CHINHOYI CAVES IN ZIMBABWE

North central Zimbabwe is home to the mysterious Chinhoyi Caves. A subterranean system of limestone and dolomite caverns and tunnels, the caves are protected as park of Chinhoyi Caves National Park. Pottery and human remains uncovered here suggest that they have been inhabited since at least the 1st century. Most famously, they provided a refuge from raiding tribes for Mashona chief Chinhoyi and his people. The top attraction is the Wonder Hole, a collapsed cavern with sheer walls that drop into the crystalline Sleeping Pool. The glacial blue color of the lake's water makes for impressive photographs, and from here, visitors can enter the illuminated Dark Cave. Chinhoyi is a popular destination for technical scuba divers. Excursions can be arranged through Harare-based dive center Scubaworld & Univers