Zanzibar: Fukuchani Ruins and Natural Caves Guided Tour

Explore the Fukuchani Ruins and Natural Caves on a guided tour. Learn about the history of the Fukuchani Ruins and the surrounding area, and take a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the caves.
Discover the Fukuchani Ruins, a 16th-century fortified dwelling that may have belonged to a wealthy merchant or farmer. Explore the ruins and learn about their history.

Meet your guide at the Fukuchani village and begin your tour with a short history of the residence villages. Visit the local historical houses with slender thatched roofs.

Disembark at the Fukuchani Ruins, known locally as the 'Portuguese House'. Although some Portuguese settlers may have built houses on Zanzibar during this period, this structure is considered by archaeologists to be of Swahili and not foreign origin.

The ruins are well maintained and the surrounding land has been mostly cleared of vegetation. The ruins are in good condition, compared with many others on Zanzibar of a similar age, and quite impressive.

Buildings of a similar style have been found at other sites along the east African coast. Alongside the ruins at Mvuleni, Fukuchani represents the finest domestic stone house architecture of this period.

Behind the ruin, a path leads to a small beach. Across the channel, you can see Tumbatu Island, with the lighthouse at its northern tip clearly visible. At the southern end of the island are the remains of a large town, dating from around the 12th century.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.