Jozani forest nature walks
Jozani Forest Nature Walks : Jozani forest is located in the Jozani Chwaka bay national park in Zanzibar south east of Stone town.The Jozani Chwaka bay national park is the only national park in Zanzibar and is home to the endangered red colobus monkeys. There are many other wildlife species, bird species and butterflies which are found in the national park.
The Jozani Chwaka bay national park is made up of mangrove forest, tropical forest, coral rug forest, salt marshes, and evergreen bushland among others. The national park covers about 50 square kilometers.
The area is generally flat with moderate slopes and is a destination where nature lovers can make a stop on their way to the beaches and other destinations on the south eastern parts of Zanzibar island.
Entrance fees for the Jozani forest is about 7.3 USD or 12000 TSH with a guide. The Jozani Chwaka bay national park is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Jozani forest was declared a reserve since 1960 and is also known as the Jozani Chwaka bay conservation area after being added to the protection zone in 1984.
Activities which are carried out around Jozani forest include the following;
Guided nature walks
Nature lovers and hikers engage in this activity which is carried out in the company of a ranger guide. Guided nature walks in Jozani forest involve following nature trails where different wildlife species can be seen.
Walking around the Jozani forest is done along trails such as the trail which begins from the entrance of the Jozani Chwaka bay national park and walking off these trails is not allowed without an official guide.
Guided nature walks around the destination take about 1 or 2 hours and different plant species with medicinal value can be seen while walking in the forest. The walks along the mangrove area of the national park can also be done without a guide as the boardwalk leads to one direction.
The activity also gives the visitors at Jozani Chwaka bay national park with a closer experience around their natural surroundings as they explore the forest and follow the trails in the national park during the guided nature walks.
Bird watching
Bird watching is also carried out around Jozani Chwaka bay national park which has about 40 bird species.
They include the following black bellied starlings, brown headed parrots, mouse colored sunbirds, mangrove kingfishers among others.
Wildlife viewing
The rare red colobus monkeys are among the wildlife species which can be seen around the Jozani forest and are endemic to the Jozani Chwaka bay national park. Other wildlife species which can be seen in the forest include sykes monkeys, blue vervet monkeys, duikers, bush babies, and antelopes among others.
Jozani forest is also a breeding place for sea turtles and leopards tortoises and also giant tortoises which are later released into the sea. Information about these different wildlife species is provided by the park rangers who also tell the tourists visiting the forest that they are allowed to feed the wildlife species.
Getting to Jozani forest
The different ways to get to Jozani forest include using a taxi or dala dala and the national park is about 35 kilometers from Stone town.
When to visit Jozani forest
The Jozani Chwaka bay national park can be visited at different months of the year however the dry season from June to September is recommended for tours to the destination compared to the rainy season.
Zanzibar is a tropical island on the Indian ocean which is famous for beach holidays along its white sand beaches and beautiful beaches. Other activities which are carried out during tours around Zanzibar include the following;
Visiting Paje beach
After touring the Jozani forest, visitors can continue to Paje beach on the south eastern side of Zanzibar island which is known for kite surfing and many other activities such as swimming and fishing.
There are different kite shops around Paje as well as hotels and resorts. Paje is about 1 hour from Stone town and can also be accessed by using a taxi and also by dala dala. Kite surfing is best done during the months of June and August and also December and February.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Zanzibar is carried out around different places such as Mnemba atoll which has spectacular sea beds, Kizimkazi is another location for snorkeling among others. This activity is best done from July to September and January to February.
Swimming
Another activity which is done by tourists visiting Zanzibar is swimming along the many beaches found on the island and also in the different accommodation facilities around the island.
Scuba diving is also another activity which is carried out during visits to Zanzibar island. Tourists can also engage in boat tours and also visit the villages around the island as they enjoy their beach holidays.
Visit Jozani forest and enjoy seeing many wildlife and bird species and the rare red colobus monkeys as you explore Zanzibar island.
