Zanzibar Tanzania
Guided experienceJozani Forest & Red Colobus Monkey Experience
Explore Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar's only national park and a critical sanctuary for the highly endangered Kirk's Red Colobus monkey. Guided by a park guide, walk along serene nature trails through groundwater forests, look for diverse wildlife species, and cross the raised wooden boardwalk over the sensitive mangrove salt marshes. We practice responsible wildlife viewing: *stay at a safe distance, do not touch, feed, or approach the monkeys under any circumstances to ensure their welfare.*
Key facts
- Starting Area
- Central-East Zanzibar / Hotel pickup
- Ending Area
- Central-East Zanzibar / Hotel pickup
- Optimal Duration
- 3 to 4 Hours
- Walking Information
- Easy walk (approx. 2 km on flat dirt trails and wooden boardwalks)
- Travel Logistics
- Private vehicle and walking
- Practical Information
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, light clothing, camera, insect repellent, and sun protection
- Safety Information
- Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from monkeys; no touching, feeding, or flash photography
- Seasonal Notes
- Accessible year-round; trails can become muddy during the long rainy season (April to May)
- Starts from
- Zanzibar Town
Tour map
This tour covers the Zanzibar area.
Starts in Zanzibar Town.
Indicative route, not turn-by-turn directions.
Itinerary
Morning Pickup
Drive to Jozani Forest
Private pickup from your resort (pickup availability depends on accommodation location). Enjoy a scenic drive to the central-east region of Zanzibar to reach the park headquarters.
Registration
Park Registration & Briefing
Arrive at the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park visitor center. Register, complete conservation fees, and meet your Local Park Guide for a brief orientation.
Forest Trail
Groundwater Forest Guided Walk
Begin a guided walk under a canopy of towering mahogany, Ficus, and oil palms. Learn about the forest's ecology and look for native bird species, butterflies, and the elusive Sykes monkeys.
Monkey Sighting
Kirk's Red Colobus Monkey Viewing
Arrive in the primary habitat of the Kirk's Red Colobus monkeys. Spend time observing their social interactions, feeding habits, and high-canopy climbing. (Wildlife sightings are frequent but never guaranteed; do not touch, feed, or approach the animals).
Mangrove Boardwalk
Mangrove Boardwalk Exploration
Cross the road to the salt marsh area. Walk along the raised wooden boardwalk through the mangrove forest, observing the unique root systems of black and red mangroves and spotting crabs and juvenile fish in the tidal waters.
Late Morning
Return Transfer
Conclude your walk at the park visitor center and board your private vehicle for your return transfer to your hotel, arriving in time for lunch.
What's included
- Private round-trip hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Official Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park entry and conservation fees (managed by the Zanzibar Department of Forestry)
- Services of an authorized Local Park Guide
- Chilled bottled mineral water
What's not included
- Gratuities and tips for your guide and private driver
- Meals, snacks, and personal purchases
- Travel insurance
Book this tour
Send your dates and pickup point and we will confirm availability.
Book Jozani Forest & Red Colobus Monkey ExperienceFrequently asked questions
Can we touch or feed the red colobus monkeys?
No. Touching, feeding, or approaching the monkeys is strictly prohibited. Kirk's Red Colobus monkeys are highly susceptible to human pathogens, and feeding them alters their natural diet and survival skills.
Are red colobus monkeys found anywhere else?
No, Kirk's Red Colobus monkeys are endemic to Zanzibar, meaning they are found nowhere else in the wild on Earth.
Is the mangrove boardwalk wheelchair accessible?
The boardwalk is flat but narrow, and has small steps at the entrance, making it partially accessible. Our guides are happy to assist travelers with limited mobility.