Jozani Forest: Complete Guide to Zanzibar's Only National Park

The Jozani Forest, officially known as Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, is the only national park in the country. Zanzibar and home to the red colobus monkey, an endangered endemic species that exists only on this island. Located in the center of Unguja, 35 km southeast of Stone Town, this 50 km² forest combines rainforest, mangroves and seagrass creating a unique ecosystem. Visiting Jozani Forest is the best opportunity to see wildlife in Zanzibar and one of the most popular excursions on the island. In this guide I tell you everything: how to get there, prices, what to see, best time to go and practical tips for your visit.

What is Jozani Forest and why visit it?

Jozani Forest Zanzibar is the last significant remnant of the native forest that once covered much of the island. The park protects several ecosystems:
Hardwood forestThe main area with giant mahogany trees, ficus and palm trees. Here live the red colobus monkeys.
Chwaka Bay MangrovesExtensive mangrove system in the north of the park, crucial for marine biodiversity.
Swamp forestSeasonally flooded areas with specialized vegetation.
Seagrass meadowsIn the bay, important for turtles and dugongs.

Red colobus monkeys: the star of the Jozani Forest

The Jozani Forest is world famous for the Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii), a species that only exists here. They are easily recognizable by:

• Black coat with white and copper markings
• Long tail (longer than the body)
• Pink/black hairless face
• Calm behavior (accustomed to humans)

PopulationApproximately 6,000 individuals (recovering from only 1,500 in the 1990s).
Colobus live in groups of 30-50 individuals and are almost guaranteed to see during your visit. Unlike other wild primates, these monkeys are used to people and approach them without fear, although you should not touch them.

Practical information about Jozani Forest

Schedules and entrance to the Jozani Forest

Schedule: Open daily 7:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30)

Entrance fee:

Adults: 10 USD
Children (5-16 years old): 5 USD
Children under 5 years old: Free

Mandatory guideIncluded in the entrance fee. You cannot tour the park without a guide.

Duration of the visit1.5-2 hours for the main tour, 3-4 hours if you add the mangroves.

How to get to Jozani Forest

LocationMain road between Stone Town and the southeastern beaches, near Pete's village.
From Stone Town35 km, 45-60 minutes by car
From eastern beaches (Paje, Jambiani): 15-20 km, 20-30 min.
From northern beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa): 60 km, 1-1.5 hours
Transportation options:
Organized tour30-50 USD per person - Includes round trip transportation, entrance fee, guide. The easiest option.
Private cab40-60 USD round trip from Stone Town with waiting time. Negotiate the price beforehand.
Dala-dalaThe cheapest (2,000-3,000 TSh / 1 USD) but complicated. Take dala-dala #309 or #310 from Stone Town to Paje/Jambiani and ask to get off at "Jozani". Then walk 10 minutes to the entrance.
Motorcycle/rented carIf you drive, there is free parking at the entrance.
Combined excursionMany operators offer Jozani + Spice Farm as a full day tour (60-80 USD).

What to see in Jozani Forest Zanzibar

Jozani Forest's main trail: Jozani Nature Trail

The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour and covers 2 km on well-maintained trails.

HomeThe guide first takes you to the area where the red colobus monkeys are usually found. You usually find them in the first 10-15 minutes.

What you will see with colobus in the Jozani Forest:

• Family groups resting in the trees
• Mothers with babies clinging to their breasts
• Dominant males guarding
• Feeding behaviors (eating leaves, flowers, green fruits)

Photography in the Jozani ForestYou can get very close, but do NOT touch the monkeys. Telephoto lenses are not necessary - with a smartphone you get good pictures.

Other animals in the Jozani Forest:

• Green siké monkeys (smaller and shy)
• Aders' Duikers (very rare small antelopes)
• 50+ species of birds (owls, hornbills, weavers)
• Brightly colored butterflies
• Chameleons (if you are lucky)

Flora highlights in the Jozani Forest:

• Giant mahogany and ficus trees
• Raffia palm trees
• Medicinal plants (the guide explains traditional uses)
• Wild orchids

Pete Mangrove Boardwalk in Jozani Forest

After the main trail, you can add the mangrove tour (additional 30-45 minutes, same ticket).

Elevated walkwayA 500-meter wooden path crosses the mangrove forest over the water, allowing you to see this unique ecosystem without getting wet.

What you will see in the Jozani Forest:

• Three types of mangroves: red, black and white.
• Fiddler crabs (males with a giant claw)
• Fish jumping out of the mud
• Birds: herons, kingfishers, ospreys, ospreys
• Unique mangrove aerial root system

Educational value del Bosque JozaniThe guides explain how the mangroves:

• Protecting the coast from erosion and storms
• Breeding of young fish (marine nurseries)
• Leakage of contamination
• Carbon storage (crucial against climate change)

When to go to the Jozani ForestBest at high tide when the water completely surrounds the mangroves and more life is visible.

