Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest Reserve

Zanzibar Island


Set back from the main road between Kiwengwa and Pongwe, this reserve protects a swathe of indigenous forest and its wildlife, including groups of the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Another highlight is a set of deep caves in the coral rock, complete with stalactites, stalagmites – and bats. A few local hotels arrange trips here, sometimes combined with a spice tour.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Zanzibar Island attractions

1. Kidichi Persian Baths

10.09 MILES

Sultan Seyyid Said built this bathhouse at Kidichi (11km northeast of Zanzibar Town) in 1850 for his Persian wife, Scheherezade. The royal couple would…

2. Mangapwani Coral Cave

13.09 MILES

This large natural cavern with a freshwater pool was originally used as a source of drinking water for local people and is rumoured to have been used in…

3. Mtoni Palace

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Overlooking the coast, away from the heat and hustle of Zanzibar Town, Mtoni Palace was built for Sultan Seyyid Said in 1828. It was home to the sultan’s…

4. Mangapwani Slave Chamber

13.61 MILES

This dark cell cut into the coral rock was used as a holding pen to hide slaves after the legal trade was abolished in the late 19th century. From here it…

5. Maruhubi Palace

14.33 MILES

Maruhubi Palace was built outside Zanzibar Town in 1882 for Sultan Barghash to house his impressively large harem. A few years later it was destroyed by…

6. Cine Afrique

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It's no longer a working cinema, but the grand old Cine Afrique is an art deco gem and a significant landmark.

7. Old Dispensary

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With its peppermint-green latticework balconies and sculpted clock tower, this 19th-century charitable dispensary is one of the most attractive landmarks…

8. Big Tree

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