Chinhoyi Caves, Protected show cave in Makonde District, Zimbabwe
Chinhoyi Caves is a limestone cave system in the district featuring a large underground pool with clear blue water and multiple interconnected chambers. The caves extend deep underground with several passages and sections to explore.
The caves were first documented by British explorer Frederick Courtney Selous in 1888 during his African expeditions. The site became a protected national park in 1955 under Zimbabwe's management.
Local communities connect the cave system to traditional water and rainmaking ceremonies. The site holds spiritual meaning in the region's customs and is visited for these practices.
The water stays at a constant temperature around 22 to 24 degrees Celsius all year, making conditions predictable for visits. Wear sturdy shoes as pathways can be slippery near the water.
The main pool is known locally as Chirorodziva, and it connects to hidden chambers through underwater passages that explorers have discovered over time. These flooded tunnels reveal the full extent of the cave network beneath the surface.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
