Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings Personal account
Home / Destinations / Chinhoyi

Chinhoyi

Zimbabwe · City · USD · -17.350000, 30.183300
Family friendly 6.4/10 · Rank 1276 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Suitable for nature, diving, caving lovers and families

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$74.00 (≈ 6 660 ₽)
For 7 days
$518.00 (≈ 46 620 ₽)
Chinhoyi is a large provincial town in northern Zimbabwe, located on the banks of the Manyame River, which is the capital of Mashonaland West Province. The city's main attraction is the famous Chinhoyi Caves with their sapphire-blue pool, where you can swim in crystal-clear water, making this place unique in the entire country. Chinhoyi is also known as the historical site of the 1966 battle, attracting history enthusiasts and those interested in military themes.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
10.0°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Chinhoyi residents are friendly, hospitable and proud of their town

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Chinhoyi Caves
  • Blue Pool
  • Affordable prices
  • Calm atmosphere
  • Close to Harare

Cons

  • No sea access
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few hotels
  • No direct flights from Moscow
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
23.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
28.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
17.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
24.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
10.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Chinhoyi Caves

Limestone caves with the crystal-clear blue Sleeping Pool, a popular spot for diving and swimming

Chinhoyi Caves National Park

Protected area with caves, pools and rich wildlife

Chinhoyi Market

Lively local market with produce and crafts

Manyame Dam

Scenic dam with fishing and walking opportunities

Best areas

Chinhoyi Centre

Main area with the market, shops and restaurants

Caves Area

Area around Chinhoyi Caves with hotels and campsites

Must-try food

Sadza

Traditional cornmeal porridge, the staple dish in Zimbabwe

Nyama

Stewed meat with vegetables, a popular dish

Murivo

Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts

Mahewu

Traditional corn drink

Where to go next

Harare

Capital of Zimbabwe with museums and markets 1.5 hours away

Kariba

Lake Kariba with safari and fishing 4 hours away

Mana Pools National Park

National park with rich wildlife 3 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
on arrival
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$75.00
≈ 6 750 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 800 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 9 000 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$6.00
≈ 540 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 225 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 180 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 90 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 540 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 270 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 540 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$60.00
≈ 5 400 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 90 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 800 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 700 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Chinhoyi Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Chinhoyi: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Chinhoyi: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Chinhoyi: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +10.0°C, during the day — up to +24.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Chinhoyi: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Chinhoyi: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $74.00 (≈ 6 660 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Chinhoyi: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $50.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $75.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $120.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Chinhoyi: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $6.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Chinhoyi: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $60.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $4.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Chinhoyi: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Chinhoyi Caves — Limestone caves with the crystal-clear blue Sleeping Pool, a popular spot for diving and swimming; Chinhoyi Caves National Park — Protected area with caves, pools and rich wildlife; Chinhoyi Market — Lively local market with produce and crafts; Manyame Dam — Scenic dam with fishing and walking opportunities. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Chinhoyi: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Sadza — Traditional cornmeal porridge, the staple dish in Zimbabwe; Nyama — Stewed meat with vegetables, a popular dish; Murivo — Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts; Mahewu — Traditional corn drink. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Chinhoyi: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Chinhoyi Centre — Main area with the market, shops and restaurants; Caves Area — Area around Chinhoyi Caves with hotels and campsites. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Chinhoyi: is a visa required?
Visa: on arrival. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Chinhoyi: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (code HRE). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $60.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Chinhoyi: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — USD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $74.00 (≈ 6 660 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Chinhoyi: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Chinhoyi: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Chinhoyi: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Harare — Capital of Zimbabwe with museums and markets 1.5 hours away; Kariba — Lake Kariba with safari and fishing 4 hours away; Mana Pools National Park — National park with rich wildlife 3 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.4/10
Overall rank: 1276 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 424

Best season

May-September

Useful information

Currency: USD
Coordinates: -17.350000, 30.183300