Murehwa Cave
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Murehwa Cave is national Monument located in Murehwa Mashonaland East Province.The site is within a large domed cave with recesses to the left and right of the main cave and has many Late Stone Age paintings.
The eastern recess contains a group of running filiform hunters, with five felines to their right crouching, standing, and springing. Eight human figures, their faces elongated with muzzles and a feline are on the cave roof. Their wild gestures suggest a trance scene
On the left of the main cave is an elephant in thick orange pigment, a rhino, and ostrich, then some hunters, one with a large bow and a large feline.
On the vertical face is a mythical creature in profile with a long trunk, spiny back and two feet shown below.
Why Visit
A wide selection of paintings is on view including animals, plants, humans, mythical creatures, ovoids in different colours and styles. Easy access from via Murehwa town, mostly on tar. Some good examples of creatures seen by the San in their journeys into their spirit world. This was entered through the medium of the trance dance and although it was a terrifying experience for the San, it was necessary when relatives were sick or injured in order to plead with their Gods to save the victims. Elizabeth Goodall made some good copies as shown below, similar examples can be viewed at other sites, such as Markwe, near Murehwa.
How to get there
From Harare take the A2 towards Murehwa. Distances are from the A2 turnoff to Murehwa: 3.74 KM turn left off the old strip road (just after leaving Murehwa town) 4.04 KM take right onto a gravel road, 4.84 KM turn left, 5.34 KM continue left skirting the edge of Madzinudzangara Hill, 5.95 KM park by the road near a group of houses (GPS reference: 17⁰37′23.56″S 31⁰46′02.18″E) speak to the most senior person and ask if there is a teenage child who can guide you. Murehwa Cave faces north at the highest end of this Hill and should be visible. The 20 minute approach walk and climb are not difficult. Some scrambling is required moving from the west side across to the east side of the cave. Zimbabwe Caves And Rock Paintings
