Kadoma Chronicles: From Gold Mines to Cultural Delights, Discover the Heart of Zimbabwe
Kadoma, also known as Gatooma, is a town in central Zimbabwe. It is situated in the Mashonaland West Province and lies on the main road and railway between Harare (formerly Salisbury) and Bulawayo. Kadoma is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history and culture. It is also a major economic hub for the region, with a strong focus on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.
History of Kadoma
Originally known as Gatooma, Kadoma’s history dates back to the early 20th century. It was officially constituted as a village in 1907 and attained municipal status in 1917. The town’s name is derived from Kadoma Hill, a notable geographical feature in the vicinity. Kadoma has played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural and industrial sectors, serving as a commercial hub for products like cattle, cotton, maize, and tobacco. The town is also home to Zimbabwe’s largest gold mine, located approximately 5 miles east-northeast at Eiffel Flats.
For further historical insights, refer to Britannica – Kadoma.
Weather in Kadoma
Kadoma has a subtropical highland climate, which means it has warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average temperature in Kadoma is 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). The hottest months are October to March, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 25 degrees Celsius (72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The coldest months are June to August, with average temperatures ranging from 11 to 14 degrees Celsius (52 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit).
Location and GPS Coordinates
Kadoma is located at 18° 19′ 59.8080″ S and 29° 54′ 55.2240″ E. It is situated on the banks of the Hunyani River, about 131 kilometers (81 miles) west of Harare.
Size and Population of Kadoma
Kadoma has a population of about 117,381 people (2022 census). The town is divided into two main areas: the central business district (CBD) and the residential suburbs. The CBD is home to government offices, banks, shops, and restaurants. The residential suburbs are home to schools, hospitals, and other amenities.
Distance from Harare to Kadoma
The distance from Harare to Kadoma is 131 kilometers (81 miles) by road. The journey takes about two hours by car. There is also a train service that runs between Harare and Kadoma, and the journey takes about 2 hours.
Kadoma Chronicles: From Gold Mines to Cultural Delights, Discover the Heart of Zimbabwe | image credit @Kadoma city council facebook page
Distance from Kadoma to Mutare
The distance from Kadoma to Mutare is (417.3 km) via A3 by road. The journey takes about six hours by car. There is also a bus service that runs between Kadoma and Mutare, and the journey takes about seven hours.
Kadoma Town Council Contact Details
The Kadoma Town Council can be contacted on the following numbers:
Phone: +263 68 22044-6 / +263 68 26661 -4.
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: PO Box 372 Kadoma, Zimbabwe
Schools in Kadoma
Kadoma has a number of schools, including primary schools, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions. Some of the most well-known schools in Kadoma include:
- Kadoma High School
- Eiffel Flats High School
- Kadoma Polytechnic College
- Kadoma Technical Institute
Colleges and Universities in or near Kadoma
There are also a number of colleges and universities in the vicinity of Kadoma, including:
- Midlands State University
- Great Zimbabwe University
- Chinhoyi University of Technology
Also Read: Victoria Falls: Exploring The Jewel of Africa
Lodges in Kadoma
There are a number of lodges in Kadoma that offer accommodation to visitors. Some of the most popular lodges in Kadoma include:
- Kadoma Golf Lodge
- Eiffel Flats Lodge
- Kadoma Holiday Inn
Things to do in Kadoma
There are a number of things to do in Kadoma, including:
- Visit the Eiffel Flats gold mine
- Go on a safari to one of the nearby game parks
- Visit the Kadoma Museum
- Take a walk through the Kadoma Botanical Gardens
- Go shopping at the Kadoma Mall
Trivia
- Kadoma is known as the “City of Gold” because of its rich gold mining industry.
- Kadoma is home to the Kadoma Dam, which is the largest dam in Zimbabwe.
- Kadoma is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Zimbabwe/Climate
- https://www.distancefromto.net/distance-from-harare-to-kadoma-zw
- https://www.citypopulation.de/en/zimbabwe/admin/mashonaland_west/422__kadoma_urban/
