Chinhoyi Caves National Monument
Chinhoyi Caves is one of Zimbabwe’s most spectacular natural wonders - a limestone cave system featuring the famous “Sleeping Pool,” an underground lake with impossibly clear, cobalt-blue water. Located just 2 hours northwest of Harare, the caves make an excellent day trip or stopping point on the way to Lake Kariba. For certified divers, the caves offer some of Africa’s best cave diving experiences.
Why Visit Chinhoyi Caves
The Sleeping Pool
Crystal-clear blue water visibility of 45+ meters - one of the clearest underwater environments in Africa
Cave Diving
World-class cave diving site reaching depths of 80+ meters with underwater tunnels and chambers
Easy Access
Just 2 hours from Harare - perfect day trip or stopover enroute to Kariba
Historical Significance
Sacred site with rich history including use as refuge during 19th-century conflicts
The Cave System
The Sleeping Pool (Chirorodziva)
The main attraction is the breathtaking “Sleeping Pool” - a collapsed dolomite cavern filled with crystal-clear water:Key Features:
- Depth: Over 80 meters (measurements ongoing - true depth uncertain)
- Water Clarity: 45+ meters visibility - among clearest in Africa
- Color: Striking cobalt blue due to limestone filtering
- Temperature: Constant 22-24°C year-round
- Name Origin: “Chirorodziva” means “Pool of the Fallen” in Shona
- Accessible viewing platform overlooking the pool
- Stairs lead down to water level
- Photography permitted (no flash underwater)
- Best light: Late morning when sun penetrates the cavern
Wonder Hole (Chidamoyo)
The dramatic entrance to the cave system:- Collapsed sinkhole approximately 45 meters deep
- Natural entrance used historically
- Viewing platforms at multiple levels
- Vegetation growing on the walls
- Connects to the Sleeping Pool system below
- Photogenic with dramatic light and shadow
Dark Cave
A separate cave system suitable for exploration:- Accessible via guided tours
- Stalactites and stalagmites
- Bat colonies (don’t disturb)
- Headlamp/torch required
- Moderate difficulty - some scrambling
- Approximately 1-hour exploration
Bat Cave
Home to significant bat populations:- Large fruit bat colony
- Important ecologically
- Viewing from entrance (don’t enter to avoid disturbance)
- Best observed at dusk when bats emerge
Activities
Viewing & Photography
For All Visitors
What to Do:
- Walk the cave complex via marked paths
- Photograph the Sleeping Pool from viewing platform
- Explore the Wonder Hole area
- Guided cave tours available
- Picnic in the surrounding parkland
- Nature walks in the reserve
- Mid-morning offers best light in Sleeping Pool
- Tripod useful for low-light cave shots
- Wide-angle lens recommended
- The blue water photographs incredibly well
Swimming
Recreational Swimming
Where:
- Designated swimming areas (NOT the Sleeping Pool itself)
- The “Swimming Pool” - a separate, shallower pool
- Sleeping Pool swimming restricted to certified divers
- Designated swimming pool is safe for all
- No diving from rocks (dangerous)
- Supervision recommended for children
- Changing rooms available
- Basic shower facilities
- Bring your own towels
Cave Diving
World-Class Cave Diving
Chinhoyi Caves is internationally recognized as one of Africa’s premier cave diving destinations:The Dive:
- Maximum explored depth: 80+ meters
- Multiple underwater chambers and tunnels
- “Blind Pool” accessible through underwater passage
- Exceptional visibility (40-50m)
- Constant temperature (22-24°C)
- Technical diving environment
- Minimum: Advanced Open Water + Cavern/Cave certification
- Recommended: Full cave diving certification
- Technical diving certification for deep sections
- Own equipment or arranged rental
- Pre-booking with authorized operators essential
History & Significance
Timeline:Geological: Formed over millions of years as water dissolved dolomite rock, creating caverns that later collapsed to form the current structure.Pre-Colonial: Sacred site for local Shona people. Name “Chirorodziva” (Pool of the Fallen) references those who fell/jumped into the cave.1887: “Discovered” by European explorer Frederick Courtney Selous (though known to local people for centuries).1890s: Used as refuge by the Mashona people during conflicts with Ndebele raiders and later during the First Chimurenga (uprising against colonial rule).1930s: Developed as tourist attraction.1955: Declared a National Monument.Modern Era: Cave diving exploration began in 1970s, continuing to present day with depths still being explored.Cultural Significance:
The caves hold spiritual significance for local communities. The Sleeping Pool was considered sacred - a connection to the spirit world. Visitors should be respectful of this heritage.The Name “Chinhoyi”:
Named after Chief Chinhoyi (Tshinhoi), a local leader in the area during the 19th century.
