Zanzibar National Parks – Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar, covering an area of 50 square kilometers. It was first gazetted as a forest reserve in 1960 and later established as a national park in 2004 to protect the Zanzibar red colobus monkey.

The mangrove forests within the park provide a habitat for various marine species.

Jozani Chwaka Bay holds the largest remaining stand of near-natural forest in Zanzibar, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

BirdLife International has designated Jozani Forest as an Important Bird Area. From 1995 to 2003, CARE International sponsored a development project for the wilderness area and surrounding communities.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the Kirk’s colobus monkey, the Zanzibar elephant, 49 bird species, about 50 butterfly species, 100 tree species, and 291 plant species.

The park is also home to the Zanzibar tree hyrax, the first of its kind to acclimate to the forest. Jozani Chwaka Bay is on its way to becoming a Ramsar site and is on a tentative list of World Heritage sites.

The Zanzibar leopard lives in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Although some believe the leopard is extinct, many locals suggest that sorcerers keep it as a pet, using it to scare others as they believe it appears as a spirit and vanishes into thin air.

Residents of Unguja Island believe the animal is not extinct, with a camera recording evidence of its presence in a 2018 American documentary television series.

The Zanzibar red colobus monkey, also known as Kirk’s colobus monkey, was named after Sir John Kirk, who first brought it to the attention of zoological science.

The Zanzibar red colobus monkey has now become a flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar. Part of the revenue from park entry fees supports local communities, helping build schools and hospitals.

Some animals you might see in the park include bush babies, the Zanzibar tree hyrax, Sykes’ monkey, dolphins, tuna, sharks, marlins, Aders’ duiker, the Zanzibar servaline genet, African civet, African forest elephants, and many more.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park supports a wide variety of bird species, including:

• Mangrove kingfisher
• Fischer’s turaco
• Brown-headed turaco
• East coast akalat
• Black-bellied starling
• Zanzibar red bishop
• Mouse-colored sunbird
• White-faced whistling dove
• Eastern crested guinea fowl
• African pipit
• Northern grey-headed sparrow
• House sparrow
• Richard’s pipit
• Pin-tailed whydah
• Common waxbill
• Green-backed twinspot
• Black and white mannikin
• Bronze mannikin
• Black-winged bishop
• Forest weaver
• Village weaver
• African golden weaver
• Variable sunbird
• Scarlet-chested sunbird
• Olive sunbird
• Red-capped robin-chat
• Spotted flycatcher
• Bearded scrub robin
• Pale-breasted illadopsis
• Pemba white-eye
• Southern yellow white-eye
• Common bulbul
• Somber greenbul
• Red-rumped swallow
• Lesser swamp warbler
• Tawny-flanked prinia
• Yellow-breasted apalis
• Eastern nicator
• Pied crow
• Paradise flycatcher
• Square-tailed drongo
• Zanzibar boubou
• Brown-crowned tchagra
• African golden oriole
• Green-backed woodpecker
• Lilac-breasted roller
• Blue-cheeked bee-eater, among others.

Guided Nature Walks

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park has several walking trails for visitors to explore on foot, led by experienced ranger guides who are knowledgeable about the forest and its wildlife.

One of the popular trails leads to the Mother Mahogany Tree, believed to be over 200 years old. The Mangrove Boardwalk is another fascinating trail not to be missed.

When to Visit

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is an all-year-round destination, but some months offer a better experience than others.

The best time to visit the park is during the dry months of June to September or December to February.

During this time, the nature walk trails are dry, making it easier to walk through the forest, and the vegetation is not as dense, allowing for better wildlife viewing.

Where to Stay

Tourists have various accommodation options near the park, including:

• Halas Bay Beach Bungalows
• Fatima House
• Panorama Ocean View Resort
• Deja Blue
• Makuti Beach Bungalows
• Evergreen Bungalows
• Golden Blue Luxury Hotel
• Five Palms
• Paradise Beach Resort and Spa
• Zanzibar Bay Resort and Spa
• Filao Beach by Sansi
• Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
• Emerald Zanzibar Resort and Spa
• The Residence Zanzibar
• Melia Zanzibar
• Toa Hotel and Spa
• Zanbluu Beach Hotel
• The Z Hotel Zanzibar
• Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa
• Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
• Tambo House Hotel
• Zanzi Resort
• Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar, among others.

How to Get There

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is accessible by road from Stone Town, about 35 kilometers away.

