About Chinhoyi

Chinhoyi budget travel is most famous for its fascinating caves that can be explored underwater, along with a range of things to see and do.

AIDS

Chinhoyi HIV/AIDS basic precautions include the following: • Do not ever share needles or syringes • Practice safe sex at all times • Equipment should be sterilized • If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles • Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing from suspect or unsterile operators

Airports

Chinhoyi airports include: • Harare International Airport • Bulawayo International Airport

Birdlife

Chinhoyi birdlife is rich and diverse, like the rest of Zimbabwe, with a large number of endemic and near-endemic species to be found, as well as migratory species from Southern Africa. Common species here include the lilac-breasted roller and a number of bee-eater and birds of prey species.

Conservation

Chinoyi conservation is important to preserve the natural state of the caves and surrounding landscapes. The caves were designated a national park in 1955, which means that it is a protected area with regulations and controlled access.

Culture

Chinhoyi cultures include the following: • Food and drink plays a key role in social gatherings • Crafts are an important cultural heritage and income provider • Museums record history of the town and its people and cultures • Music and dance is an important social heritage • Traditional healing is very prevalent in villages

Health

Chinhoyi health facilities and Zimbabwe healthcare facilities are in dire straits, and with almost no supplies and very poor hospital supplies, healthcare may not be available. It is best to take out comprehensive travel insurance and to pack a basic first aid box containing essentials such as malaria medication, vitamins, headache pills, nausea pills, diarrhea pills, bandages and anti-septic creams.

Languages

Chinhoyi languages include: • Shona • Ndebele • English • Silozi

Money

Chinhoyi money and banking info includes the following: • There are not many banks in the town itself, however banking can be done in the larger towns • It has become almost impossible to exchange money at reasonable prices • US Dollars are widely accepted across larger towns • Prices of food and basic items are extremely high • Many items are not available in the country

People

Chinhoyi people include the following groups: • Shona • Ndebele • Lemba • Hungwe • Shangane

Phrase

Chinhoyi local phrases in Silozi include: • Welcome - Mulumeni • Thank you - Ni itumezi • Please - Nangu • How are you - Muzuhile cwani? • Fine - Lu zuhile hande

Plants

Chinhoyi plants mostly comprise of typical Mashonaland vegetation, with woodlands, steppe, and lush forests to be found within the region alongside the natural limestone and dolomite cave systems.

Religion

Chinhoyi religion includes the following: • Christianity • Traditional beliefs • Christian Zionists

Safety Tips

Chinoyi safety tips include the following: • Zimbabwe crime in general is on the increase, however it is safe to visit despite a failed economy • Keep valuables safe and out of sight, and keep car windows closed when driving • Avoid large crowds and street demonstrations which may turn violent • Be cautious at game reserves and do not attempt to touch or feed wildlife • Be careful when diving in the caves

Transport

Chinhoyi local transport options include: • Taxi • Car • Plane

Travel Books

Chinhoyi recommended travel books include the following: • Birds of the Botanic Garden, Harare, Zimbabwe by A. J Beasley • Zimbabwe In Pictures by Francesca Di Piazza • Lonely Planet Zimbabwe by Tione Chinula and Vincent Talbot • The Rough Guide to Zimbabwe by Barbara McCrea and Tony Pinchuck

What To Buy

What to buy for Chinhoyi safaris: • Travel book plus bird and wildlife guide • Plug adapter for UK and US visitors • Sleeping bag plus camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour • Basic first aid box with supplies and vitamins, plus malaria medication • Mosquito repellent spray and lotion

What To Pack

What to pack for Chinhoyi safaris: • Lightweight clothing in neutral colours and long sleeves for mosquito protection • Warm jacket for cooler months and evenings • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, sandals and appropriate shoes for activities such as rafting • Sunglasses, sunscreen and sunhat • Camera with spare batteries plus film or memory card, and binoculars

When To Go

When to go to Chinhoyi: • April through to August is generally cooler • September through to November is hot and dry • December until early April is hot, rainy and humid

Wildlife

Chinhoyi wildlife is fairly limited, with smaller rodents and woodland creatures occasionally seen. Wildlife species to be seen in nearby parks and reserves include Bush Pig, Bushbuck, Black Backed Jackals, Lion, Cheetah, Crocodiles, Duiker, Eland, Giraffe and Impala, as well as Ostrich Tortoise and Zebra Terrapin.