The Parking Situation in Bulawayo Explained

If you are driving in Bulawayo and need to park in the city centre, here is what you actually need to know.

The area from 3rd Avenue to 15th Avenue and from Lobengula Street to Samuel Parirenyatwa Street is managed by a private company called TTI. You will see their parking marshals wearing reflective vests. When you park in a marked bay, a marshal will approach you and issue a ticket. You pay the marshal directly. The current rate is US$1 per hour. You can pay for as many hours as you intend to stay. Keep the ticket visible on your dashboard.

If you park outside the TTI area, different rules apply. In residential areas and on most side streets outside the central zone, parking is generally free unless signed otherwise. Always check for signs. Some streets have time limits, usually two or three hours, even if no fee is charged.

Do not park on yellow lines, in front of gates, or in disabled bays without a permit. Your car will be clamped or towed, and the release fee is steep. If you return to find a clamp on your wheel, you will need to pay the fine before the marshal will remove it. Paying your parking fee on time is much cheaper than paying a clamping penalty.

Most shopping centres in Bulawayo – like Hillside Shopping Centre, Parklands, and Ascot – offer free parking for customers. These are good options if you are planning to spend an hour or more in one place. The large supermarkets, such as TM Pick n Pay and OK, also have their own free parking areas.

If you are attending the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair at ZICES, there is designated parking at the exhibition grounds. It fills up quickly on busy days, so arrive early. During ZITF week, parking marshals will direct you to the correct area.

For overnight parking, most hotels in Bulawayo have secure, guarded parking included in your stay. If you are staying at a lodge or guesthouse, ask about parking when you book. Street parking overnight is not recommended, especially in the city centre.

The simplest rule for parking in Bulawayo is this: if you are in the central area bounded by 3rd Avenue, 15th Avenue, Lobengula Street, and Samuel Parirenyatwa Street, expect to pay US$1 per hour to a TTI marshal. Everywhere else, look for signs. When in doubt, find a shopping centre with free parking. And never park where you see a yellow line.