Chinhoyi Caves
A limestone cave system about 115 km northwest of Harare, with an underground 'Sleeping Pool' of cobalt-blue water. It is a popular diving site and a convenient stop on the way to Kariba.
The Chinhoyi Caves are a system of limestone and dolomite caves. Their centrepiece is the 'Sleeping Pool' (Chirorodziva, meaning 'pool of the fallen'), deep underground with cobalt-blue water over 80 metres deep and exceptionally clear. It is a well-known cave diving site. Visitors can descend steps to the edge of the pool or enter a 'dark cave' to view the water from another angle. The cave area is not large, and a visit takes about an hour. Entry costs about US$10 for foreign visitors. The drive from Harare along the A1 highway takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The caves are often visited as a day trip or as a stop on the way to Lake Kariba or Mana Pools.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Lion and Cheetah Park
- Lake Chivero Recreational Park
- National Heroes' Acre
- National Botanic Garden
- Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences
- Harare Kopje
- Harare Gardens
- National Gallery of Zimbabwe