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About The Chinhoyi Caves Of Zimbabwe
The Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe are a group of caves situated in Makonde district of Mashonaland province in north central Zimbabwe are mystical. Initially, these caves were called Sinoia caves. The caves have a pool locally called Chirorodziva locally meaning “pool of the fallen”. This name is believed to have been given after an incident in 1833 where bodies of locals massacred by Angonni tribe were hidden.
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The Chinhoyi Caves are composed of dolomite and limestone. The blue water in occasionally referred to sleeping pool of this cave is composed of cobalt. Divers that have gone deep into this cave have discovered a submarine passage to the Bat cave.
Activities around Chinhoyi Caves are done all year with chances for divers to enjoy this adventure. Occasionally teams of technical divers perform Ultra deep diving.
Brief History Of Chinhoyi Caves Of Zimbabwe
The Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe are locally believed to be rainmakers and several African ritual performances are also done at this site. The cave surrounding has fully grown trees that are never cut down because of these traditional beliefs.
In 1888, Fredrik Courtney Selous was re first European to discover these caves and identified them as composed of limestone and dolomite
In the year 1830, after the Angonni tribe attacked on the local people, they dumped their bodies in the Chinhoyi pool where they disposed of them off. One of the folk tales of the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe says that there was a headman called Chinhoyi who defeated the NyamaKwere outlaws by staging his base in these caves and dumped the victims in this silent pool. Later he became the king of Mashonaland where he used the caves to defeat the Matebele.
In 1955, the caves were designated National Park and currently under the supervision of Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe were re-designated a recreation park in 1975
What To See and Do in Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe
Sight seeing in Chinhoyi
The scenic view of Chinhoyi is stunning with evergreen vegetation including the thick forest. The blue cobalt water in the pool cave is exceptionally stunning. The cool breeze in the forest is refreshing and picturesque.
Cave Exploration in Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe
The Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe can be explored where you get to spot the blue pool. Enjoy the way these caves were structured. The wonder hole is the most exciting to see through and it is 150 feet deep with a blue appearance that sparkles through and it is stagnated. The caves consist of a tunnel and caverns.
Scuba Diving In Chinhoyi Caves Of Zimbabwe
Scuba diving in Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe is exciting and these caves invite in technical divers that perform Ultra deep diving. The Divers have discovered some submarine passages leading to the bat cave.
Diving is done all year under temperatures of about 22 to 24 degrees centigrade.
Lions Park around the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe
While on a tour to the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe, you can also visit the lion Park.
Birding close to Chinhoyi Caves.
The habitat around Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe, favor the survival of numerous bird species especially during the dry season. Some of the birds living in the National Park around Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe include Woodpecker species, Angola Rock Thrust, Glossy starling, Paradise flycatchers and others.
Picnic and Camping site
The Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe, have sites close to them where camping and picnics can be enjoyed. This site is privately owned with three ablution blocks where you can access both warm and cold water.
How To Get To Chinhoyi Caves Of Zimbabwe
From Harare, the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe are at a distance of approximately 135 kilometers in Makonde district north of Harare. These caves are located closer to the main road A-1 between Harare and Chirundu. From Chinhoyi town, the Chinhoyi Caves are located at a distance of about 9 kilometers. Contact our team for more assistance on how to get to Chinhoyi Caves.
Why Visit Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe
The Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe are mysterious with the wonder hole where you can spot the cobalt blue water which is bright blue and clear reflecting great depth and non moving water. The water in the wonder hole drops vertically to about 150 feet into the sleeping pool. Caves have tunnels and their structure leaves you wondering what may have caused their outlook.
In case you are seeking aquatic adventures away from the large oceans, you can engage in scuba diving in the pool cave. There are different chambers on these caves taking you to the Bat cave, the chamber of the dark cavetto, the blind cave and others.
You must pay park entrance fees to gain access to the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe which is one of the ways to support the funds used for park maintenance. You can also engage in other activities around the National Park but you need to make advance planning. Our team is ready to help you plan.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Chinhoyi Caves Of Zimbabwe
The best time to visit the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe is the dry season even though it can be accessed a year. The dry season that is June, July, August, September is best timing for outdoor adventures in this national Park. The water in the pool appear sparkling blue and there is no rain to obstruct you from spending time at the wonder hole.
