Your stay — Boy's Hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Gweru.
The Property — Boy's Hostel
The Boy's Hostel in Gweru, Zimbabwe, is a no-frills, laid-back option for budget-conscious travellers. Its plain, red-brick exterior gives way to a welcoming open-plan lounge with wooden furnishings and vibrant African artwork. This is a social hub where you can meet fellow backpackers and locals alike, with communal kitchens and a lively atmosphere. It's best suited for solo travellers and groups of friends looking for a casual, unpretentious base to explore Gweru.
Chronicles of Gweru
Gweru was founded in 1894 by the British South Africa Company as Fort Rundle, a strategic outpost on the railway line between Bulawayo and Salisbury (now Harare). The city's early architecture reflects its colonial past, with many buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries still standing. Today, Gweru is a bustling commercial centre with a rich cultural identity shaped by its Shona and Ndebele heritage. The city is also home to the National Museum of Zimbabwe, which showcases the country's history and natural history. Gweru has a strong sense of community, with many locals proudly preserving traditional customs and crafts.
Best Time to Visit
Full Gweru guide →Best months
The best months to visit Gweru are September and October, when the weather is mild and dry, with average highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). This period also coincides with the harvest season, making it an ideal time to experience rural Zimbabwean culture.
Peak / festival surge
Peak tourist season in Gweru is during the winter months (June to August), when the city hosts the Gweru Agricultural Show, a major event that attracts visitors from across the country. Hotel prices tend to increase during this period, but it's a great time to experience the city's vibrant culture and outdoor activities like game viewing and hiking.
Budget shoulder season
Budget-conscious travellers should consider visiting Gweru during the shoulder months of April and May, when the weather is still mild and the crowds are smaller. You can expect to find discounts on hotel rates and tour packages during this period.
Weather & packing
Gweru's climate is characterized by a subtropical savanna climate, with hot summers and mild winters. When visiting in July, pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings, with average lows ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 10°C (50°F).
Live City Briefing — Gweru
- The Gweru-Matopos road has recently been upgraded, making it easier to access the nearby Matopos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique rock art and wildlife.
- The city's main market, Gweru Market, has been renovated and expanded, offering a wider range of local handicrafts and souvenirs.
- The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has introduced a new conservation fee for visitors to national parks, including Matopos. Be sure to check the latest fees and regulations before planning your trip.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Boy's Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor (likely 3rd or 4th floor) for a quieter stay. With only 3-star amenities, the hotel's layout is likely straightforward, and the top floor is often less likely to have foot traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as this area may experience more noise from staff and deliveries. If possible, also try to avoid rooms on the first floor, as it may be prone to street noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address in Gweru, the views are likely to be limited. However, rooms on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) may offer a glimpse of the surrounding landscape.
Quietest floors
2nd and 3rd floors are likely the quietest, as they are not directly adjacent to the service entrance or street.
🔊 Noise notes
As Gweru is a city, expect some street noise, especially on lower floors. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a simple layout, which may help minimize internal noise.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to secure a room with a better view, if available. If you're driving, be prepared for possible parking challenges in the area, so consider arriving early to secure a spot.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Boy's Hostel
Free, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but the historic east wing has stairs-only access
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), physical papers available in the lobby
08:00-22:00; 07:00 early bag-drop; late check-out until 18:00 for ZWL 100
Available 24/7, ZWL 20 per item per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entrance, accessible rooms available in all wings
On-site parking available, ZWL 50 per night; nearest public car park at Gweru Bus Terminus, ZWL 20 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: ZWL 100 advance deposit + ZWL 500 incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)
Travellers can exchange money at banks, bureaux de change, or use ATMs. Be cautious of poor rates at airports or tourist areas.
Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in Gweru, but cash is still king. Some smaller businesses may only accept cash.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated, especially for good service. 5-10% is sufficient for restaurants and hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee costs around ZWL 10-20 (USD 0.05-0.10) at a local café.
