Chinhoyi Caves: The Sleeping Pool
Chinhoyi Caves located about 90 minutes drive from Harare offer a great day out experience for the whole family. The Caves were named after Chief Chinhoyi of the NeMakonde dynasty. Chinhoyi caves are a system of dolomite and limestone caves, linked by a lot of passages.
History
Historically, the first white man believed to have discovered the Caves was Frederick Selous, the famous European hunter, during his wanderings in 1887.
It was believed that prior to that the Caves were being used as a stronghold by an outlaw called Nyamakwere who murdered many victims by throwing them into the Silent Pool. The notorious Nyamakwere was eventually defeated and killed by a Headman called Chinhoyi who became a Mashona Chief, hence the name Chinhoyi given to the nearby town. Chief Chinhoyi and his followers used the Caves as a refuge from raiding tribes such as the Matebele. Until a few years ago the remains of Chief Chinhoyi’s grain bins could be seen in some of the underground passages.
Activities
- Game Viewing
- Diving
- Cultural Activities
- Bird Watching
- Rock Art Galleries