ABOUT TAZARI CAVES
When
you’re looking for adventure in the beautiful island of Zanzibar, Tazari caves
is a must visit. Located in Northern
Peninsular of Zanzibar - Nungwi,Tazariunderground caves prove to be the biggest
and most extensive caves in Zanzibar and among the largest limestone caves in
Tanzania. The caves are believed to have been formed many centuries ago, covering
an area of more than 100km2. The heights of the cave vary from 5ft
to 30ft. The magnificent caves are located a few miles from the ocean shores;
you can have a beautiful view of the ocean coastline from the peak of the
caves.
An instructor posing with some tourists during their tour at Tazari Caves
The instructors with tourists enjoying the natural beauty of Tazari caves in Zanzibar
The
caves were discovered a couple years ago by community members of Benderani,
though they are believed to have existed for millions of years.
It
is believed that in ancient days some people lived in the caves, there are
evidences of broken pots, fireplaces and foot trails.
Also,
the caves are believed to have been used as hiding places for slaves during the
Sultan regime in pre-colonial Zanzibar era of the Arab slave trade. There are
evidences of broken chains believed to be hundreds of years old.
The
caves interior is composed of large cone-shaped stalactites that hang down from
the ceiling and stalagmites that grow upward from the floor of the cave as a
result of water dripping from the stalactites.
The
Tazari caves have magnificent carbonate and sulfate rocks – limestone and
dolomite with decorative dripstones (speleotherms) that are believed to have
taken thousands of years to form!
Beautiful weather
The
cave passages are composed of sand, clay and stratified gravel.
Inside
the caves, is a home to very huge African bats.
Our
attractions include:
·
Large stalactites and stalagmites.
·
Popo
flight - (Popo means bat in Swahili).
Many of them live in the caves. Every evening at sunset they fly out of the
cave entrance.
·
Beautiful view of the coastline from the
caves
Where
we are located:
In
Nungwi, Tazari village.300metres from the main road at the corner before
reaching the Fire Brigade Offices on your way from stone town. The caves are
accessible on foot, bike and by car.
From
stone town, board a car to Nungwi (about 40kms). Just before the Nungwi fire
brigade offices, make a right turn at KwaJuma Rama, you’ll see our signpost by
the roadside.
We offer the following services
1. Caving
2. Biking
from Hamburu, along the coastline to the Tazari caves.
3. Hiking.
4. Picnic
and camping site near the caves.
5. Zanzibari
coffee.
6. Masaai
cultural artifacts.
7. Speleology.
Our staffs
We
have trained and qualified emergency first response personnel and instructors
to take you around the caves.
About
your safety:
The
caves are regularly inspected by the Government and approved four touring.
·
Follow
the cave instructors on your way in and out of the cave.
·
Take
three dependable and independent sources of light.
·
Wear
sturdy shoes that protect the ankle and have non-leather, non-skid, non-marking
soles.
·
Bring gloves and kneepads if necessary.
·
Wear
a helmet to protect against low ceilings.
·
Travel in groups of three or more for safety.
·
Stay
within your abilities and experience level to avoid injuring yourself and to
avoid damaging the cave.
·
Always
watch for and avoid poisonous creatures such as snakes and insect
1.
Plan
ahead, be prepared, and know what to expect from the cave you are visiting.
2.
Choose
appropriate clothing, equipment, and safety gear.
3.
Move
carefully through the cave to avoid damaging cave features.
4.
Stay
on established trails.
5.
Pack
it in; pack it out – including all human waste. Take out everything you take
in, and leave nothing in the cave.
6.
Leave
what you find; never remove natural or historic features from cave.
7.
Respect
wildlife, and avoid disturbing or killing cave wildlife, including bats, cave
crickets and all other living things in the cave.
8.
Respect
other visitors – while in the cave area, stay quiet and keep a clean camp.
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