A plate of sadza (local staple food) with vegetables costs around ZWL 20-30 (USD 0.10-0.15) at a local restaurant.
A main course at a local eatery costs around ZWL 30-50 (USD 0.15-0.25) for a simple meal.
Street food vendors can be found at the local market, offering a variety of snacks and meals at affordable prices.
Shoprite and OK Supermarkets are common supermarket chains in Gweru.
Markets and second-hand shops offer a range of affordable clothing options.
A day pass for public transport costs around ZWL 10-20 (USD 0.05-0.10), and a taxi fare from the airport costs around ZWL 50-100 (USD 0.25-0.50).
Use public transport instead of taxis to save money.Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls for affordable meals.Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas for better rates.
Emergency Contacts
GweruFor general emergencies, call 112 from a mobile phone. The main police station in Gweru is at 10th Street and Robert Mugabe Way. For police, dial 999 from a landline. For ambulance services, the Gweru Provincial Hospital can be reached on 054-222-281. Keep in mind that response times can be slow, especially outside the city centre. Save these numbers before you travel.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Gweru, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Boy's Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Gweru CBD (Rank near Main Street) → Tropicana Lodge Gweru
💡 Minibuses run fixed routes. Ask any driver near the rank for 'Tropicana'—they'll point you to the right one. Cash only, no change given.
Gweru CBD (taxi rank near Market Square) → Tropicana Lodge Gweru
💡 Shared taxis are saloon cars that pick up multiple passengers. Cheaper than a private taxi but can be cramped. Learn the route number (ask at lodge).
Gweru Airport (GWE) → Tropicana Lodge Gweru
💡 Pre-book through Tropicana Lodge. Taxis at the airport are scarce; drivers often wait for flights. Confirm the fare before getting in.
Tropicana Lodge Gweru → Anywhere in Gweru
💡 The lodge can arrange a driver for the day. Agree a flat rate for multiple stops—useful for visits to the Gweru Military Museum or Heany Junction Dam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Boy's Hostel?
Request a room on the top floor (likely 3rd or 4th floor) for a quieter stay. With only 3-star amenities, the hotel's layout is likely straightforward, and the top floor is often less likely to have foot traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at Boy's Hostel?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance, as this area may experience more noise from staff and deliveries. If possible, also try to avoid rooms on the first floor, as it may be prone to street noise.
Is Boy's Hostel noisy?
As Gweru is a city, expect some street noise, especially on lower floors. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a simple layout, which may help minimize internal noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Boy's Hostel?
Unfortunately, with the hotel's address in Gweru, the views are likely to be limited. However, rooms on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) may offer a glimpse of the surrounding landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Boy's Hostel?
Arrive early for check-in to secure a room with a better view, if available. If you're driving, be prepared for possible parking challenges in the area, so consider arriving early to secure a spot.
What time is check-in at Boy's Hostel?
Check-in at Boy's Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Boy's Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Boy's Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Boy's Hostel?
A plate of sadza (local staple food) with vegetables costs around ZWL 20-30 (USD 0.10-0.15) at a local restaurant.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Boy's Hostel?
A day pass for public transport costs around ZWL 10-20 (USD 0.05-0.10), and a taxi fare from the airport costs around ZWL 50-100 (USD 0.25-0.50).
When is the best time to visit Gweru?
The best months to visit Gweru are September and October, when the weather is mild and dry, with average highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). This period also coincides with the harvest season, making it an ideal time to experience rural Zimbabwean culture.
Top Attractions in Gweru
💡 Haggle politely—start at half the asking price for crafts, but not for basic food items.
💡 The station cafe sells cheap tea and scones—a good stop after a walk around town.
💡 Call ahead on +263 54 222 1234 to check opening times, as they can be irregular.
💡 Go early morning around 7am to see the most birds feeding.
💡 Visit during the dry winter months (May to August) for the best animal sightings near the water.