Shimoni, in Swahili, translates as "the place of caves" and anyone that has seen the Shimoni caves and understands their long history, understand the significance of the name
Shimoni, in Swahili, translates as "the place of caves" and anyone that has seen the Shimoni caves and understands their long history, understand the significance of the name.
Originally a spiritual place of deep significance to the indigenous people, the caves then became holding cells for slaves transported from inland by the Arab traders before being loaded onto ships bound for Zanzibar. Believed to extend for several kilometres underground, the series of caves have a haunting atmosphere and testify to the suffering that they have seen. Shimoni was also the headquarters for the Imperial East Africa Company, before Kenya was a British Colony, and the remains of the old building still remain outside the cave.
Shimoni is well-known for diving, big game fishing in the Pemba Channel, and trips to Kisite and Wasini Island where there is spectacular snorkelling and beautiful untouched white beaches. This is a good place to enjoy both stunning beaches and heaps of marine activities, though accommodation is still fairly limited as tourism is quite undeveloped in this area.
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Vanessa's 16 years in travel has seen her knowledge develop from sub-Saharan Africa into North Africa, Central and Southern America and the Galapagos. Consequently, she’s a veritable encyclopaedia of travel information and exceptionally cool, calm and collected in the face of the greatest planning demands.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
