Kuza Cave is a surreal yet perfect spot for visitors yearning to experience an amazing off-the-beaten-track cultural experience during Zanzibar tours.
Known as a place for adventurous nature lovers, this cave is an ancient limestone jungle cave characterized by crystal clear fresh-waters and is surrounded by a serene Nature Reserve for unique primate species that include the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, bush babies as well as a plethora of bird species and beautiful butterfly species.
The stillness of Kuza Cave waters reflects a magnificent backdrop of stalactites and stalagmites, making it strenuous to recognize where the water ends and where the Cave wall begins.
Location
Kuza Cave is a hidden treasure nestled within the heart of the Tropical jungles of Jambiani, on Zanzibar’s East Coast.
This sacred and beautiful hidden gem is owned and managed by locals of Kibigija Village, who hold it dear to their hearts.
It is managed in collaboration with the Kuza Cave team as a social enterprise devoted to local education programs.
The Jambiani area where this beautiful cave is found was and is still marked by numerous underground rivers that originate beneath a relatively flat landscape.
Size and History of Kuza Cave
Kuza Cave is a round geological formation marked by a sinkhole extending for 50 meters wide and 3 meters deep, while its turquoise waters were formed from the 250,000 years of erosion of soft limestone by river and rainwater.
It is from these processes that Kuza Cave was formed and connected to it are other smaller sub-Caves that are surprisingly deeper.
This cave has for long been considered a sacred place for the people of Kibigija village and for hundreds, if not thousands of years visited the spot for ceremonies and to seek blessings.
Religious worship and other public ceremonies are occasionally conducted within the area.
Attractions in or around Kuza Cave
The spectacular Kuza Cave area is a wonderful wildlife sanctuary for a number of primates, especially the nocturnal bush babies, exceptional Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, not forgetting several bird and butterfly species.
The entrance to Kuza Cave has a number of steps and ropes that open onto a platform with a breathtaking natural sculpture like a large altar.
Although dark at some point, getting insight you will see light and it is surprisingly not difficult to access.
Tourist activities in or around Kuza Cave
Cave Swimming
Visitors to Kuza Cave can swim in the healing freshwater while relishing the quiet and secluded jungle.
This activity begins with guided walks across a small bridge then a few steps to the base of the clear and well-lit Cave to the large Pool characterized by clean and turquoise waters formed by a sub-terranean River.
At first, the cave will seem dark and uninviting but as you get closer, you will imagine it being scenes from a fantasy film and as you make your way down to the bottom of the Cave, you will be invited by the crystal clear water that will reward you with an unforgettable swimming experience.
Cave tours cost $10 per person.
Cultural Workshop Tours
Exploring the Kuza Caves means getting a chance to see different beautiful artifacts from the Cave as well as the eras of Swahili history dating back to the evolution of humans, believed to have originated in the East African region.
It is undeniable that the Cave is one of the best-kept and hidden secrets of the Zanzibar Archipelago and you can unravel these secrets during cultural tours.
Kuza Cave Drumming and Dance Lessons
Touring Kuza Cave also allows visitors to relish Swahili music, thrilling and energetic cultural dances, and drumming from the entertaining on-site artists.
For only $10 per person, visitors get a chance to drum and sing with the on-site artists for 45 minutes.
This time is not enough to learn the many Swahili songs but the lessons will be customized to your level of learning experience.
If your dream has always been to experience an authentic cultural experience, then a visit to Kuza Cave would do you justice.
It is also important for visitors to inform the guides (on-site artists) on whether they are beginners or advanced drumming learners.
Kuza Cave Drumming and dance lessons cost about $10 per person.
Swahili Cooking Lessons
During visits to Kuza cave, you will also be introduced to Swahili cooking skills with an opportunity to learn how to blend and use different spices.
Join the women in the open-plan kitchen to learn how to gently blend different spices in addition to making mouth-watering fresh coconut milk curry.
Depending on the time at hand, you are likely to prepare the popular Zanzibar Pizza (a mixture of veggies, meat, egg, and mayo), Urojo soup (Zanzibar mix), grilled kebabs, octopus curry (made of octopus, creamy coconut gravy, and coriander) coconut bean soup (from coconut milk, blended tomatoes, shredded coconut, and seasoned with different spices) and Swahili chapatti, among others.
Swahili cooking lessons cost $20 per person and also include Lunch.
