JOZANI FOREST TOUR
Jozani Forest and Colobus Monkey Tour
Zanzibar’s first and only National Park is centered on Jozani Forest situated 38km southeast
(about 35 minutes drive) from Stone Town on Zanzibar Island, The forest is part of the Jozani
Chwaka Bay National Park, forming an important ecosystem on the east coast of Zanzibar. With
mangrove forests and salt marshes to the North of the National park, the area offers a rich
diversity of natural habitats and is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world for
the Red Colobus Monkey. The forest is 2,512 hectares (6,207 acres) in size with around
2000-2500 of these rare, threatened monkeys, and was declared a nature reserve in the 1960′s.
The tour takes about 2-3 hours walk in the forest (although it can be less than that) in this
tour there are three main parts that you will visit and this includes,
A visit seeing the endemic red colobus monkeys, a walk through this impressive Flora and
Fauna one of the highlights Zanzibar has to offer, and also a chance to see the mangrove forest.
Wonderful photo opportunities and sightings of these rare creatures living in
the forest reserves are possible on the pathways. The main purpose of the National
Park is to conserve the forest, its surrounding natural environment and the fauna
that thrives in it. This is achieved in partnership with local communities in many
different forms, from educational activities to practical tasks such as mangrove replanting.
About a kilometer south of the National Park Centre, the mangrove boardwalk
begins under the shade of an old tamarind tree. The brackish water that flows
through the mangrove is a nursery ground for hundreds of species of tropical
fish, which can be seen feeding in the shallow waters, whilst crabs and mollusks
can be observed feasting in the nutrient-rich mud.
Programme:
Half day trip
Recommendations:
It is advisable to wear walking shoes and a hat or cap and to bring your sunscreen and insect repellent. Not to forget of course: your camera to
capture the treasure trove of natural beauty you will come across.