Kuza is a sacred and hidden ancient limestone Jungle Cave in Kibigija village, Jambiani along the Eastern Coast of Zanzibar known for its turquoise waters that offer perfect spot for swimming. This magnificent site is one of Zanzibar’s well kept secrets run and managed as a social Enterprise with collaboration between the local communities with the Kuza Cave Team. The Cave features some stairs/steps on the entranceway, verdant vegetation and a 50-meter round pool with beautiful turquoise water, where visitors can swim to cool off after minutes of hiking. The round shape of Kuza Cave and clean water is believed to have existed from the 250,000 years of soft limestone erosion by rainwater and is around 3 meters deep. A number of sub Caves exist in the area although are deeper than the main Kuza Cave.
The name “Kuza” is a Swahili word meaning “giving birth” or “growth” while the locals of Jambiani refer to it as “Panga na maji” to mean the “Cave with water”. There are also a number of artifacts in the Cave to introduce visitors to the unique Swahili history, dating back to the evolution of human life. Hikes to the Cave involve crossing a small bridge, then descend down a few steps to finally arrive the stunning underground oasis. The verdant jungles of Jambiani, where Kuza Cave is found is also haven to interesting primate species that include the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, bush babies in addition to a number of Zanzibar endemic birds and butterfly species.
Jaw-dropping Activities around the Cave of Kuza
Exciting Swahili Cooking lessons
Visitors to Kuza Cave are offered with opportunities of joining in the new open-plan kitchen adventure to prepare some delicious Swahili dishes from blended Zanzibar spices. After preparation of these meals, you will also partake of it and some of the common mouth-watering cuisines prepared include the Coconut bean soup, chapatti, Coconut milk curry, Urojo soup and the finger-licking Zanzibar Pizza. This exciting activity costs only $20 per person.
Swimming in clean and crystal clear water
Swimming in clean and crystal clear water is another exciting activity for visitors to Kuza Cave. For only $10, you will first walk across a tinny bridge and finally go down through a dark and literally uninviting place to a well-lit Cave. Here you will swim for as long as you like while enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding.
Drumming lessons
Drumming and singing lessons are also provided around Kuza Cave with visitors allowed to spend 45-60 minutes with on-site Swahili artists to sing about Swahili culture and traditions. This is one of the adventures you will wish never to end and whether you are a beginner or advanced drummer, your aspirations will be satisfied. This riveting activity coasts only $10 per participant.
Visits to the Kuza Cave Cultural Center
You can also visit the Kuza Cave Cultural Center, a not-for-profit Organization working hand in hand with local communities in Jambani area to support their projects such as women empowerment programs, constructing nursery schools, conserving their local wildlife, providing meals to school-going children, providing employment opportunities and culture promotion through workshops.
Other must-do activities around Kuza Cave include Wishing Rituals and traditional medicines and healers’ tours, the traditional massage, the Swahili night, thrilling traditional dances and Henna.
Entry fees
Accessing Kuza Cave requires first paying entry fees of $10 for foreign tourists, $5 for East African community tourists and free entry for visitors below 6 years.
When to visit Kuza Cave
The Cave of Kuza is open all year round to visitors much as advance booking for activities such as Swahili cooking lessons and visits to the Kuza Cave Cultural Center and drumming lessons is required. The Caves are open between the hours of 8:00 and 18:00. The months of March, April, May, October and November are considered rainy/wet hence avoided by most visitors hence if you visit during these months, you will have the entire Cave to yourself.
Where to stay when exploring Kuza Cave?
Visitors planning to explore Kuza Cave can stay at nearby hotels, which include Fun Beach Hotel, Amani Boutique Hotel, Mwezi Boutique Resort, La luna Suits Apartment, Shanuo Beach Bungalows, Hekaya Zanzibar, Zanzibar White Sands Luxury Villas & Spa, Breezes Beach Club & Spa, Karafuu Beach Hotel, and Isaraya Luxury over Water Villas among others.
Alternatively, visitors can stay at any other resorts / hotels in Zanzibar (Unguja) Island and transfer to Kuza caves. Though these are not close to Kuza caves, thus for convenience and cost-cutting, we advise that you stay at the mentioned hotels above which are within close vicinity.