Practical Information
Opening Hours & Entry
Opening Hours & Entry
Hours:
- Daily: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Last entry: 4:30pm
- International visitors: $10 USD
- Regional (SADC): $7 USD
- Zimbabwean residents: $2 USD
- Children (under 12): Half price
- Vehicle fee: $2 USD
- Additional fees apply
- Must pre-arrange with park authorities
- Proof of certification required
Getting There
Getting There
From Harare:
- Distance: 120km (75 miles)
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Route: Take A1 (Chirundu Road) via Banket
- Road: Good tar all the way
- Well signposted
- Distance: 225km
- Time: 3 hours
- On the main Harare-Kariba route
- Buses from Harare to Chinhoyi town
- Local transport from Chinhoyi town to caves (8km)
- Or arrange day trip/tour from Harare
Facilities
Facilities
On Site:
- Restaurant/snack bar (variable hours)
- Picnic facilities with tables and shade
- Toilet facilities
- Curio shop
- Parking area
- Information center
- Water and snacks (restaurant not always open)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear if planning to swim
- Camera
- Flashlight/torch for dark cave exploration
Accommodation
Accommodation
At the Caves:
- Basic lodges available (book in advance)
- Camping permitted
- Facilities basic but functional
- Several guesthouses and hotels
- Budget: $20-40/night
- Mid-range: $50-80/night
- Planning early morning cave diving
- Combining with Kariba trip (break journey)
- Wanting to explore area thoroughly
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
Important Rules:
- Stay on marked paths
- Do not climb on cave formations
- No diving from rocks into water
- Cave diving ONLY with proper certification
- Do not disturb bat colonies
- No littering
- Supervise children at all times
- Cave floors can be slippery
- Wear appropriate footwear (not flip-flops)
- Stay hydrated
- The caves are generally safe but respect warning signs
- Deaths have occurred - this is a technical site
- Never dive without cave certification
- Always dive with qualified guides/buddies
- Equipment must be well-maintained
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Attraction:
The caves can be visited any time of year as the underground environment remains constant.Optimal Conditions:May-August (Dry/Cool Season):
- Most comfortable above ground
- Clear skies for driving
- Peak tourist season
- Book accommodation ahead
- Cave provides cool escape from heat
- Fewer visitors mid-week
- Good photographic conditions
- Afternoon thunderstorms possible
- Mornings usually clear
- Lush surrounding vegetation
- Cave itself unaffected by rain
- Late morning (10-11am) for Sleeping Pool photography
- Sunlight penetrates cavern dramatically
- Year-round (constant water conditions)
- Visibility consistent regardless of season
Combining Chinhoyi Caves
Day Trip from Harare
Suggested Itinerary:
- 8:00am: Depart Harare
- 10:00am: Arrive Chinhoyi Caves
- 10:00am-1:00pm: Explore caves, photography
- 1:00pm: Lunch at caves or Chinhoyi town
- 2:00pm: Return drive or additional stop
- 4:00pm: Back in Harare
Kariba Route Stopover
Harare to Kariba via Chinhoyi:
- Day 1: Harare to Chinhoyi Caves (explore, overnight nearby)
- Day 2: Chinhoyi to Kariba (3 hours drive)
- Early departure from Harare
- 2-3 hours at caves
- Continue to Kariba (arrive afternoon)
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lion & Cheetah Park | 25km toward Harare | Wildlife encounters |
| Chinhoyi town | 8km | Services, overnight |
| Lake Kariba | 225km | Houseboats, fishing |
| Harare | 120km | Capital city |
| Mavuradonha Wilderness | ~150km | Remote hiking |
For Different Visitors
Families
Good For:
- Easy walking trails
- Educational about geology/history
- Swimming in designated pool
- Picnic facilities
- Supervise children near water/drops
- Bring entertainment for car journey
- Pack lunch and snacks
- Allow 2-3 hours
Adventure Seekers
Good For:
- Cave diving (with certification)
- Dark cave exploration
- Unique underground photography
- Pre-book diving with operators
- Bring proper equipment
- Allow full day for diving
- Combine with other activities
Photographers
Opportunities:
- The blue Sleeping Pool (stunning!)
- Wonder Hole dramatic lighting
- Cave formations
- Surrounding landscape
- Late morning best for Sleeping Pool
- Tripod essential for caves
- Wide-angle lens recommended
- Polarizing filter reduces reflections
Budget Travelers
Budget Tips:
- Take public bus to Chinhoyi town
- Entry fee reasonable ($10)
- Pack your own lunch
- Day trip avoids accommodation cost
- Share transport with other travelers
Visitor Tips
Related Destinations
Lake Kariba
Continue northwest to Zimbabwe’s inland sea
Harare
Zimbabwe’s capital and starting point
Mana Pools
Further north - world-class safari
Quick Reference
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 120km NW of Harare, Mashonaland West |
| Entry Fee | $10 USD (international) |
| Hours | 8am-5pm daily |
| Time Needed | 2-3 hours (half day with travel) |
| Best For | Day trippers, photographers, cave divers |
| Facilities | Restaurant, toilets, picnic area, basic lodging |
| Access | Good tar road, any vehicle |
Last updated: January 2025