The Caves of Zanzibar do not only contain findings of this Neolithic period but some of these caves contain findings dating back to about 30,000 years ago. It was noted that between the 8th and 11th Century marked the involvement of Zanzibar to the outside world; However new discoveries from caves such as the Machaga caves indicate that contacts of Zanzibar to the  external world might have been earlier than once thought.

Zanzibar is home to over 120 different caves that have been used for a number of practices through the years. According to traditional beliefs; most of these caves are said to be sacred, while others have been used as habitats and secret passages mostly during the times of slave trade and the period after. Some of these caves are believed to be connected with others in different areas of the Island.

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South Region Caves

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In this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore different caves located in different locations in the South Region of Zanzibar. Experience beliefs that are not only over a century old, but beliefs that are full of enchantment and surprise as some are practiced to this very day; The best part is all our guests have a front seat show to this magical experience.

Kuumbi Caves, Ngonga Caves, Mwanampambe Caves and Machaga Caves are some of the caves located at the South region of Zanzibar.

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Mangapwani Caves

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The Zanzibari wonder that has been cut out of coral limestone by prominent slave trader Mohammed bin Nassor Al Alawi is located at Mangapwani, that translates “The Arab Shore”. These caves were important transit points for the captured slaves to be sold to the outside world.  After Sultan Bargash in 1873 signed a treaty to abolish slave trade the caves were still used as a place to hide and transport slaves as the illicit trade continued to exist even years after the treaty had been signed. Slaves would be taken out to sea and later sail in dhows to further destinations.

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This tour will be combined with a visit to the WWII Bunkers, these bunkers were built by the British during WWII and were used as a defensive military fortification and at moments it was used as a hospital to care for the wounded soldiers. Next to the bunkers there is a tower constructed strategically to make it easier to spot the enemy at sea.