Chinhoyi Caves

The Chinhoyi caves are a dolomite system northwest of Harare whose main feature is the Sleeping Pool, also called Chirorodziva, a deep body of water sitting under a collapsed chamber, where technical divers often go beyond a hundred metres, coloured an intense cobalt blue by the light coming through the opening above. A stepped path descends to a viewing platform at the water, and divers have explored the connected passages to considerable depth.

What you'll find

• The Sleeping Pool - a deep blue pool under the collapse, dived beyond a hundred metres.
• The colour - the cobalt blue produced by light through the opening above.
• The descent - the stepped path down to the water from the surface.
• The dive site - the connected passages explored by divers to great depth.

When to go

April to October is the dry season. Midday light gives the strongest blue. Weekends bring local visitors.

What to expect

The colour depends on the light and is much less striking on a dull day. The descent is steep with many steps. Swimming is restricted and diving requires arrangement.

Nearby

Chinhoyi is nearby, and Lake Kariba is northwest.

Key facts