Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (2004), Zanzibar'S Only National Park, Home Of The Endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, Found Nowhere Else, Along With Sykes' Monkeys, Duikers And A Mangrove Boardwalk. A Short Half Day Trip From Stone Town Or The East Coast Beaches. · Jozani, Zanzibar South

Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, set up in 2004, is Zanzibar's only national park, about 35 km south-east of Stone Town in the middle of Unguja island. Its forest is home to the Zanzibar red colobus, a monkey found nowhere else on Earth and endangered, with only several thousand left. The groups are used to people and will feed and play a few metres from your guide. A raised boardwalk crosses the mangrove forest, and Sykes' monkeys, bushbabies, butterflies and over 50 bird species live here too. The honest picture: it is small, about 50 sq km, and the walk takes around an hour. It is a good 1.5-hour stop on the way to the east-coast beaches, NOT a destination in itself. Go early or late, keep your distance, and do not bring food. Come for the monkeys, then continue to Paje or a spice farm. Visiting with a taxi from Stone Town fits well into a day, because the road is short and the ranger meets you at the gate. Families enjoy it, and children love the monkeys, so remind them to stay calm and quiet near the animals.

Forest and mangrove park in the middle of Unguja island about 35 km south-east of Stone Town, entered at the Jozani visitor centre on the road to Paje, Jozani, Zanzibar South, Tanzania

The park is open daily in daylight hours with guided walks leaving from the visitor centre. Early morning and late afternoon are best. Paths can be CLOSED or muddy after heavy rain, and the mangrove boardwalk depends on the tide for its view. Confirm times at the gate.

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