Jozani Forest covers an area of about 50 square kilometers on the Zanzibar islands of Tanzania. It’s the largest remaining stand of near-natural forest in Zanzibar, comprised of salt marshes, mangroves, coastal forests, ground forests, and savannah grasslands.
In 1930, Jozani Forest was purchased by an Arab who established a sawmill within it. This continued until the late 1940s when the colonial government took ownership.
The government first designated Jozani as a forest reserve in 1952, later gazetting it as a nature reserve in 1960.
Despite this designation, deforestation and poaching persisted due to the lack of serious conservation measures.
Wildlife in Jozani began to thrive only after the reserve was upgraded to a national park in 2005.
Jozani Forest is home to the rare and endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, also known as Kirk’s colobus monkey, named after Sir John Kirk, a British resident in Zanzibar who first brought the species to the attention of zoological science.
The Zanzibar leopard also inhabits Jozani Forest, though some believe it to be extinct. However, locals suggest it may still exist and be kept by sorcerers for magic practices.
In 2018, an American documentary series showed footage of a small leopard, suggesting it might still inhabit the forest. The last sightings were reported around 2002-2003.
Jozani Forest hosts several wildlife species, particularly primates. Among the animals you might encounter are the Zanzibar servaline genet, suni antelope, Aders’ duiker, bush babies, suni antelope, and the Zanzibar tree hyrax, which is unique for acclimatizing to this forest.
Birding in Jozani Forest
Jozani Forest is an ideal birding destination, attracting bird enthusiasts with over 40 recorded bird species, some endemic to the forest.
Bird species in Jozani Forest include the helmeted guinea fowl, white-faced whistling duck, northern grey-headed sparrow, house sparrow, Richard’s pipit, African pipit, eastern crested guinea fowl, ring-necked dove, red-eyed dove, blue-spotted wood dove, emerald-spotted wood dove, African green pigeon, tambourine dove, pin-tailed whydah, common waxbill, bronze manikin, green-backed twinspot, black and white manikin, African golden weaver, forest weaver, village weaver, black-winged bishop, Zanzibar red bishop, African wood owl, Fischer’s turaco, Madagascar cuckoo, white-browed coucal, green malkoha, African palm swift, little swift, white-rumped swift, African swamp hen, water thick-knee, Senegal lapwing, black-bellied plover, common ringed plover, mouse-colored sunbird, variable sunbird, scarlet-chested sunbird, purple-banded sunbird, olive sunbird, East Coast akalat, Pemba white-eye, southern yellow white-eye, red-rumped swallow, lesser swamp warbler, yellow-breasted apalis, house crow, pied crow, black-backed puffback, tropical boubou, Eurasian golden oriole, cardinal woodpecker, red-fronted tinkerbird, African pygmy kingfisher, pied kingfisher, crowned hornbill, speckled mousebird, black-winged kite, African cuckoo hawk, palm-nut vulture, black-headed heron, goliath heron, long-tailed cormorant, and great crested tern.
The Mangrove Boardwalk
The Jozani Forest mangrove boardwalk offers tourists a way to explore the forest’s flora and fauna.
The mangroves comprise a large area of tree cover, and the walk, lasting 45 minutes to an hour, is guided by knowledgeable tour guides who explain the plants, birds, and the overall ecology of Jozani.
Best Time to Visit Jozani Forest
Jozani Forest can be visited year-round. However, for those interested in nature walk trails, the best time is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when trails are in good condition.
Birding is best from November to April, when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present in the forest.
Packing List
Tourists visiting Jozani Forest should bring hiking or walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellents, binoculars, cameras, plenty of drinking water, a light rain jacket, long-sleeved clothing, and any other essentials needed to make the trip memorable.
Park Entry Fees
The entry fee for Jozani Forest is paid at the entrance and includes the guiding fee.
After payment, visitors are directed to the reception, where a guide is assigned after showing the payment receipt.
Where to Stay in Jozani Forest
While there is no accommodation within Jozani Forest, tourists can stay at nearby hotels. Options range from luxurious beach resorts to mid-range hotels and budget accommodations.
Some nearby options include Paje Beach Bandas, Tiki Beach Zanzibar, Summer Dream Lodge, Mauwa Zanzibar Guest House, Drifters Zanzibar, Zanzibar Dream Lodge, Filao Beach Resort, Five Palms Marumbi, Paradise Beach Resort and Spa, Villa Noemi, Simba Apartments Hotel, Bazi’s House, Shamba Village, Tsunami Village, Fisherman Lodge, Zanzibar Bay Resort, Coconut Marumbi, Joschi’s Paradise Lodge, Shamba Village Hotel, Hakuna Matata Boutique, Tamu House Paje, V Hotel, Tree House Hotel and Spa, and many more.
Getting There
Tourists can reach Jozani by traveling to Zanzibar, accessible by ferry, speed boat, or flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
The Jozani National Park entrance is located on the main road from Zanzibar and is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm.
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, consisting of many islands, with the main islands being Pemba and Unguja.
Often called the “Spice Islands” due to its thriving spice industry, Zanzibar is known for its diverse heritage, with influences from Africans, Arabs, Persians, Europeans, and Chinese.
Zanzibar islands are a perfect holiday destination for those who love turquoise-blue waters, white sandy beaches, historical sites, spices, and much more.
There are numerous activities to enjoy in Zanzibar, including:
- Snorkeling: Zanzibar islands are rated as top snorkeling destinations in Africa. Prime snorkeling spots include Nakupenda Sandbank, Kizimkazi, Prison Island, Chumbe Island, and Tumbatu Island. Marine life sightings may include leaf fish, sea horse, humpback whale, crocodile fish, octopus, cuttlefish, frogfish, white-tip reef shark, porcelain crab, bluefin trevally, lionfish, Mauritius scorpion fish, Indian Ocean walkman, blue-spotted ray, dolphins, and green turtles.
- Exploring Prison Island: Located about 6 kilometers from Stone Town, Prison Island was originally built to hold errant slaves but was later used for quarantining people with yellow fever. Today, it is home to giant tortoises.
- Visiting Spice Plantations: Zanzibar is famous for its spice plantations, where visitors can learn how spices such as nutmeg, black pepper, red pepper, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, lemongrass, turmeric, and more are grown, harvested, and processed.
- Scuba Diving: Zanzibar is an ideal destination for scuba diving, with various reef dives close to the shore or accessible by boat.
- Relaxing at the Beaches: After a long walk in Jozani Forest, you can unwind on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches, enjoying swimming and sunbathing.
- Sunset Dhow Cruise: Enjoy a traditional sunset dhow cruise, taking in panoramic views over the ocean while sipping a sundowner and watching water birds.
- Exploring Stone Town: The historical capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many fascinating historical places to visit, including the Old Port, former slave market, ancient doors of Zanzibar, old mosques, Turkish baths, and more.
- Visiting the Sultan Palace Museum: The Sultan Palace Museum was once a palace for Sultan Seyyid Said from the 1820s until the British destroyed it in 1896. Later rebuilt, it served several sultans until the 1964 revolution. The museum compound houses the tombs of various sultans of that era. It’s a must-see for history lovers looking to learn more about Zanzibar.
Other activities in Zanzibar include waterskiing, windsurfing, visiting the Forodhani Food Gardens, cultural encounters, and much more.
