Amboni Caves

The Amboni Caves are the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa. They are located 8 km north of Tanga City, off the Tanga-Mombasa road. The caves cover an area of 234 km² and were formed around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. Researchers believe the caves were once underwater about 20 million years ago, which helped create their unique shapes.

The area has rock-walled gorges, limestone pavements, deep fissures, and eroded limestone pillars. Historically believed to extend over 200 km, there are ten caves in total, but only one is open for guided tours. This cave has several chambers, some of which are quite dark. Visitors can see fascinating formations that look like real-world objects, including a tiger made from bat droppings, elephants, birds, airplanes, ships, the Liberty Torch, Mount Kilimanjaro, and even male and female reproductive organs.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The Amboni Caves are important to local communities like the Segeju, Sambaa, Bondei, and Digo. They believe the caves are home to spirits called Mizimu in Swahili. One sacred chamber, known as Mzimu wa Mabuvu, is believed to house a powerful spirit that can bless people with wealth and heal sickness.

Even today, the caves are used for religious practices and rituals. The first chamber is especially sacred. People make offerings here to show respect to the spirits. Because of their spiritual importance, pets like dogs and cats are not allowed inside the caves.

One legend tells of a white man who ignored local warnings and entered the caves with his dog in 1941. Both got lost inside. The dog’s body was later found near Mount Kilimanjaro, but the man was never seen again.

Historical Background

The caves have a rich history. In 1892, Amboni Limited took over the caves. In 1922, the British colonial government made them a protected area. In 1963, the Tanganyika government gave the caves to the Department of Antiquities. Currently, the caves are under the supervision of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.

The caves were also a hideout for Tanganyika activists Osale Otangu and Paulo Khamisi. From 1952 to 1956, they hid in the caves to avoid capture. They were later caught after moving to Tanga.