Kuza Cave is recognised as a sacred place to the forefathers of Jambiani residents. You can watch video documentaries explaining how the village has protected the area around the cave for thousands of years, which has created a natural wildlife sanctuary for monkeys, birds, butterflies, chindi and Tipitipi (Toucans).
As you walk to the cave, you will see that most land has been cleared for farming and firewood. However, the area around the cave has large trees with deep roots connected to the water supply. This is a way of showing respect to the forefathers and the sacredness of the cave. Zanzibaris will visit the cave to make a wish, along with an offering, or wash in the sacred waters.
Zanzibar is the home to many unique animals. After separating from the mainland during the end of the Ice Age over 10,000 years ago, animals adapted to the unique conditions. The mainland leopard became the ferocious Zanzibar leopard which is now classed as an extinct animal. The last sighting was in the 1960’s, although stories are still told of local superstitions about leopards being a tool of witch doctors.
The mainland monkey adapted to become the Red Colobus Monkey which is an endangered species unique to Zanzibar. Your Cave entrance fees helps protect this wildlife sanctuary and helps us reach the goal of building a fence around the cave. Thank you!