The African Barn Owl Cave Mombasa

Tucked a few meters away from the Indian Ocean enchants in beauty and history, the African Barn Owl Cave, Mombasa.

The first sight is a docile and seemingly innocent well-manicured landscape that blends into nature with vernacular architecture.

Cave Bar and Grill at African Barn Owl Cave blending into the natural surrounding

Behind it, a rock-ribbed pit was curved by nature, once a refuge for the sons of the villagers from the double-crossing Arab slave traders fooled by the innocence of the surrounding.

As you stride into the cave, a fetid odor of porcupine poop – what looks and smells like goat shit – fills the air.

Porcupine Poop at African Barn Owl Cave — Porcupine Shit looks and smells like goat shit

Together with the porcupines, the African Barn Owl Cave is home to the barn owls, bats, chicken munching wild cats, and once, a long time ago, pythons.

A little into the cave, the chirping sounds of tiny birds playing on the towering palm trees consume the odor.

Or maybe it’s the creeps of the gaping hole that once was a sacred altar for the villagers seeking wealth, rain, protection, or worshipping their gods.

Ancient Ritual Altar at African Barn Owl Cave — Ancient Altar at African Barn Owl Cave, locals would slide into it to worship their gods.

The once haunted cave is a spot of beauty. It is quiet, relaxing, and mesmerizing.

Pathway to the belly of the African Barn Owl Cave — Stunning rocks at African Barn Owl Cave

What you can do here.

Take beautiful photos with the rocky backdrop.

Plan a picnic or date in the caves

Chill and relax at the Cave bar and grill.

Best time to visit the African Barn Owl Cave Mombasa

If you want to see the barn owls, bats, or porcupines, the best time to visit the African barn owl cave is early in the morning or late in the evening when the brazing Mombasa sun is setting.

However, to tour and relax in the place, any time during the day is good.

Relax at the Cave Bar and Grill at African Barn Owl Cave

The bar is stocked with local and imported liquor.

Food is available on order.

While in the neighborhood, check out the Kikambala beach, it’s a few meters from the caves, but you will have to walk around the perimeter walls.

How to get there

By Boda boda, tuk tuk, taxi, Uber, matatus.

A few kilometers after Mtwapa town, in Kikambala trading center, take a right turn to the road leading to Sultan Palace.

Travel along the tarmac road until you see the Sultan Palace signage. Take a right turn; in a few yards, to your right will see the African Barn Owl Cave signpost.

You have arrived at your destination.

The African Barn Owl Cave in Kikambala should feature in your Mombasa vacation.