs for about a week to ten days. Exact dates change each year, so check the Amakhosi Theatre announcements before booking. Events take place at venues across the city center and suburbs.
Attending Intwasa Arts Festival costs little. Many shows are free or low cost, and paid performances typically run about US$2 to 10 each. A realistic daily budget with a guesthouse bed, meals and transport is about US$59 to 100.
Intwasa Arts Festival does not require advance tickets for most events, and many performances can be paid for at the door. Popular theatre and music nights can fill up, so buy early at the venue or from the organizers when possible. Book your Bulawayo bed two to four weeks ahead, since guesthouses fill up near the opening weekend.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Zimbabwean festivals near Intwasa Arts

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Intwasa Arts Festival is best late in the week, in the evenings, when word has spread and the venues fill. I would book the first night for a play and leave the rest loose, because the best tips arrive over drinks. The festival is small, so do not expect big-stage polish.

✈️ When did I visit Zimbabwe?
I have backpacked Zimbabwe all the way back in 2001.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Zimbabwe, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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