Zanzibar Island Tours
kiwengwa caves
5
kiwengwa caves
By Pongwe Tour & Safari
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About
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.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-100
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
More
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission - Kiwengwa Caves
- Start:Traveler pickup offered.
- Kiwengwa, Tanzania
Pickup details- we pick you wherever you need
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 135456P5- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 135456P5
From
$89.99
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travelers
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Itinerary
- 1These 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
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- O5672SJjodyb0 contributionsNalupenda was pretty, prison island was okThe communication with the tour company was very good. The tour started a little late so we were left waiting but from previous research we expected that. Boat ride was good, I was impressed when the crew stopped to fish a big piling from the water so other boats didn’t hit it like ours did. Prison island was not a great activity. Our tour guide seemed to know very little about the island and gave some general facts but then veered off about the Portuguese using slaves to build them a resort house with a pool on the island which wasn’t accurate and he couldn’t articulate what diseases people were being quarantined for or what any of the buildings were actually used for. He spent too much time describing images that once hung on the walls. We didn’t come away having learned much at all. I think the tour guide could benefit from a brief history lesson so that the tour makes more sense. Overall, the island was in ruins. It’s a shame because it appears that the overseers are just pocketing the entrance fee money and nothing is being done to restore or upkeep what is Everything is just crumbling away. The tortoise area was overrun with ignorant tourists who all ignored the signs to keep out of the enclosure and were feeding and touching the tortoises. People were tripping over them and probably stepping on their feet. It was very disturbing. There was turtle dung all over the walkways people were slipping in. No one seemed to be in charge of anything. The pier doesn’t exist so you have to exit the boats onto rickety stairs and exit the island from the beach when the tide goes down. Nakupenda beach was beautiful. There were so many boats but it’s large enough to fit everyone-Just a bit too crowded to get good photos like in the ads. The crew set up a shade canopy and a table and chairs and made a delicious lunch. The seafood was a bit overcooked but flavorful and they provided plenty of it including beverages. They also had a big fruit platter which was also delicious. It was a bit annoying that beach vendors kept constantly bugging us with their merch. It was hard to have a conversation without being interrupted every few minutes. The boat ride was again pretty good. Overall the crew were very nice and helpful, it just would have been nice to have had better information about Prison Island from the guide and if the island itself were better taken care of. Would recommend Nakupenda sand bar again,Written August 28, 2024
- 163julieh0 contributionsZanzibarThe Beach and water, food was very good. The Massai natives are harassing. I am glad I went there however, I hope the government will control the Massai people on the beachWritten August 21, 2024
- C6766ENashleyw0 contributionsIncredible experience. SAW A POD OF 18 DOLPHINS!Decided last minute to see if we could swim with dolphins and boy oh boy are we glad we did! This is a no frills trip but so worth it. We were picked up at 6:30 sharp by our friendly driver and taken to a beach on the other side of the island. We were given fins and snorkeling masks and shown to our boat. The boat was private which was awesome! No top though so wear sunscreen or bring a wrap. The water was a bit choppy so make sure you are comfortable on open ocean! There were life jackets if we wanted them. Our guide seemed to be ahead of the game and always got us IN FRONT of the pod instead of in the middle like other tours which gave us more time to see the dolphins swim next to and underneath us. BE READY TO DIVE RIGHT IN. If you hesitate, you can miss the pod and have to climb back in and follow them. We got to get in and see them 8 times and the final time they were right next to us, maybe 4ft away and there were baby dolphins too! The water is super clear, maybe 20 feet deep and no other sea life that I could see. I felt safe and every time I came up to see where the boat was our captain was following us and ready to scoop us up and take us to follow the pod! The dolphins don’t come up to you nor can you really touch them so don’t expect that. They dive down when they see people (rightfully so) so your ability to swim fast and track them is key. THIS IS NOT FOR A BEGINNER SWIMMER OR PEOPLE WITH INJURIES OR DIFFICULTIES IN OPEN WATER. Not a lot of discussion around our swimming ability so please, know yourself. Be safe and respectful of the dolphins!Written June 7, 2024
