Jozani Chwaka Bay National park combines the lowland forest, mangrove swamp, and parts of Chwaka Bay into Zanzibar’s only national park. The site protects rare species, including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, and it holds a short network of trails and a raised boardwalk through mangroves that makes the ecosystems easy to read.
You will notice the dense leaves first; then the monkey calls; then the long, quiet feel of the mud when you stand above it. Guides explain local ecology in plain language and the connection between village life and the bay.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park invites you into a small, intense world of forest, mangrove, and tidal flats. The Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the reason you will trade hotel time for an early morning walk, and because the red colobus monkeys here change how you think about wildlife on an island.
Jozani Forest National Park rewards attention with simple, memorable scenes. The main attractions are compact, and they play well together.
Zanzibar red colobus monkeys.
These primates are the star. They move in small groups and often take to the lower branches where you can watch them groom, feed, and leap with an odd, careful grace. Guides help you find them and explain why the species survives here.
Mangrove boardwalk.
An elevated wooden path crosses shallow mangrove channels, which gives you close views of roots, small fish, mud skippers, and birdlife without hurting the habitat. The walk feels quiet and slightly otherworldly.
Forest trails and the Mother Mahogany.
Short trails thread through the canopy to older trees, including a large mahogany that anchors one route. The forest feels layered; light, shadow, and hum of insects make each step tactile.
Birding and small mammals.
The park attracts shorebirds, kingfishers, and smaller mammals. If you care about birds, mornings will reward you.
The Jozania Forest Park links to community projects, education, and sustainable use. When you visit, you support local conservation efforts that keep the place whole.
Visit in the dry months for steady mornings and calmer boat and road transfers. The most reliable window runs from June through October when humidity drops and visibility in mangrove channels tends to improve.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best wildlife sightings, because monkeys and birds become more active in cooler hours. If you want fewer people, choose weekdays in the shoulder seasons and plan a morning slot.
The park sits roughly 30 to 35 kilometers southeast of Stone Town, on Unguja island. The drive runs through small towns and palms; it takes about 40 to 60 minutes by car depending on traffic and your pickup point.
That makes Jozani an easy half day or morning trip from most west and south coast hotels. Also, it makes it an easy addon on top of other exciting Zanzibar day activities.
Most visitors travel from Stone Town or east coast resorts. The available options include:
Taxi or private transfer. Fastest and simplest; expect roughly 40 minutes from central Stone Town. Book through your hotel or at the airport.
Shared tours. Many operators including ourself may group you with other guests heading to Jozani or spice farms or nearby sights; they handle pickup and timing.
Public minibus for the adventurous. Cheaper but slower and less predictable; use it only if you have flexible timing.
If you want to match wildlife activity, ask to arrive near opening time so you walk the forest when animals are most visible.
Once in Jozani, you move on foot and with a park guide. Guided walks typically last one to two hours and include the forest loop plus the mangrove boardwalk. Guides point out primates, birdlife, and subtle tracks in the soil. Paths stay short and manageable; comfortable shoes and a small daypack suit the visit.
Guides also explain local customs and conservation work, which makes the hour richer and more useful.
Jozani has no hotels inside the park, but nearby villages and the east coast offer choices for all budgets. There are other options if you engage us and inform us about your budget and kind of experience you expect.
Stone Town base. Good if you want a short transfer and a mix of culture and nature in a single day.
East coast beaches. Paje, Jambiani, and Bwejuu sit 30 to 50 minutes away and give easy morning access.
Small lodges near the park. A few guesthouses and eco-lodges cluster close by; they provide calm early starts and local contact.
If you plan an early morning visit, choose lodging that offers pickups or stands close to the park entrance so you avoid rush-hour delays.
Aim for the first walk of the day
You get cooler air, better light, and higher chances of seeing colobus monkeys active in the treetops. Early slots also mean fewer people on the boardwalk.
Bring local currency and small notes
Entrance fees and guide charges often require Tanzanian shillings. Keep small notes for short purchases and tips for your guide.
Hire a park guide at the gate or in advance
A guided walk deepens the visit. Guides know where groups move, which trees hold feeding sites, and which small birds hide in the canopy.
Wear non-slip shoes and light layers
Forest paths get muddy after rain. A pair of comfortable trainers or trail sandals and a light shirt give shade and mobility.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
Sun and bugs can both affect comfort. Apply reef-friendly sunscreen if you head back to the coast afterward.
Carry water and a small snack
Walks are short but humid conditions can tire you. A reusable bottle and a few nuts keep energy steady.
Respect wildlife distance and rules
Don’t feed monkeys or chase birds. Keep noise low and follow guide directions so animals keep their natural behavior.
Combine Jozani with a nearby stop
Pair the visit with a spice farm, a village walk, or a sandbank trip to make the most of a half day. That gives you contrast: forest, culture, and sea in one movement.
What is the entrance fee and does it include a guide?
Entrance for foreigners is around 12,000 Tanzanian shillings and often includes a park guide for the walk; fees vary by visitor category so carry local cash and check current rates at the gate.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Allocate two to three hours for a relaxed visit. That covers a guided forest loop, the mangrove boardwalk, time for photos, and a short stop at the information center.
Will I definitely see red colobus monkeys?
Sightings are common but never guaranteed but most definitely, you will. The monkeys live in the forest and guides know recent group locations. Morning visits improve your odds.
Is the park child friendly?
Yes. Families visit often. Trails remain short and the boardwalk provides safe viewing. Supervise young children near water and follow your guide’s safety notes.
Can I visit independently or must I use a guide?
Guides are recommended and often included with entrance. They point out wildlife and protect sensitive areas, which makes the visit both safer and more insightful.
Are there bathrooms and visitor facilities?
Of course. Basic facilities exist near the park entrance and information area. Expect functional restrooms and a small shop for water and snacks may be not the cleanest but, it gets the job done.
How do I avoid the crowds?
Choose a weekday morning, arrive at opening, and avoid peak high season mid-days. Book a private early slot if you want quiet and more focused attention from a guide.
How does visiting support conservation?
Entrance fees and guided programs fund park management and community projects tied to conservation. If you want a closer look, ask guides how funds support local education or habitat protection.
Stay in Zanzibar, relax on sugar-white beaches, then fly to Serengeti or Nyerere for big cats, returning to sunset dhows and spice markets; you enjoy safari action with beach downtime with the experts.
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