Kiwengwa

Kiwengwa

Kiwengwa is a village on the island of Unguja, which is part of the Zanzibar archipelago. It is located between Pongwe and Pwani Mchangani villages on the northeast coast. This picturesque village is known for its pristine beaches, stunning ocean views, coral reefs, and lush green forests, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a tranquil and relaxing getaway. The village is home to several historical sites, including the Kiwengwa Caves. The caves are very fascinating and unique stalactite and stalagmite caverns, in which light filters down through the holes naturally formed in the ceiling and the plant roots above dangle down from the top like wires. At first, the caves were a place of ancestor worship, with offerings being placed on the sacred stones in the caves. Then they became a place for the rich to keep their leopards. Near the end of the slave trade in Zanzibar, slaves were imprisoned in their murky depths, waiting to be transported to the Middle East. The forests that surround the caves have always been a source of income for the local people. Deforestation in the area has negatively affected many of the animals that live here, so in 2005 the caves and forest were declared the Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest Reserve to safeguard the wildlife and the unique caves. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as Red Colobus Monkeys, Aders' Duiker, Sykes' Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Sunni Antelopes and several species of snakes.