Zimbabwe is in Southern Africa. It is landlocked and is surrounded by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east and north. Click for the map.
Much of the interior of southern Africa consists of a high plateau known as the Highveld, starting east of the Johannesburg centre. These higher, cooler areas (generally more than 5000 ft [1524m] above sea level) are characterised by flat or gently undulating terrain, grasslands and a modified tropical or subtropical climate. Some surrounding, lower areas, are known as Lowveld and are generally hotter and less intensely cultivated.
Although the country is landlocked, its great rivers are used for transport. The Zambezi forms the natural border with Zambia and when in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water.
Recently, Zimbabwe has undergone a politically induced economic depression. Political activities have caused many commercial farms to be taken out of large-scale production. Press freedom has been curtailed and law and order has been compromised by armed gangs. Check for up-to-date information before you travel.
Diving is dominated by the spectacular Chinhoyi Caves which are are a group of caves near the town of Chinhoyi in Zimbabwe and named after a local chief who used them as a refuge from Ndebele raiders. These caves are the most extensive cave system in Zimbabwe that the public can access. The caves were designated a National Park in 1955 and as such are managed by the Department of National Parks.
The main feature is the limestone cavern that was formed when the ground collapsed into a sinkhole. This hole falls for twenty metres to the surface of a very deep cavern of water. This pool is called Sleeping Pool or Chirorodzira (Pool of the Fallen). In the early 19th century, the locals were often thrown into the pool by invading Ngumi tribes.
Getting there
- Chinhoyi Caves - swim through a submarine passage leading from the Bat Cave, a subchamber of the Dark Cave to another room known as the Blind Cave. Diving is fantastic in the caves all year round, with temperatures never below or above 22/24C marks with zero thermocline. Visibility is fantastic too, 50 metres and above is not unusual. The caves are protected by National Parks so you are only allowed to dive there if you are with a Zimbabwean registered dive club/centre.
Note - Travel to any destination may be adversely affected by conditions including (but not limited) to security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate. Regardless of your destination, check your local travel advisory board or department for travel advice about that location when planning your trip and again shortly before you leave.
