Mangapwani Slave Chambers & Coral Cave
Mangapwani
Underground stone chambers on the northwest coast. Even after the slave trade was banned in 1873, they were still used to hide smuggled slaves. A nearby natural coral cave also carries this dark history.
The chambers were carved into coral rock and divided into two compartments, with a single small opening to the sea. Slave traders hid captives here and loaded them onto boats at night for smuggling. About 2 km away, the coral cave is a natural cavern with a freshwater pool, which is also said to have been used to hide slaves. Entry costs a few dollars, and guards on site provide explanations. The site is about 20 km from Stone Town and is often visited together with the spice farms and Maruhubi Palace. Nearby beaches are good for lunch and swimming.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Spice Farms (Kizimbani)
- Prison Island (Changuu)
- Maruhubi Palace Ruins
- Palace Museum (Beit al-Sahel)
- House of Wonders
- Forodhani Gardens Night Market
- Old Fort of Zanzibar
- Darajani Market