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Jozani Forest Tour: Meet Zanzibar's Rare Red Colobus Monkeys
Discover Zanzibar's only national park, home to the endangered red colobus monkey, ancient forests, and a unique mangrove ecosystem.
Quick Tour Overview
Duration: 2–3 hours (plus transport)
Location: Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
Best For: Wildlife lovers, families, photographers and nature enthusiasts
Tour Highlights
✓ See the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey
✓ Walk through Zanzibar's only national park
✓ Explore the famous mangrove boardwalk
✓ Learn from an experienced local guide
✓ Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Tourists Walking on Boardwalk Through Mangrove Swamp
What You'll Experience
Hotel Pick-up
Your day begins with collection from your hotel at the agreed time.
Because guests stay all across Zanzibar - from Stone Town and Paje to Nungwi, Kendwa and Matemwe - we arrange transport separately to ensure you only pay for the distance you travel.
The journey to Jozani offers a chance to see local villages, farms and everyday island life beyond the beaches.
Enter Zanzibar's Only National Park
As you step into the forest, the atmosphere changes immediately.
The temperature becomes cooler beneath the thick canopy, sunlight filters through towering mahogany and eucalyptus trees, and the sounds of nature replace the bustle of the road.
Your guide introduces the park, explains its history, and shares how this protected area has become one of East Africa's most successful conservation stories.
Every walk is slightly different because this is a living forest where wildlife moves freely.
Meet the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey
The stars of the park are undoubtedly the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys.
Unlike many wild primates, these monkeys are remarkably relaxed around people. Years of careful conservation mean they rarely feel threatened by respectful visitors, allowing you to observe them behaving naturally.
You'll often see them feeding high in the trees, grooming one another, playing with younger monkeys or making impressive leaps between branches.
Your guide will explain what makes them so unique, including their unusual digestive system, their highly social family groups, and why they exist only on Zanzibar.
For photographers, this is one of the best wildlife experiences on the island.
Zanzibar Red Colobus monkeys, Piliocolobus kirkii, in Jozani Forest on Zanzibar island
Explore the Mangrove Boardwalk
After spending time in the forest, the tour continues to one of Jozani's hidden gems - the Pete-Jozani Mangrove Boardwalk.
A raised wooden walkway leads you through a remarkable landscape where tangled roots rise from the tidal mud below.
Here you'll discover a completely different ecosystem.
Mangroves are far more than unusual-looking trees. Their roots protect Zanzibar's coastline from erosion, provide breeding grounds for countless fish species, and create important habitats for birds, crabs and other wildlife.
Walking quietly along the boardwalk offers a peaceful contrast to the monkey forest and gives you a deeper appreciation of Zanzibar's natural diversity.
Wildlife Beyond the Monkeys
Although the red colobus monkeys are the main attraction, they're far from the only wildlife you'll encounter.
Depending on the season and a little luck, you may also spot:
Sykes' monkeys
Blue monkeys
Bush babies
Colourful butterflies
Kingfishers and forest birds
Chameleons
Giant millipedes
Crabs living among the mangrove roots
Every visit is different, which is part of what makes Jozani such a special place.
Rather than guaranteeing wildlife sightings, the park offers the excitement of exploring a genuine natural habitat.
Mother and son admiring mangrove forest, Jozani National Park, Zanzibar.
Tour Prices
Our Jozani Forest Tour offers excellent value, whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends and family. The more people in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $55.00 |
| 2 people | $45.00 |
| 3 people | $35.00 |
| 4 people | $30.00 |
| 5 people | $28.75 |
| 6 people | $25.00 |
Experience Includes
✓ Entry fees to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
✓ Certified local naturalist guide
✓ Guided walk through the forest
✓ Mangrove boardwalk visit
✓ Private transfers (if selected during booking)
What's not Included
✗ Tips (optional)
✗ Food and drinks
✗ Personal purchases
✗ Transport (arranged after you share your hotel location)
We'll arrange transport once you tell us where you're staying, ensuring you only pay for the distance you actually travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Jozani Forest good for kids?
Absolutely! Children generally find the Red Colobus monkeys fascinating. The walk is not strenuous, and the boardwalk is safe. It is one of the most family-friendly activities in Zanzibar.
How long does the tour take?
Expect to spend between 2 and 3 hours in the park. This leaves you plenty of time for a leisurely lunch or to continue your journey to Stone Town or the beach.
Is the tour ethical?
Yes. The park fees contribute directly to the conservation of the forest and the protection of the monkeys. We follow "Leave No Trace" principles and maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife to ensure their health and safety.
When is the best time to visit?
The morning (between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM) is ideal as the monkeys are most active then. However, the forest remains cool even in the afternoon heat.
Helpful Tips Before You Go
A little preparation will help you make the most of your visit.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails are generally easy to walk, but closed shoes or trainers provide better grip than flip-flops.
Bring Water
Although the walk isn't strenuous, Zanzibar's tropical climate can be warm and humid.
Carry Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes are not usually a major issue during the day, but insect repellent is recommended.
Bring Your Camera
Jozani is one of the best places in Zanzibar for wildlife photography. A camera with a zoom lens can help capture monkeys high in the canopy, though smartphones also work well.
Respect the Wildlife
The monkeys are wild animals. Please don't feed them, touch them, or use flash photography. Watching them behave naturally is part of what makes the experience so special.
Is Jozani Forest Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
If you're looking for more than beaches and resorts, Jozani Forest offers one of the island's most authentic nature experiences.
It's the only place in the world where you can see the Zanzibar red colobus monkey in its natural habitat. Beyond the monkeys, you'll discover ancient trees, medicinal plants, peaceful forest trails, and an extraordinary mangrove ecosystem that plays a vital role in protecting Zanzibar's coastline.
The walk is relaxed, educational, and suitable for almost everyone, making it a fantastic choice for couples, families, solo travellers, and anyone interested in wildlife or conservation.
Many guests combine Jozani Forest with a Spice Farm Tour, The Rock Restaurant, or a transfer between Stone Town and the east coast, making it an easy addition to a day exploring the island.
If you're looking for an authentic, family-friendly activity that showcases the island's remarkable wildlife and conservation efforts, Jozani Forest deserves a place on your itinerary.
We'd be delighted to help you plan your visit.
Ready to explore Zanzibar's only national park?
Get in touch to check availability, arrange transport from your hotel, and choose the tour that best fits your travel plans.