Kuza Cave Entrance fees
Visitors are required to pay a certain amount to access Kuza Caves and the revenue goes directly to locals of Kibigija Village.
The income helps in supporting community projects such as putting up water tanks, improving health and education facilities in addition to being offered as micro-loans for individual empowerment projects.
The entrance fees include $10 for foreign visitors, $5 for East African community residents and foreign visitors under 18 years.
Children under 6 years are entitled to free entry into Kuza Cave.
Best time to visit Kuza Cave
Kuza Cave can be visited throughout the year, and no prior reservations/ or bookings are required for Cave tours.
However, other special activities such as tours of the cultural workshops, Kuza Cave drumming and dance lessons as well as Swahili cooking lessons require advance bookings to allow adequate planning.
When it comes to seasons, the dry season-June to October and January to February are preferred for cave tours because the steps and floors are less slippery.
However, if you wish to explore the Kuza Cave in a less-crowded setting, then visit during the wet season-March to May and November to December.
Opening hours are from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and tours are conducted from Monday to Sunday.
Accommodation – Where to Stay
Visitors interested in touring Kuza Cave can stay within Jambiani, and the different budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodation facilities include:
Jambiani Villas
Jambiani Villas are set within the stunning corner of Zanzibar’s Tropical Island, on the southeast coast.
This is a perfect relaxation spot after exploring Kuza Cave or for visitors interested in escaping the hustle and bustle of Zanzibar City.
It features villas, a homely restaurant, and endless views of the Ocean.
Spice Island Hotel & Resort
Spice Island Hotel & Resort is found within Jambiani village, on the southeastern coast of Zanzibar, and boasts cozy rooms with a spacious seating area, 2 bathrooms, large beds with mosquito nets, air-conditioning, and a ceiling fan.
On-site is a restaurant that serves finger-licking seafood, as well as the jetty platform bar that serves different wines and liquors.
Mbuyuni Beach Village
Mbuyuni Beach Village is set within a smooth white-sandy beach on the eastern coast of Zanzibar, between Paje and Jambiani.
The lovely well-furnished Bungalows here feature spacious bedrooms, private balconies, big and cozy beds with mosquito nets, hot/cold shower, spacious toilets, and on-site the property is a stunning sea-facing restaurant and bar.
Other facilities include a massage/spa center, outdoor swimming pool, and laundry facilities.
Other must-stay places include Mbuyuni Beach Village, Nur Beach Hotel, Kisiwa on the Beach Resort, Pili Pili Swahili Lodge, Kibigija Lodge, Sea View Lodge Boutique Hotel, Kupaga Villas, Geo Zanzibar Resort, Blue Oyster Hotel, Fun Beach Hotel, B4 Boutique, Nakupenda Paje Villa, Zanzistar Lodge, Coral Rock Zanzibar, Mwezi Boutique Resort, Hakuna Majiwe Beach Lodge, Paje by Night Hotel, Dhow Inn, Reef & Beach Resort, Villa de Coco Resort, VR Club Paje Palms Beach Resort, Jambiani White Sands Bungalows, Visitor’s Inn Hotel, and many others.
How to Reach Kuza Cave
Kuza Cave is set within the Northern side of Jambiani, approximately 8 minutes’ drive from Paje Island and can be best reached by car.
You will be welcomed by the Cave signpost near Kibigija road, adjacent to a dirt road heading towards a bush.
Continue driving along this dirt road for another 100 meters and beyond Kibigija Nursery School.
Immediately branch off to the right and continue along the only existing road for several hundred meters, and it is at this point that you will see the Kuza Cave entrance.
Other Caves in Zanzibar
Besides Kuza Cave, Zanzibar is home to other jaw-dropping caves that include:
Kuumbi Cave
This stunning cave is found on Unguja Island, the southeast coast of Zanzibar, and has been crucial in studying patterns of human occupation since its existence since 20,000 years ago.
It also protects the sacred heritage of Zanzibari people with human remains dating back to 12,000 years ago, animal remains (dog, goat, cattle, and chicken) dating back to 6000 years ago, as well as bone tools among others.
Tazari Cave
These are believed to be the largest and oldest limestone Caves on Zanzibar Island and are found just off the coast of Nungwi.
They are also said to have existed for over a billion years, and evidence shows they were used as hiding places for slaves.
Snakes, bats, and different insects are found in Tazari caves, and visitors are required to wear helmets, gloves, and hiking boots.
