Description

Located about eight kilometers from the city of Hinche, capital of the Center department (Haiti), Bassin Zim (Zim Basin) is an impressive natural site that includes mysterious caves and a waterfall. At about 20 meters high, the water flows into a deep basin, forming a green natural pool. The interior of the caves is decorated with pictograms, some of which date back to the first inhabitants of the island. The caves and the waterfall, according to the belief of the population, are a place guarded by spirits that bring fortune and healing to pure souls. During the time of the Santo Domingo colony, this cave would have served as a hiding place for slaves. Generally, most of the people who frequent the mythical and paradisiacal Bassin Zim go there to direct their petitions to the “Lwa Blan”, the spirit that is in charge of this place. 

Biodiversity

The Bassin Zim is planted in an environment covered with giant trees that testify to the intrinsic beauty of a pleasant nature with several species of snakes (harmless) and migratory or endemic birds of Haiti. Fish and other aquatic animals also find their refuge in the blue of this natural pool. The waterfall flows into four basins: Candelabra Basin, Rainbow Basin, Zim Basin, and Wells Basin. The Zim Basin is fringed by a series of caves, some of which contain rocks engraved with the footprints of the Taino Indians who inhabited the island prior to colonization. 

Ecotourism potential

Situated in a charming setting, Zim Basin is an oasis of tranquility. This sanctuary of the first inhabitants of the island (the Tainos) is a ritual space that still projects voodoo practitioners back to that mythical time when everything was sacred. It is a true treasure trove of Haiti’s tourist heritage. Considered a “supernatural” place by many, Zim Basin remains a natural heritage site, an unrivaled ecotourism attraction that could generate income for the local population.