Explore the Oldest Human Burial Site in Africa

Where Mbitsi the child was lain to rest 78,000 years ago.

Blessing and cleansing ceremony by kaya elders

Duration2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

At the heart of Msitu wa Ndoto (Forest of Dreams) just outside Kilifi town, is the final resting place where 'Mbitsi', a 3-year-old child, was buried 78,000 years ago.
Unlike crowded tourist traps, this extraordinary 'open cave' site remains untouched and primal. We are committed to preserving the fragile ecosystem, therefore we only offer 2 tours a day.
Our expert local guides are descendants of the cave's traditional guardians
- This exquisite heritage site is newly opened to visitors
- Personalised attention and excellent customer service
- Indigenous flora and fauna including some critically endangered flowers
- This is a wild space so a level of physical fitness and appreciation of nature is required.
- Spaces limited to preserve the pristine nature
Maximum 15 people
- NOT recommended for children under 8
- Please wear solid shoes.
- You will need to crawl very short distances (1.5metre) to enter into certain chambers (not potholing) so wear suitable clothing
- Avoid perfume

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

What to expect

Pass by

At Panga ya Saidi, visitors experience a comprehensive archaeological tour of Kenya's most significant prehistoric cave. The guided experience takes you through limestone chambers where human activity dates back 78,000 years. Guides explain the cave's geological formation and how it served as a continuous settlement site through the Stone Age. You'll see excavation areas that have yielded ancient tools and beads. The tour highlights the cave's role as a refuge during the East African slave trade, when local communities hid from slave raiders. Discover insights into Mijikenda cultural practices, including traditional ceremonies once (and still) performed in the cave. The biodiversity showcases the unique plants and animals that inhabit the cave ecosystem. The experience includes explanations of archaeological methods used to uncover the site's history and the cave's significance in understanding human evolution and migration patterns in East Africa.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

From Mavueni, go past Pastor Ezekiel's mega church. Drive and as the road veers to the left, take the dirt road on the right. Drive approx 12 minutes. Turn left at the small private road on the left. Any issues you can contact Sammy, the cave Guardian.

End point

From Mavueni, go past Pastor Ezekiel's mega church. Drive and as the road veers to the left, take the dirt road on the right. Drive approx 12 minutes. Turn left at the small private road on the left. Any issues you can contact Sammy, the cave Guardian.

Additional information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.