Kiwengwa/Pongwe Forest Reserve

The Kiwengwa/Pongwe Forest Reserve is a protected forest along the coast of Unguja with mangrove forests and coastal ecosystems. The area is home to many plant and animal species found nowhere else, connected by walking paths throughout the reserve.

The forest received official protection in 2005 when concerns grew about forest loss and wildlife decline. This action came at a turning point when the habitat was shrinking rapidly.

Local people gather medicinal plants and other forest resources following methods passed down through generations. These practices are woven into daily life and show how communities have lived alongside nature here for a long time.

To explore the forest, visitors need to arrange guided tours with local authorities or authorized guides. The paths are easiest to walk during the dry season, as wet conditions can make walking difficult.

The forest contains ancient limestone caves that served different purposes over time. These caves were once used for ancestral rituals and later adapted for other uses.