Plizio Visual Lab
Mangapwani Slave Caves
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Mangapwani Slave Caves on the island of Zanzibar consist of a natural limestone cavern and a nearby man-made coral stone chamber. Historically, these sites played a dark role in the East African slave trade, particularly after the official abolition of the trade in 1873. Wealthy merchants, such as Mohammed bin Nassor Al-Alwi, used the concealed location to hide enslaved people before they were illegally shipped to the Arabian Peninsula. The man-made chamber is a square cell carved into the ground, originally covered by wooden planks and soil to evade detection by British authorities. Visitors today can explore the narrow steps leading down into the damp, dark enclosures where hundreds of people were once confined in horrific conditions. The site serves as a somber memorial to the human rights abuses of the 19th century and remains a significant historical landmark in the Zanzibar Archipelago.
- Location: Tanzania
- Top sights: Coral Cave and Slave Chambers · WWII Bunkers · Slave chamber
- Nearby: Prison Island (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 118 | 89 | 163 | 279 | 171 | 28 | 21 | 27 | 41 | 111 | 164 | 141 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Mangapwani Slave Caves on Zanzibar are accessible and consist of natural and artificial passages. You can enter the caves that once hid slaves; a guided tour is recommended.
Typical hours
The caves are typically open during daylight hours, often from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is advisable to call ahead as hours may vary seasonally.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the caves, but without flash to avoid disturbing the bats. Outdoor shots of the cave entrances and the coast are possible anytime.
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for touring the caves, including the short walk from the parking area. With a guide, the visit may take a bit longer.
Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Mangapwani beaches or the Slave Market Fort in Stone Town. The area also gives spice plantation tours.
Getting there
The caves are about 20 kilometers north of Stone Town on Zanzibar's west coast. You can reach them by taxi or local bus (dala-dala) from the city.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the cave floors can be uneven and slippery. A flashlight is useful, though the caves are partially lit.
Geography
Facts
- Official abolition of the slave trade in Zanzibar in 1873
- Mohammed bin Nassor Al-Alwi built the secret chamber
- The natural cave consists of limestone formations
- The man-made chamber was constructed from coral stone
- The site is located about 2 km from Mangapwani village
- The chamber takes the form of a square cell underground
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mangapwani Slave Caves (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is a flashlight necessary for the caves?
Yes, a flashlight is highly recommended as the caves are quite dark inside.
Are the caves suitable for children?
Yes, with good supervision, children can also visit the caves without problems.
Are there fixed opening hours?
There are no strict opening hours; visitors usually come during the day.
What should I keep in mind regarding clothing?
Sturdy footwear is important as the floor in the caves can be slippery and uneven.
How long does the tour take?
A visit usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Mangapwani Slave Caves: where is it located?
Mangapwani Slave Caves is located in Tanzania.
Mangapwani Slave Caves: what is there to see?
Highlights include Coral Cave and Slave Chambers, WWII Bunkers, Slave chamber.
Mangapwani Slave Caves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mangapwani Slave Caves: why is it worth visiting?
The Mangapwani Slave Caves on the island of Zanzibar consist of a natural limestone cavern and a nearby man-made coral stone chamber.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Tanzania →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Malindi Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Stone Town, known for its unusual minaret.
Old Dispensary
A magnificently decorated building in Stone Town that reflects Zanzibar's multicultural architecture.
Forodhani Bandstand
A historic pavilion in the Forodhani Gardens, where the famous night market takes place in the evening.
Christ Church Cathedral
A historical Anglican church in Stone Town, built on the site of the former slave market.
Hamamni Persian Baths
Historical public baths in Zanzibar, built in the late 19th century for the elite.
Peace Memorial Museum (Beit el Amani)
A significant museum in a circular building documenting the history of Zanzibar.
More places
Stone Town of Zanzibar
The historical center of Zanzibar City, renowned for its rich Swahili culture and unique coral stone architecture.
🗺️
Mtoni Palace Ruins
The oldest palace ruins in Zanzibar, built in the 1820s for Sultan Seyyid Said and described in the memoirs of his daughter, Princess Salme.
🗺️
Maruhubi Palace Ruins
The remains of a large palace in Zanzibar, built for the concubines of Sultan Barghash bin Said in the 19th century.
Malindi Port (Zanzibar)
The main port of Stone Town, managing passenger and freight traffic to the island of Zanzibar (Unguja).
House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib)
A former sultan's palace in Zanzibar, known as the tallest building in Stone Town and the first in East Africa to have electricity and an…
Old Fort of Zanzibar
The oldest surviving structure in Stone Town, built by Omani Arabs to defend against the Portuguese.
Unguja
The main island of Zanzibar.
Pemba Island
A spice island in Tanzania.