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Mangapwani Slave Chambers built by Mohammed Bin Nassor Al-Alwi around 1880 from the cave and connected to the seaside 2kms away, the area is surrounded by varieties of indigenous trees such as Breadfruit, Rambo tans and scent shrubs. It was an important transit point for the captured slaves to be sold to the outside world at the time of the abolishment of slavery in 1873 especial in the middle East. Between 1880-1905, the Slave chamber was being used as a place of concealment of the human cargo pending their disposal. A utilized as the hideout by the Arabs for their human cargo ready for shipment. .
The slave trade - a historical background
Visit Mangapwani Ruins & Caves
Mangapwani (meaning 'Arab shore') lies on the coast, about 20km north of Zanzibar Town. The Coral Cave is a deep natural cavern in the coralline rock with a narrow entrance and a pool of fresh water at its lowest point. Water was probably collected from here by early inhabitants of this part of the island but at some time in the past vegetation grew across the entrance and the exact position of the cavern was forgotten.
Later, the area became the property of a wealthy Arab landowner called Hamed Salim el Hathy who had many slaves working on his plantations. During this time, the cavern was rediscovered by a young boy searching for a lost goat. Local people were able to use the water again, and Hamed Salim arranged for his slaves to collect the water regularly for his own use. It has been suggested by historians that the cave may have been used as a hiding place for slaves after the trade was officially abolished in 1873.
The Mangapwani Slave Chamber is a few kilometres further up the coast from the Coral Cave. Although sometimes called the Slave Cave, it is a square-shaped cell that has been cut out of the coralline rock, with a roof on top. It was originally built for storing slaves, and its construction is attributed to one Mohammed bin Nassor Al-Alwi, an important slave trader. Boats from the mainland would unload their human cargo on the nearby beach, and the slaves would be kept here before being taken to Zanzibar Town for resale, or to plantations on the island. It is thought that some time after 1873, when Sultan Barghash signed the Anglo–Zanzibari treaty which officially abolished the slave trade, the cave was used as a place to hide slaves, as an illicit trade continued for many years.
Experienced Professional Tour guide
Pick up and drop off from your hotel in private car
Entrances Fees
Bottled water
Transport waiting charge
All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
Medical Insurance
International Flights
Visa
Airport Taxes
Expenses of a personal Nature
Tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide
A moderate amount of walking is involved
Stick to a group when walking into the cave.
Wear sturdy shoes
Not wheelchair accessible
Be careful if entering the cave or drinking water from the pond
Not recommended for participants with back problems
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
Bookings can only be accepted for persons under 15 years of age when accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them.