Best time to visit the Jozani Forest

Time of day to go to the Jozani Forest:

• Early morning (8:00-10:00): More active animals, less heat, less people, better light for photos.
• Mid-morning (10:00-12:00): Good time, may be more crowded.
• Afternoon (15:00-16:30): Fewer people but less active animals due to the heat.

Time of year to go to the Jozani Forest:

• All year round: Colobus monkeys are always present.
• Dry season (June-October): drier trails, fewer mosquitoes
• Rainy season (March-May): Forest greener and lusher, may be muddy on trails, fewer visitors

AvoidNoon (intense heat, inactive animals)

Jozani Forest Rules

To protect this fragile ecosystem:

✅ Allowed:

• Photography without flash
• Walking on marked trails
• Ask questions to the guide
• Observing animals from a respectful distance

❌ Forbidden:

• Touching or feeding monkeys (they can bite and transmit diseases)
• Going off the beaten path
• Smoking
• Excessive noise
• Harvesting plants or flowers
• Using flash for photography
• Bringing visible food (attracts monkeys)

What to bring to Jozani Forest

Essential:

• Mosquito repellent (rainforest)
• Water (there is no place to buy inside)
• Comfortable closed shoes (trails may be muddy)
• Camera or smartphone

Recommended:

• Hat/cap
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight long-sleeved clothing (mosquito and sun protection)
• Bird Binoculars
• Bird guide if you are an enthusiast

Not required:

• Expensive telephoto lens (monkeys get very close)
• Lunch (tour is short, eat before or after)

Community conservation in Jozani

The Jozani Forest is a successful example of community conservation. Revenues from the park directly benefit the 16 surrounding villages through:

Educational projects: Scholarships for local children
InfrastructureWater wells, health centers
EmploymentGuides, park rangers, administrative personnel
Sustainable developmentProjects of beekeeping, handicrafts
According to Tanzania National ParksThis model has drastically reduced poaching and deforestation, allowing the colobus population to recover.

Combining Jozani with other activities

Jozani + Spice FarmThe most popular combo. Morning at spice farm, afternoon at Jozani (60-80 USD full day).
Jozani + The Rock RestaurantMorning visit to Jozani, lunch at The Rock (add 2 more hours).
Jozani + Southeastern beachesIf you stay in Paje/Jambiani, visit Jozani in the morning, beach in the afternoon.
Jozani + Kuza Cave: Both are in the same area (southeast), easy to combine.

Jozani Forest with children

Jozani Forest Zanzibar is excellent for families:

Why it works:

• Short tour (1.5-2 hours, manageable for children)
• Watching monkeys fascinates children
• Accessible trails (no great physical condition required)
• Educational but entertaining

Recommended ageFrom 4-5 years and up

Considerations:

• Very young children can become tired
• Keep children close (do not touch monkeys).
• Bring extra snacks and water
• Prepares for mosquitoes

Frequently asked questions about the Jozani Forest

Is it safe to visit the Jozani Forest and are the monkeys dangerous?

Yes, the Jozani Forest is completely safe for visitors. The red colobus monkeys are habituated to humans and are naturally calm, not aggressive. However, you should NOT touch or feed them - they may bite if they feel threatened or if they associate humans with food. Keep a respectful distance (1-2 meters), follow instructions from the mandatory guide and there will be no problems. Thousands of tourists visit Jozani annually without incident. The only minor risks are mosquitoes (use repellent) and possible mud on trails after rain (wear closed shoes). According to Tanzania Wildlife AuthorityThere have been no serious visitor incidents in decades of park operation.

How much time do I need to visit the Jozani Forest?

The standard Jozani Forest tour lasts 1.5-2 hours, perfect as a mid-morning or afternoon activity. This includes the main forest trail where you see the red colobus monkeys (1 hour) and, optionally, the mangrove walk on an elevated boardwalk (additional 30-45 minutes). If you add transportation time: from Stone Town estimate 3-4 hours total (45 min one way + 2 hours in park + 45 min return), from eastern beaches 2.5-3 hours total. Many visitors combine Jozani with spice farm in a full day tour. You don't need more than half a day for Jozani alone, which allows you to combine it with other activities on the same day.

Is Jozani Forest worth visiting or is it just to see monkeys?

Definitely worth it beyond the monkeys. Although the red colobus are the star attraction, Jozani Forest Zanzibar offers: unique rainforest ecosystem (the last significant one in Zanzibar), 50+ species of birds, rare antelopes, colorful butterflies, medicinal plants that guides explain, and the fascinating mangrove ecosystem with its educational walkway. This is the only real opportunity to see wildlife in Zanzibar as the island lacks major safaris. The community conservation education component adds depth. For 10 USD with guide included, it is excellent value. Ideal for those who appreciate nature, photography, environmental education or just want something other than beaches. As mentioned Lonely PlanetJozani is "essential to complete the Zanzibar experience beyond sun and beach".