Kiwengwa Caves: A Dive into Ancient Zanzibar History and Geology
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Kiwengwa
Explore the Kiwengwa Caves in Zanzibar, a fascinating dive into ancient history and geology. Discover stalagmites, stalactites, and natural holes that create an exciting atmosphere.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kiwengwa Caves - These caves are a part of ancient history of the Zanzibar Island. The locals would visit the caves to worship their ancestors, bringing gifts to the holy stones.

From the hotel, it is short journey north to visit these caves, which have just recently been opened to the public. The stalagmites and stalactites have formed from water dissolving calcium carbonate from coral stones. The use of flashlights (torches) is necessary as the caves extend deep into the rock; however, the naturally formed holes in the ceiling of the caves let sunlight in, creating an exciting atmosphere.

Another curios feature is the roots that have forced their way through the ground and look like electric wires connecting the ceiling to the bottom of the cave.

After the cave exploration, there is a guided tour through the Kiwengwa

  • Pongwe Forest Reserve

  • the only remaining high coral rag forest area in the northern part of Zanzibar. As you walk, you may well catch a glimpse of some endemic species such as the red Columbus monkey, duikers (big antelope) and mini antelope. There are also 47 bird species and many butterflies

What's Included
  • All fees and taxes included
Additional Information

The caves are a significant piece of the Zanzibar Island’s ancient past. Traditionally, residents would frequent these caves to pay homage to their forebears, offering items to the sacred stones.

A quick trip northward from the hotel will lead you to these caves that were only recently made accessible to tourists. Over time, the stalagmites and stalactites have been shaped by erosion of calcium carbonate from coral rocks caused by water. The necessity of using torches (flashlights) is due to the considerable depth of the caves, nevertheless, the naturally occurring openings in the cave ceiling allow for sunlight, giving the place a thrilling ambience.

An interesting sight is the roots which have penetrated the ground, appearing as though they are electric wires linking the ceiling to the cave’s base.

Location
Kiwengwa
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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Acorna
Feb 13, 2023
Excellent experience - Our small group had wonderful experience going to Kiwengwa caves with Pongwe Tour & Safari. Ali, who organised the tour was very good, we received lots of information about the caves, various cave wildlife and geological formations were indicated to us. Note, that part of the caves are physically very demanding, yhey need crawling under low (1 meterhigh) ceiling, we did not take it. But all we saw were very worth it.
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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