Chances of spotting other park dwellers like the birds, monkeys are more open in the dry season when the park is full of life. The trails in the park trails are quicker to navigate as you head to the caves because the ground is dry and the side plants are shorter. The dry season opens better chances and great environment to taking great photos and filming around these caves.
Note that this dry season is normally the peak tourism season in Zimbabwe so expect to share your adventure with several other tourists.
The wet season is not so bad a timing to visit the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe but you need a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle. The wet season that is March to May and November allows you to navigate the caves with less chance of obstruction from the other tourists.
How Much Is The Cost Of A Tour To Chinhoyi Caves.
The cost of safari to Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe varies with the package you choose there are very many activities in and around these caves and the National Park. You need to pay park fees as a compulsory cost as this is ones of the ways to support park maintenance.
Choose the accommodation where you hope to spend the nights during your Zimbabwe safari. The accommodations are categorized into luxury, mid-range and budget.
The cost of transport to Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe is very important but you need to include the cost of gas, driver guide and others. Contact our team to help you plan.
How Long Is The Tour To Chinhoyi Caves Of Zimbabwe
The time taken on tour to Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe varies with the activities you are to engage in . During Scuba diving, there is a lot more time you may take navigating through the different tunnels of the caves.
Before starting the tour to these caves, you need to be in company of a guide who understand the dynamics of this park. There some no go spots of these caves so to know this someone familiar with the spot must be with you.
The visit to Chinhoyi Caves requires having some level of patience because the areas to discover are situated in different parts of the caves.
Are children allowed to visit the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe
Children may visit the Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe but must be in accompany of a responsible adult. There are some activities that may not be comfortable for the children so you need to follow the guidelines.
Is A Tour To Chinhoyi Caves Of Zimbabwe Difficult?
The tour in Chinhoyi Caves of Zimbabwe is not difficult but you must attend briefing before starting the tour to the caves, here you are briefed about the guidelines expected to follow while at the caves so that you don’t land in some of the dangerous parts of the cave.
The walk on the trails within the park may be challenging sometimes especially during the wet season when the vegetation along the trails gets thicker and protrudes through. You need to wear wilderness friendly attire. Applying insect repellant is vital as there are some biting nettles in the wilderness that may hurt you. Don’t wear clothes in colors like blue, back, white as these attract insects like tsetse flies. Get in touch with us.
How Safe is The visit to Chinhoyi Caves in Zimbabwe
The Chinhoyi Caves in Zimbabwe are safe to visit as long as you abide by the guidelines of this national Park. Before engaging any activity around the Chinhoyi Caves, your ranger guide takes you through what is required of you while at this destination. Much as there is excitement looking through spots like the wonder hole you need to do carefully.
The management of Chinhoyi Caves and the National Park at large is under the Zimbabwe Park and Wildlife Management Authority with we trained ranger guides who often patrol the area to keep away bad intentioned individuals. They work closely with other security agencies on Zimbabwe to maintain law and order.
While on a visit to Chinhoyi Caves, you must be in company of a ranger guide and not wonder into the jungle as you may land on some fragile spots of the park. Follow the trails constructed by the former visitors and do not create new ones because this leads to degradation. This may also lead to creating extra trails.
On a personal level you must be keen with your security by not walking around with your valuables during the visit to Chinhoyi Caves because you may loose them along the way. Keep up with the pace of your ranger guide so that you do not delay the rest in your company. Wear protective gear as recommended by the ranger guides in case you are to engage in scuba diving in the pool.
What to Pack for A safari to Chinhoyi Caves
- Divers need to carry their safety equipment in case they are to engage in scuba diving while on tour to Chinhoyi Caves in Zimbabwe.
- A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surroundings of Chinhoyi Caves and National Park especially the different features around the Park.
- Canvas shoes especially if you have to walk and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces along the way.
- Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like mosquitoes. Zimbabwe is a tropical country where you may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
- Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season. During the rainy seasons, it gets so much and may prevent you from proceeding with some park activities.
- Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
- Some warmers because Zimbabwe experiences cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
- Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the Tour in Zimbabwe
- Some clothes to wear while traversing Chinhoyi Caves and National Park. Be mindful of the culture of the communities in Zimbabweans so that you do not appear to offend them.
- First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
- Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case you one runs low.
- Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
- Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are no easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
- Snacks to munch on when you are Chinhoyi Caves and National Park in case you get hungry.
- A camera to keep memorable moment while on a visit to Zimbabwe there many moments that happen
- Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel
Contact our team for more information.
