Paje, east coast
Maalum means "special" in Swahili, and the name has stuck for good reason. A short walk inland from Paje's kite-surfing beaches, this privately run limestone cave opens into a hidden natural pool of clear blue water, lit by shafts of sunlight filtering through the cave roof above. Wooden steps lead down to the water, where snorkelling gear is provided to explore the cave's quiet corners; visits are limited to keep the atmosphere as calm as the water itself.