Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, in the centre-south of the island, is Zanzibar’s only national park. It protects the largest remaining area of native forest on Unguja, along with mangroves and salt marsh, and it is the stronghold of the Zanzibar red colobus, a monkey found nowhere else in the world.
A guided visit takes about an hour or two: a walk through the forest to see habituated groups of red colobus at close range, a nature trail among huge mahogany and palm trees, and a boardwalk over the mangroves on the other side of the road.
Top things to do at Jozani Forest
See the red colobus monkeys
Groups of colobus live near the forest edge and are used to people. Keep your distance — at least a few metres — and never feed them.
Walk the mangrove boardwalk
A short raised boardwalk leads through the mangrove forest, with crabs, mudskippers and birds. Included in the park ticket.
How to get to Jozani Forest
- From Nungwi: about 1.5–2 hours by road. Most visitors come on a guided tour with pickup, often combined with a spice farm, Stone Town or the south coast.
- Entrance: park fees are paid at the gate and include a guide; check whether your tour includes them.
Insider tips
- Wear closed shoes and insect repellent.
- Morning visits are cooler and the monkeys are often more active.
- Take photos without flash, and let the guide lead the way.
Best tours & tickets for Jozani Forest
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Jozani Forest from Nungwi or Kendwa:
Nature from $80 Zanzibar: Jozani Forest & Salaam Cave + Pickup & Entry Fees
A private nature day with pickup and entry fees included. Jozani is the only place on earth to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus, and the turtle cave at Kizimkazi makes a memorable second half.
- Walk among Zanzibar red colobus monkeys
- Mangrove boardwalk in Zanzibar’s only national park
- Swim with sea turtles in the Salaam Cave pool
Private tour from $70 Zanzibar: Jozani Forest, Spice Farm, Stone Town Private Tour
A private day that covers the island’s nature and history at your own pace: the endemic red colobus monkeys of Jozani, a spice plantation and the lanes of Stone Town. Excellent ratings, and good value split between three or four people.
- Red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest
- A working spice farm with tastings
- Your own guide and car, collected from the north coast
