Chinhoyi Caves — Attraction in Mashonaland West Province

CHINHOYI CAVES

HISTORY – "The Pool of the Fallen"

Chinhoyi Caves, traditionally known as Chirorodziva, meaning “The Pool of the Fallen,” owe their name to a tragic event that occurred in the 1830s. During that time, the Angoni tribe, while migrating northward, ambushed the local community and threw many of them into the pool.

These caves consist of a complex system of channels and caverns, which are gradually collapsing—a process evident from the presence of sinkholes and ground depressions in the surrounding area.

It is also believed that the caves once served as a stronghold for a feared outlaw named Nyamakwere, who was infamous for murdering his victims by casting them into the silent pool. Nyamakwere was eventually defeated by a local herdsman named Chinhoyi, who later became a Mashona chief. The nearby town was subsequently named in his honor.

The caves’ most famous feature is the Wonder Hole—a large collapsed cavern roof forming an open sinkhole. Archaeological excavations have confirmed human settlement in and around the caves dating back to around AD 650, with discoveries including pottery and human remains.

THE CAVES

Inside the Wonder Hole, the cave walls descend vertically down 150 feet (46 meters) to a serene, crystal-clear pool known as the Sleeping Pool. The water is deep blue and incredibly clear, with no visible movement, suggesting great depth and an underground source.

The Sleeping Pool is accessible via two routes:

The Main Entrance – This path features an inclined passage descending to the pool. The clarity and color of the water here have been likened to Italy’s famous Blue Grotto of Capri.

The Dark Cave Route – This involves navigating steep steps and a narrow passage above the pool. The route is physically demanding, and less agile visitors are advised to avoid it.

Near the end of the Dark Cave lies a small cavern called the Blind Cave, accessible only to divers. A second significant tunnel also connects to the Sleeping Pool, 58 meters below the surface.

RESEARCH AND EXPLORATION

Scientific exploration of the Sleeping Pool has recorded water depths ranging from 80 to 91 meters, with seasonal variations attributed to rainfall levels. Several submerged passages have been discovered; however, all explored routes lead back to the Sleeping Pool.

The caves comprise two main sections:

The Sunlit Sleeping Pool

The Artificially Lit Dark Cave

Research indicates that the water in the caves is connected to a larger underground water body. This is supported by the fact that the water temperature in the Sleeping Pool remains a constant 22°C...

Chinhoyi Caves are beautiful and exciting to visit. It's much quieter when you go during the week as it's not busy. There is a lion enclosure too so do prepare for that as well should you want to see them. My recommendation is give yourself 45 minutes to an hour so you can take short breaks as there are a lot of steps to climb up and down (unless you are very fit and exercise regularly); those stone benches weren't placed strategically for nothing.

The entrance to the Sleeping Pool presents a still and serene environment as you descend the steps. It is so clear you get to see the fish and the rocks at the bottom as fast as your eyes can see. To get to see more of the bottom of the pool, catch an aerial view when you enter into the dark cave. The steps are worth the breathtaking view that even a picture cannot justify.

There's a picnic area for you to enjoy a packed lunch by the car park. Just beware of baboons and monkeys as you walk around so don't carry anything that will attract them. Do carry a reusable bottle of water with you to quench your thirst as you explore the area. Ablution facilities are available and easily accessible. Just carry extra water so you can wash your hands as it sometimes won't be available from the tap. Ensure you wear trainers/sandals with a good grip as some of the steps are slippery (especially when descending to the Sleeping Pool). It is a beautiful, natural place worth seeing...

Very clean, and well maintained, including toilets and camping areas.

The staff was very friendly and helpful too. Some things to take note of:

1. There are different entrance fees for locals and tourists. If you wish to benefit from the local fee, you need to carry your national ID or anything else to convince the staff that you are Zimbabwean. They are not absolutely rigid, but being prepared helps.

2. The tour of the caves does not come with a guide. So you will be relying on the direction signs (which are well marked and visible). However I don't recommend going alone. Consider going with a friend as it gets eerily quiet and a bit scary down there 😂. If you have kids, watch them closely too.

3. Climbing out of the caves is a full workout as there are many many stairs. If you have the elderly or knee problems, then prepare accordingly. Again, it's not as daunting as it sounds. There are many benches and rocks for you to sit and catch your breath on your way up, so you can take your time.

Overall great and peaceful experience....