Region: Tanga
Access: By road
Attractions: The caves
Activities: Cave explorationÂ
Accommodation: Available nearby
Best time to visit: All year round
Useful link: Amboni Caves - NCAA
The Amboni Caves are the biggest limestone caves in East Africa. They cover an area of 234 km² and were created around 150 million years ago in the Jurassic period
The Amboni Caves are located 8 km north of Tanga City in Tanzania, off the Tanga-Mombasa road. They are known for being the largest limestone caves in East Africa, attracting both locals and tourists due to their geological marvel
These caves were formed around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic age and cover an area of 234 km². They consist of a complex network of tunnels and chambers that offer a fascinating exploration experience for visitors interested in their rich history and cultural significance. Researchers believe that the Amboni Caves were once submerged underwater around 20 million years ago resulting to its wonderful formation
The Amboni Caves hold a rich heritage of local legends and tales, deeply ingrained in the beliefs of nearby ethnic communities like the Segeju, Sambaa, Bondei, and Digo. These mystical caves were believed to be the dwelling place of supernatural spirits called “Mizimu,” who held great influence over the land. Even in present times, the caves remain a site for religious practices and rituals, with specific chambers revered as sacred spaces for offering prayers and making spiritual offerings
The history of the Amboni Caves is as diverse as the generations of people who have called the surrounding area their home. In 1892, Amboni Limited acquired the caves, and later in 1922, the British colonial government declared them a protected conservation area. In 1963, the Tanganyika government transferred ownership of the caves to the Department of Antiquities. Throughout all these years, Amboni caves have stood as a place of profound respect and captivating wonder, attracting pilgrims and visitors from distant places who seek to experience its majestic presence
The Amboni Caves still hold a spiritual significance to some of the local communities, as they are considered a sacred place for worship and prayer. The first chamber is especially respected, and people make offerings to show their reverence and respect to the spirits. These traditions have been passed down through generations and still flourish today, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the caves. Because of this, pets like dogs and cats are not allowed in the caves
Amboni caves also have several other unique structure formation that resemble some of the real workd entities. Such include chambers with representation of Abrahamic religions, i.e Christianity and Islam, structure of a tiger from bats poo, elephants, bird, aeroplane and ship structures, Liberty Torch, Mt. Kilimanjaro and the male and female reproductive organs structures
The part of Amboni caves that is open for tourism is connected to several other places in Tanzania and Kenya through its network of complex tunnels.Legend has it that in 1941, a white man disregarded the locals’ warnings and ventured into the caves with his dog. Unfortunately, both the man and the dog got lost in the caves, and the dog’s lifeless body was later discovered near Mt. Kilimanjaro. However, the man remains missing to this day. It also takes at least 4 hours from the caves to Mombasa, Kenya, and about one hour to Tanga’s main bus stand, Kange
The Amboni Caves are located 8 km north of Tanga City in Tanzania, off the Tanga-Mombasa road. They are known for being the largest limestone caves in East Africa, attracting both locals and tourists due to their geological marvel
These caves were formed around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic age and cover an area of 234 km². They consist of a complex network of tunnels and chambers that offer a fascinating exploration experience for visitors interested in their rich history and cultural significance. Researchers believe that the Amboni Caves were once submerged underwater around 20 million years ago resulting to its wonderful formationÂ
The Amboni Caves hold a rich heritage of local legends and tales, deeply ingrained in the beliefs of nearby ethnic communities like the Segeju, Sambaa, Bondei, and Digo. These mystical caves were believed to be the dwelling place of supernatural spirits called “Mizimu,” who held great influence over the land. Even in present times, the caves remain a site for religious practices and rituals, with specific chambers revered as sacred spaces for offering prayers and making spiritual offerings
The history of the Amboni Caves is as diverse as the generations of people who have called the surrounding area their home. In 1892, Amboni Limited acquired the caves, and later in 1922, the British colonial government declared them a protected conservation area. In 1963, the Tanganyika government transferred ownership of the caves to the Department of Antiquities. Throughout all these years, Amboni caves have stood as a place ofÂ
profound respect and captivating wonder, attracting pilgrims and visitors from distant places who seek to experience its majestic presence
The Amboni Caves still hold a spiritual significance to some of the local communities, as they are considered a sacred place for worship and prayer. The first chamber is especially respected, and people make offerings to show their reverence and respect to the spirits. These traditions have been passed down through generations and still flourish today, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the caves. Because of this, pets like dogs and cats are not allowed in the caves
Amboni caves also have several other unique structure formation that resemble some of the real workd entities. Such include chambers with representation of Abrahamic religions, i.e Christianity and Islam, structure of a tiger from bats poo, elephants, bird, aeroplane and ship structures, Liberty Torch, Mt. Kilimanjaro and the male and female reproductive organs structures
The part of Amboni caves that is open for tourism is connected to several other places in Tanzania and Kenya through its network of complex tunnels.Legend has it that in 1941, a white man disregarded the locals’ warnings and ventured into the caves with his dog. Unfortunately, both the man and the dog got lost in the caves, and the dog’s lifeless body was later discovered near Mt. Kilimanjaro. However, the man remains missing to this day. It also takes at least 4 hours from the caves to Mombasa, Kenya, and about one hour to Tanga’s main bus stand, Kange
Osale Otangu and Paulo Khamisi, Tanganyika activists, hid at the Amboni Caves, and conducted their missions from there, for 4 years between 1952 – 1956 before moving to Tanga where they were apprehended by the authoritiesÂ
Interesting facts about Amboni Caves
- Amboni Caves were formed about 150 million years ago during the Jurassic age. Research suggest that the caves were under water about 20 million years ago
- The Amboni Caves were a secret hideout for Tanganyika human rights activists Osale Otangu and Paulo Khamisi. From 1952 to 1956, they operated from the caves, avoiding capture for four years. They were later caught by authorities after moving to Tanga
- Amboni Caves are the largest limestone caves in East Africa, covering an area of 234 km²
Getting to Amboni Caves
Getting to Amboni Caves from Tanga is quite straightforward. You can start by heading north from Tanga City along the Tanga-Mombasa road for about 8 kilometers until you reach Kiomoni Village. From there, you’ll find signs directing you to the Amboni Caves entrance, which is located off the main road. Simply follow these signs, and you’ll arrive at the caves in no time. It’s a relatively short and easy journey, making it accessible for visitors looking to explore the caves
Image Gallery