- 562evelinem0 contributionsThis tour is completely worth itBoth destinations were nice and worth visiting. The spice tour was wonderful. Nice hike, very informative. Guide was extremely knowledgeable. And assistant made beautiful "jewelry" out of flowers and leaves.Written November 25, 2023
- S9401NXfrankm0 contributionsPongwe dhow fishingIt was a grat experience to go out with the Dhow and to fish with the handline. I even cough a few fish. The captain was helping me to get the baits on the hook and also threw the line out for me.Written October 16, 2023
- Mike M0 contributionsBest serviceminded guides in Pongwe with a lot of experienceThe two guides at the hotel in Pongwe Bay Resort are Mr. President and Mr. Zanzibar. We were lucky enough to meet them both and they go above and beyond to make your stay better with providing all sort of different tours, trips and experiences. We were snorkling at Mnemba, on Safari Blue and outside the hotel in Pongwe with a local fisherman. We were also on trips to Maalum Cave, Stone Town, Spice Farm, Jozani forrest and a local cave in Kiwengwa. Last but not least we were on a 3 day trip to Mikumi National Park, all taken care of by the two guides mentioned earlier. We often had special requests, and these were listened to and often better suggestions were proposed. We were always taken care of and felt serviced by Mr. President and Mr. Zanzibar. Big recommendation from here if you're in the area and adventurous.Written September 22, 2023
- kaemorinep0 contributionsAn amazing experienceAmazing. I paid for a private tour as I wanted a more intimate experience. The day was great, from learning about and see the monkeys to the spices on the spice farm. I had a wonderful time. The guides were so informative and I learnt so much. I would highly recommendWritten September 5, 2023
- Hayk D0 contributionsSpicy tour 😅The spice tour with Zanziflowers Tours in Zanzibar was an absolute delight! The guide's extensive knowledge about each tree and spice was truly impressive. Their explanations were engaging and insightful, providing a deeper understanding of the region's rich spice heritage. It was fascinating to learn about the origins, uses, and benefits of various spices. This tour not only awakened my senses but also gave me a new appreciation for the flavors we often take for granted. Kudos to Zanziflowers Tours for offering such an educational and flavorful experience!Written August 20, 2023
- Venture448915141720 contributionsAwesome tourIt was great! The staff was very helpful and were really great at anticipating what we wanted. The lunch was delicious! All in all, a great tour!Written July 29, 2023
- Konstantinos V0 contributionsVery disappointing experience, fake guideNot worth the money to go there. The tour was too short for what we paid. Only saw a few monkeys, most of which where high on the trees. The worst thing is that our guide seemed to be aware that there's not much to see and would go and give us useless information about voodoo people that turn into donkeys and this kind of bs on order to make the tour last a little longer.Written July 23, 2023
- ishakak20210 contributionsI will be back the next yearall recommend, nice people, full of information, smile talking, I recommend you to visit this place. I really enjoyed with red Columbus monkeys.Written December 15, 2022
- scwadin0 contributionsFun Day on the WaterWe had a wonderful and fun day on the water. My wife a wheelchair. Though the tour is not accessible, the crew assisted me at great length, so we could bring her along. The snorkeling was beautiful, and the seafood lunch was one of the best we ever had. I definitely recommend do put this on the list of things to do.Written December 3, 2022
- boo980 contributionsGreatWe loved this, the snorkling was amazing, the snacks on the boat were awesome and the lunch provided was amazing. Some of the best food on our month long trip. Highly recommend.Written November 19, 2022
- Trebortnt0 contributionsIt was OKWe took a tour to see the dolphins and then some snorkeling. It was a bit disappointment with the dolphins. So many boats chasing the dolphins. If you plan on seeing them, get a guide that will take you very early in the morning. Get in and Get out before the masses of boats arrive.Written October 18, 2022
- Zanzibarlocaltourgui0 contributionsHowever dolphins are so friendly they live a life like human beings there's no big different they live by group as people theyThough not quite as flexible as seals, some dolphins can briefly travel at speeds of 29 kilometres (18 mi) per hour or leap about 30 feet (9.1 m)Dolphins use their conical teeth to capture fast-moving prey. They have well-developed hearing which is adapted for both air and water. It is so well developed that some can survive even if they are blind. Some species are well adapted for diving to great depths. They have a layer of fat, or blubber, under the skin to keep warm in the cold water.Written August 21, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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acorna
Vilnius, Lithuania4,609 contributions
Feb 2023
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.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much ,for your appreciation,we delighted that you had great time with us. Let’s say special thanks to you and your warmly welcome to join with us for an awesome experience!
Written February 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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