Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park on Unguja and, at about 50 square kilometres, the last substantial patch of the forest that once covered the island. It exists chiefly to protect one animal: the Zanzibar red colobus, a monkey found nowhere else on earth, with a wild population of only a few thousand.
The park is easy. A flat, shaded, well-made path loops through groundwater forest of towering mahogany and fig; a separate boardwalk crosses the tidal mangrove on the edge of Chwaka Bay. You need no fitness and no equipment, and a guide comes with the entry fee.
The colobus troops near the road have grown used to people and will feed and groom a few metres away — which is remarkable, and also a reminder to keep your distance, not to feed them and never to touch.
Top things to do at Jozani Forest
Find the red colobus
The main event. Troops of twenty or more move through the canopy along the road-side trail, unbothered by visitors. Early morning and late afternoon are the most active. Bring a zoom lens if you have one, though you will rarely need it.
The mangrove boardwalk
A separate, quieter section where a wooden walkway crosses the tidal mangrove. Fiddler crabs, mudskippers, kingfishers and a genuinely good explanation of why mangroves matter to the island.
The groundwater forest trail
Huge mahogany, wild palm and strangler fig on a loop of about 45 minutes. Guides here are naturalists and know the medicinal uses of most of what you pass.
Combine with Salaam Cave or The Rock
Jozani sits in the middle of the island, so it is usually bundled with the east coast: a swim with turtles at Salaam Cave, the Kuza coral cave, or lunch at The Rock. Most day tours do exactly this.
How to get to Jozani Forest
- Jozani is about 35 km from Stone Town on the main road to the east coast — roughly 45 minutes — and 20–30 minutes from Paje or Jambiani.
- Any east-coast dala-dala passes the entrance; tell the conductor and you will be dropped at the gate.
- Guided tours are usually the better option here, because the park entry fee, transfers and a guide are bundled and the price difference is small.
Insider tips
- Go at 08:00 or after 15:30 — it is cooler and the monkeys are far more active than at midday.
- Entry is paid in cash at the gate if you arrive independently; the guide is included in the fee.
- Keep at least three metres from the colobus. They are wild, unvaccinated and susceptible to human illness.
- Mosquito repellent is genuinely necessary in the mangrove section, at any time of day.
Best tours & tickets for Jozani Forest
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to enjoy Jozani Forest and its surroundings:
Nature day trip from $80 Jozani Forest & Salaam Cave with Pickup and Entry Fees
The island’s only national park protects the last stronghold of the Zanzibar red colobus, plus a mangrove boardwalk and towering mahogany. Paired with a swim among sea turtles in a natural cave pool, entry fees and transfers included.
- Zanzibar red colobus — found nowhere else on earth
- Mangrove boardwalk through the tidal forest
- Swim with sea turtles in the Salaam cave pool
Half-day nature from $25 Jozani Forest Red Colobus Tour
The stripped-back version: transfers, entry and a park guide for the forest walk, without the extra stops. Perfect if you want the monkeys and your afternoon back.
- Guided walk among habituated red colobus troops
- Ancient mahogany and fig trees
- Short enough to combine with a beach afternoon
Private full-day from $180 Sea Turtles, Kuza Cave, Paje Beach & The Rock Restaurant
The east coast greatest hits, run privately: red colobus at Jozani, turtles at Salaam, a swim in a coral cave and lunch at the restaurant that sits on its own rock in the sea. Guides speak nine languages, Arabic included.
- Swim with sea turtles at Salaam cave
- Swim in the freshwater Kuza coral cave
- Lunch at the famous Rock Restaurant
Where to stay near Jozani Forest
Compare hotels, guesthouses and beach resorts in this part of Unguja.
See hotels & prices →Jozani Forest FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Jozani take?
The forest trail and the mangrove boardwalk together take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Add travel time and it is a comfortable half day from anywhere on the island.
Are you guaranteed to see the monkeys?
Close to it. The habituated troops live along the road-side section of the park and are seen on the great majority of visits, though as with any wild animal there is never an absolute guarantee.
Is Jozani suitable for children?
Very. The paths are flat, shaded and short, and monkeys at eye level are hard to beat. Buggies do not work well on the forest trail, but a carrier is fine.