Other Top Things to Do in Zanzibar

• Visit Spice Farms: Zanzibar is known as the Spice Islands due to its many spice plantations. You can visit these plantations to learn how spices are planted, harvested, and processed. Some of the common spices include cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, white pepper, ginger, garlic, and more.
• Snorkeling: One of the best activities in Zanzibar is snorkeling. The climate provides excellent conditions for snorkeling, especially during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. While there are several snorkeling spots on the main island, you can also explore other smaller islands.
• Swimming with Dolphins: Swimming with dolphins is one of the most exciting activities in Zanzibar. The ocean is home to over ten species of dolphins, creating a memorable experience for visitors.

The post Explore Zanzibar’s National Parks – Jozani Chwaka Bay & Beyond appeared first on Magical Gorilla Adventures.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar – Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

The island is home to unique wildlife, including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, Zanzibar servaline genet, and Zanzibar leopard.

Located 25-50 kilometers off mainland Tanzania, the archipelago’s main islands are Zanzibar (also known as Unguja) and Pemba.

It is believed that Zanzibar was once part of the African continent but separated millions of years ago.

Once covered in dense forests, only a few patches of natural forest remain in Zanzibar today, supporting a habitat for various wildlife species and birds.

Often referred to as Africa’s tropical paradise or Spice Island, Zanzibar is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, rich history, marine life, and spices.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar has an equatorial climate, with two dry and two wet seasons annually. Temperatures range from 28°C to 34°C.

• December to February: December to February is the short dry season and the best time to visit Zanzibar. The warm, crystal-clear waters provide the perfect conditions for water sports. This is also the ideal time for scuba diving, as favorable winds and clear waters allow for excellent views of marine life. The lush vegetation, thriving from the short rains, offers fantastic photography opportunities.
• June to September: June to September is the long dry season and the peak tourist season in Zanzibar. The weather is ideal for enjoying the beach and exploring Zanzibar’s national parks. Wildlife spotting is easier, as vegetation is not thick. This is also the best time to visit Tanzania’s national parks, making it an excellent choice if you’re combining your trip. September offers the unique experience of witnessing turtle hatching.
• October to November: October and November mark the short rainy season. Early October is still a good time to visit, with cool temperatures. Although there may be occasional downpours, the sky clears up, and the sun shines again.
• March to June: March to June is the long rainy season, with the heaviest rainfall of the year. During this time, the beaches are wet, the sun is often obscured, the waters are less clear, and heavy downpours may disrupt activities. This is generally not the best time to visit Zanzibar.

Some activities in Zanzibar, however, can be enjoyed year-round. Visiting without engaging in water sports may feel incomplete, but there’s still much to experience on the island.

Visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the only national park in Zanzibar, was established in 2004.

It is home to some of the last remaining near-natural forest in Zanzibar and provides a habitat for endangered endemic species such as the Zanzibar red colobus monkey and the Zanzibar leopard.

Activities in the park include bird watching, wildlife viewing, guided nature walks, boat cruises, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Some of the wildlife you may encounter includes Aders’ duiker, servaline genet, Zanzibar red colobus monkey, Sykes’ monkey, African civet, Zanzibar leopard, and a variety of marine life.

Some of the birds found in the park are:

• Zanzibar red bishop
• Malachite kingfisher
• Great crested tern
• Long-tailed cormorant
• Goliath heron
• African sacred ibis
• Black-winged kite
• African goshawk
• African wood owl
• Blue-cheeked bee-eater
• Lilac-breasted roller
• Golden-tailed woodpecker
• African golden oriole
• Tropical boubou
• Square-tailed drongo
• Yellow-breasted apalis
• Lesser swamp warbler
• Southern yellow white-eye
• Pemba white-eye
• Red-capped robin-chat
• Mouse-colored sunbird
• Red-eyed dove, and more.

Visit Stone Town

Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar. Originally known as Shangani, it was first inhabited by Bantu-speaking groups in the 6th century, with evidence of long-distance trade.

In the early 16th century, the Portuguese built a church in Shangani, but they were eventually ousted by the locals, who invited the Sultan of Oman to defend them.

By the 19th century, Stone Town became a major trade hub, especially for slaves and spices.

Today, Stone Town is rich in history, with many historical sites to visit and learn from. Its residents are of diverse ethnicities, including Indian, Persian, Omani, Chinese, British, Portuguese, African, Arab, and more.

Zanzibar is accessible from mainland Tanzania by water or air. Several airlines offer chartered flights to the island daily, and there are also numerous ferries and boats available for transport.

The post Best Time to Visit Zanzibar – Experience Tropical Paradise Year-Round appeared first on Magical Gorilla Adventures.