The Unsolved Mysteries of the Leopards Hill Cave

Journey into the depths of one of Zambia's most mysterious natural wonders, where ancient legends collide with archaeological intrigue. Leopards Hill Cave, perched on the edge of Lusaka.

By Mutale Chisulo
The Unsolved Mysteries of the Leopards Hill Cave

Journey into the depths of one of Zambia's most mysterious natural wonders, where ancient legends collide with archaeological intrigue. Leopards Hill Cave, perched on the edge of Lusaka, harbours secrets that have captivated explorers for generations—from primitive snake carvings etched into rock faces to tales of tourists who ventured in but never emerged.

Leopard's Hill cave is located on Lusaka's edge and holds anthropological and archeological significance. This article will explore their history, what's been discovered, and current conservation efforts.

When your curiosity is piqued and you decide to one day experience the wonders of the Leopards Hill caves, you will find yourself transported from the bustle of Lusaka to the serene surroundings that call you to stories of legendary snakes, bushmen, and the mythical individuals who once journeyed deep into the cave and were never found.

The Truth about Leopards Hill Cave

"God made the cave," a local tour guide told us. He gestured grandly at the natural wonder, formed over thousands of years. The cave's dark mouth is situated beneath a hill, and depending on the season you arrive here, you'll either be met with an abundance of lush green vegetation or the skeletal remains of trees and dust clouds.

The cave's gaping mouth is a steep descent into its dark chambers. (Image is artists impression).
The cave's gaping mouth is a steep descent into its dark chambers. (Image is artists impression).

The cave's gaping mouth was a steep descent into its dark chambers, and we hesitated a little before making our final approach. When we mustered up the courage to enter, we were met with a drawing of a snake on the rock face directly by the entrance. Though rudimentary, its design is unique, and I wondered if it was carved by humans long ago or by nature itself.

The tour guide, really a local from the nearby settlements, recounted a legend about how the snake was created at the same time as the cave. He told us of an unseen path inside the cave that led to its layer, where the snake wraps its body around a large emerald, with precious stones as far as the eye can see, and a woman who is doomed to pound away with a mortar and pestle in the shadows. Although sceptical of his tales, we took cautionary steps into the darkness surrounding us. The only light came from our torches. There was no glint of emerald or precious stones, but as I shone my flashlight on the cave walls and floor, I discovered that they were covered in bat droppings. The air was foul and heavy with the smell of their natural functions, but the cockroaches and other creepers seemed right at home among them.

Leopard's Hill cave is located on Lusaka's edge and holds anthropological and archeological significance. (Image is artists impression).
Leopard's Hill cave is located on Lusaka's edge and holds anthropological and archeological significance. (Image is artists impression).

Above us, the fruit bats hang silently from the stalactites. Upside down, their eyes glint like vampires in the torchlight. Some reacted to the light and our presence, fluttering past our ears in a flurry of wing beats. The guide told us that the fruit bats only left the cave at night and returned before the first light of dawn even touched the sky. They leave the caves to migrate or forage for food under the cover of darkness.

In the heart of the cave, a single opening lets through a ray of light, creating a spotlight surrounded by the never-ending dark. According to our guide, long ago, bushmen used this cave as their dwelling and used the opening to drop in their hunt, eating it later. However, all we could think about was how to take pictures in this otherworldly spot.

In the heart of the cave, a single opening lets through a ray of light, creating a spotlight surrounded by the never-ending dark. (Image is artists impression).
In the heart of the cave, a single opening lets through a ray of light, creating a spotlight surrounded by the never-ending dark. (Image is artists impression).

As we plunged deeper into the darkness, the guide took the opportunity to tell us another tale, of a pair of tourists who ventured into the cave without a guide. They parked their cars a short distance from the cave and began their descent. After they failed to emerge (days or hours later, who knows), the guide mentioned that the cars were retrieved by ‘'the company " and the two were left in the cave, forever. While I found the story highly unlikelythe Leopards Hill cave is not an endless network of cavesI couldn't help but feel a little bit uneasy. More chilling tales about the history of the Leopards Hill area have been told, ones I am more inclined to believe.

According to historical accounts, leopards once ruled the Leopards Hill area. These leopards would wander into the suburbs of Kabwata and Libala in search of prey. Sirens would sound off across town, warning of these blood thirsty beasts. It is possible that this cave was where they consumed their prey, away from other would-be predators. Perhaps this also explains the buffalo bones that have been found here.

We left the cave's darkness behind and climbed back to the surface. My short time in the earth's bowels made me appreciate the sunlight and the touch of grass. I left with a newfound respect for the caves and the natural beauty that surrounded them.

According to historical accounts, leopards once ruled the Leopards Hill area. (Image is artists impression).
According to historical accounts, leopards once ruled the Leopards Hill area. (Image is artists impression).

How To Get There

Using a navigation app, make your way from Crossroads Mall in Lusaka, travelling 48km along Leopards Hill Road. You will discover a sign directing you to Chongwe or Chirundu. Take Chirundu road and follow it for a few hundred metres before turning off onto a dirt road.

There are no signs that indicate the direction of the caves. You'll have to rely on GPS and locals who live nearby for directions. A local from the surrounding settlements will guide you through the area. Be sure to leave them a tip for their help!

The cave holds many stories; some founded for entertainment, some on fear, and some on truth. (Image is artists impression).
The cave holds many stories; some founded for entertainment, some on fear, and some on truth. (Image is artists impression).

Pack your comfiest all-terrain shoes and hike around the area if you are at it. The Leopards Hill cave is a cultural landmark; you will not forget the experience or the stories you will hear.

The cave holds many stories; some founded for entertainment, some on fear, and some on truth. One thing is certain, though: you will never forget the deep darkness or the flocks of bats hanging from the cave roof, and you may never uncover the true mysteries of the cave.

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