An extensive limestone cave system with a colourful history of Chinhoyi will delight any traveller. If you are thinking of exploring some caves and then diving into the pool, then Chinhoyi Caves and Mutorashanga are just what you need. The experience will excite every part of you. The Chinhoyi Caves scuba diving should never be missed for anything.
The story of Chinhoyi Caves
The story of the caves is one shrouded in mystery and filled with different legends. For now, I will tell you the one where they represent an ancient set of caves that were used as a hideout during the tribal wars. It has tunnels leading from one to another and then to the main cave with an open roof. I cannot tell you the full history and spoil the fun, so you will hear it from the local guide while exploring each cave. The Chinhoyi Caves are located north-west of the town of Chinhoyi and 120 km from Harare. It makes for a perfect stop on your way to or from Kariba.
Why you cannot miss the Chinhoyi Caves
The cobalt blue water of the Chinhoyi Caves is mesmerising and a wonder to see. The grottos and pool are a spectacle that we encourage all tourists and locals to visit at least once in their lifetime. No one knows how deep the pool is, which makes the experience a thrilling adventure. The deepest divers have ever gone is 123 metres. It is surrounded by vertical rock walls of the Wonder Hole, adding to the charm of the atmosphere as the pool is open to sunlight. The most amazing thing is that the pool is connected to a series of underground tunnels and legend has it that there is an underground river flowing underneath the calmness.
The aura of mystery the caves emit makes you want to return to the caves again and again. The traditional name for the Caves is “Chirorodziva” which means the “Pool of the Fallen” or “The Sleeping Pool”, and the caves are also considered a sacred place. Go and become enchanted! Chinhoyi Caves Recreational Park also has lions for educational purposes and this only means that you get to see the king of the jungle as well. There are also camping facilities and this means you can camp and enjoy the place as you watch the stars,
Worldly Diving Experience: Chinhoyi Caves has a series of diving caverns. A dive centre in a landlocked country is surprising and this makes everything all the more interesting. It is truly a place filled with natural wonder. The waters are non-flowing and constantly warm making them very unique. The stalagmite formations offer a worldly diving experience. You can dive all year round. There are no mermaids in the pool or other scary water living things making the pools safe. If you are not a certified diver, there is a chance for you to get certified. Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) is the world’s leading scuba diving certification offered in Harare and allows you to dive anywhere in the world. To start you can get the PADI open water certification that allows you to dive up to 18 metres and it costs $195. To get the certificate you should be able to tread in water i.e. know how to swim friend! The certification attracts an extra cost as it is done by private companies that are not affiliated with TST nor ZimParks.
The green pools – Mutorashanga
The pool is located 98 kilometres from the capital city of Zimbabwe Harare and 77.4 kilometres from Chinhoyi Caves, which makes it the perfect braai spot after the cave enchantment. It is one place you can visit at a low budget and refresh yourself. The pools are remnants of the closed Ethel mine, where they mined chrome. If you are driving, it is best to take the Nyabira Route, just off of the Chinhoyi road as it will allow you to experience the Great Dyke. The Great Dyke is the mining hub of the country. It is a geological feature that consists if narrow ridges and hills spanning for about 550 kilometres
The pool never runs out of water and it is safe and algae free. The most exciting news is that there are no entrance fees charged. You might need a few dollars to pay the guide who will help you navigate the used mine. The pools have not been developed to be a tourist resort. You should not visit the place expecting to see something fancy. You also need to bring enough food and refreshments as it is hard to get any nearby
Professionals can do scuba diving and get to the bottom of the pool. There is a standard diving board that is used to make sure you get the best diving experience. The pools are a good place to enjoy a sunset. It is a great training facility for divers. To have the best experience you might need a camping chair or a picnic cloth.
Kore Kore Cultural Village Tour
It showcases the Kore Kore Cultural Heritage. It is a living museum, with huts and communal structures to showcase how the Korekore lived and some continue to live to this day. It provides insight into how the local Kore Kore people live traditionally. The floors are made from cow dung, traditional granaries, cattle kraals and fowl runs are part of the village. The village has displays of cultural music and dance and you can also join in once you master the moves. It is a live-in village and this means you get to stay and live as a Kore Kore person. You can book and spend days at the village.
The village is a very safe place as it is enclosed and managed by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and all your needs can be catered for. If you want to learn about the Kore Kore culture, this is also the place for you. If you are interested in learning about local customs, the village also allows you to learn through continuous interaction with the Kore Kore people who live at the village. You can also learn about how the Kore Kore people do not make use of one house but use different huts for the kitchen and bedrooms.
You will learn how to make local dishes such as “sadza rezviyo” often referred to as finger millet using traditional kitchen utensils. You will learn how to t prepare pumpkin leaves referred to as “mubora”. You will get to cook lunch together with the Kore Kore people and eat together. Traditional cooking utensils and cutlery, mortar and pestle and quern stone (used for hand grinding) are used at the site. Before civilisation no beds were used meaning people used reed mates. You will use the reed mates referred to as “bonde” in Shona as your sleeping mate. It will be challenging at first as you try to learn the tricks of living traditionally. You can look forward to some storytelling that happens around the fire after dinner. If you are looking for an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new culture, then this is your chance. Individuals and groups can be accommodated at the village. .The Kore Kore Village is only 15 km from Chinhoyi Caves and the best road to use is the Alaska Masango Road.
One of the best parts of visiting the caves is that you are likely to have them to yourself and enjoy the peaceful silence. Book your tour with Tiritose Sustainable Travel and get to enjoy with Tiritoses knowledgeable tour guides.
For more inspiration, follow them on their social media handles:
Facebook: Tiritose Sustainable Travel – Home
Twitter: Tiritose Sustainable Travel (@TiritoseTravel)
Instagram: Tiritose Sustainable Travel (@tiritose_sustainable_travel)
Pinterest: Tiritose Sustainable Travel (tiritose_sustainable_travel) – Profile
LinkedIn: Tiritose Sustainable Travel | LinkedIn
