Shimoni Slave Caves

Did  you know that Shimoni actually means ‘The place of the cave’ in Swahili? These caves have a fascinating history going back many centuries. The age of the caves is evident with the huge stalactites and stalagmites inside that complete the horror feel. Shimoni’s history revolves alot around the cave.

A long time ago, people used the caves for spiritual rituals or as hidding places whenever there was a war. Later on, at the height of slave trade, the same caves were used by Arab slave traders as holding pens for slaves before they were shipped of to Zanzibar and onwards to Yemen. It is beleved that the slaves were held here for 2-3 weeks, before being packed  in dhows -upto 1000 at a time. As many as 400 died during that voyage and were thrown overboard to be eaten by sharks.

Shimoni lies further South and currently is a somewhat sleepy fishing village with resorts and companies that specialise in scuba diving, dolphin safaris providing accommodation and recreation for visitors. If you are in Diani Beach with a day to spare, consider a Shimoni tour and you will not be disappointed.

Getting to Shimoni, its a small place, find the directions of all the places you would like to go to here.

Shimoni’s thoroughfare.

Sign Outside the historic slaves, entry is subject to rates above.

Staircase leading to the dark, bat infested caves.

The remains of the chains where slaves were shackled to the  cave walls.

Cave has a skylight?

The stalactites in the cave are simply amazing!

Theres the exit. Cave tour is over

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