Kuza Cave

Kuza is a collapsed cave in the coral limestone inland from Jambiani, holding a pool of clear fresh water that sits above the salt water below it, a lens formed by rain filtering through the porous rock. It has been used by the surrounding villages for a very long time for water and for ritual, and it is now open for swimming. The site also runs a small cultural centre teaching Swahili cooking, drumming and language alongside the cave.

What you actually see

• The freshwater pool - clear water in a collapsed coral limestone chamber.
• The rock chamber - the cave walls and roots hanging into the water.
• The cultural centre - Swahili cooking, drumming and language sessions on site.
• The water lens - fresh rainwater sitting above the salt water in porous coral.

When to go

Year round; the water temperature stays constant. Mornings are quietest before tour groups arrive. The site is inland and unaffected by sea conditions.

Honest expectations

The cave is small and swimming in it takes a few minutes. Sunscreen and lotions have to be washed off before entering to protect the water. Group tours arrive in batches and the pool gets crowded.

Nearby

Jambiani is on the coast, and Jozani is north.