MANGAPWANI Village Tour

Mangapwani village is located on the northwest coast of Unguja, Zanzibar, approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of Stone Town. The area has historical significance due to its association with black-market slavery that occurred between the 1840s and 1880s. The shoreline of Mangapwani contains caves that were used as hiding places for slaves during the illicit slave trade period

Discovery of Coral Cave and Slave Chamber

One of the notable caves in Mangapwani is the Coral Cave, which was discovered by Joseph Thomas, a British explorer, in 1870. This cave is located about two kilometers south of Mangapwani village. The cave served as a chamber for slaves and had a square-shaped cell with a coralline roof, believed to have been built by slaves. It is attributed to Mohammed bin Nassor Al-Alwi, a slave trader who transported slaves by boats.

Role in the Slave Trade and Abolition

The Mangapwani area, including the Coral Cave and Slave Chamber, played a significant role in the slave trade during the 19th century. It was an important transit point where captured slaves were concealed before being transported further. However, after the abolition of slavery in 1873 following the Sultan Barghash treaty, these caves were used as hideouts for slaves involved in illicit trade

PRICE INCLUDES: Transport - Lunch - Tour information