Jozani Forest: Day Trips and Tours from Zanzibar City

Located in the center of Unguja Island, Jozani Forest is the only national park in Zanzibar and is famed as the home of the red colobus monkey, which can only be found in this corner of Tanzania.

On a day trip to Jozani Forest from Zanzibar City, you’ll be awed by exotic flora and fauna as you wander past thickets of Eucalyptus trees, and discover playful primates hanging overhead.

Here's all you need to know about Jozani Forest, one of the most swinging day trips from Zanzibar City.

How to get to Jozani Forest from Zanzibar City?

Jozani Forest is located in the southern stretch of Unguja Island, approximately 40 kilometers from Zanzibar City.

From Zanzibar City to Jozani Forest by car

It takes an hour to make the journey to Jozani Forest by car. Leave the city in a south-easterly direction and follow the main road as far as Tunguu. From there, veer right to continue along the route to Jozani Forest, passing by Bungi and Kwebona.

From Zanzibar City to Jozani Forest by bus/public transport

You can also make the jaunt to Jozani Forest via dala dala — Zanzibar’s network of public minibuses. These buses leave throughout the day, whenever they are full, from a wide variety of destinations across Unguja Island, including Stone Town in Zanzibar City. You can usually catch one of these vehicles between 6 AM and 8 PM, and they can be hailed from anywhere in the city.

Guided tour to Jozani Forest from Zanzibar City

Alternatively, choose a guided excursion to Jozani Forest and let your operator take care of the details. These typically last between 3 and 6 hours, and include convenient accommodation pickup from hotels in Stone Town.

How much does the entrance ticket to Jozani Forest cost?

Tickets to Jozani Forest cost TZS 25,000 (US$11) per person. This price includes the services of a tour guide to lead you through the national park and fill you in on its flora and fauna.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary of each Jozani Forest day trip differs, according to the destinations you visit. Some excursions travel straight to the national park, where you’ll be guided along its trails by a knowledgeable expert who can educate you on the species that can be found in the area. You’ll usually stroll over the mangrove swamp, which has been made easily accessible for visitors with a boardwalk.

If you wish to extend your adventure, you can select a Jozani Forest day tour that begins with a dolphin-watching expedition in the waters surrounding Matemwe Village along the northwest coast of Unguja. From there, you’ll drive down the island, along roads lined with swaying palms and sugarcane fields to Jozani Forest.

After exploring the reserve, you may continue on to nearby landmarks, such as the Zanzibar Butterfly Center to immerse yourself further in the natural world of Tanzania.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Jozani Forest?

There are a variety of Jozani Forest day tours available to choose from, depending on whether you wish to visit additional destinations.

Guided tours to Jozani Forest from Zanzibar City

This Jozani Forest day trip takes you on an epic adventure to see the endemic red colobus monkey, alongside a host of other critters that reside in the national park, including African civets and bush pigs. Your passionate guide will inform you of the forest team’s efforts to preserve this delicate ecosystem, which is home to several endangered species.

You’ll also discover the forest’s mangrove swamp from above as you ramble along a boardwalk, surrounded by exotic birds, such as brown-headed parrots, before returning to Zanzibar City.

Day trip to Jozani Forest plus dolphin watching from Zanzibar City

Alternatively, combine your Jozani Forest day tour with a sightseeing expedition through Unguja’s seas. Leaving the charming fishing village of Matemwe behind, you’ll embark on a cruise through the Indian Ocean to see Zanzibar’s friendly pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins.

During your boat tour, you’ll have the opportunity to slip into the waters and snorkel among turtles and wahoo fish before heading back on to dry land and traveling to Jozani Forest.

Here, you’ll participate in a guided walk, learning all about this biodiverse area while spotting various creatures. Enjoy a local feast before admiring the delicate wings of Zanzibar’s native butterflies at a center dedicated to their wellbeing, and heading back to your accommodation.

How much does a day trip to Jozani Forest from Zanzibar City cost?

A basic day trip to Jozani Forest lasts just 2 hours and costs US$100 per person aged 19 to 59. These excursions are private and can accommodate up to 15 travelers.

By opting for a combination Jozani Forest and dolphin watching tour from Zanzibar City, you’ll pay US$210 if you choose to travel solo. However, the cost per head reduces with each member added to your party. If you travel in a group of six or more participants, you’ll each pay less than US$90.

What will you see and do?

Jozani Forest covers an expanse of 50 square kilometers and is home to approximately 1,000 endemic red colobus monkeys, as well as Sykes monkeys — identifiable by their white throat — and bush babies.

Alongside primates, the nature reserve is famed for its 50 species of butterflies in a spectrum of vibrant hues, as well as a host of bird life, including the mangrove kingfisher, which you can see on a Jozani Forest day trip.

There is much debate as to whether the Zanzibar leopard exists in this forest. While the last official sighting of this elusive cat was in 2003, and many believe the species to be extinct, it was supposedly captured on film during the making of a documentary in 2018.

What are the opening times?

Jozani Forest is open daily between the hours of 7:30 AM and 5 PM.

When is the best time to visit Jozani Forest?

Zanzibar enjoys a tropical climate and can be visited year-round. However, there are two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season from June to October is typically considered the best time to visit. During this period, temperatures are cooler and conditions are generally pleasant for outdoor activities, including exploring the Jozani Forest.

The short rains usually occur from November to December, and the long rains from March to May. While the forest is still open during these periods, it might be more challenging to navigate the trails and see the wildlife due to the wet conditions.

Are there any tours to other places in Tanzania from Zanzibar?

Yes, there are tours departing to other places in Tanzania from Zanzibar:

• Day Trips to Nakupenda Beach from Zanzibar
• Day Trips to Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve from Zanzibar

Travel tips

• Wear Long-Sleeved Tops and Trousers. Despite the heat, consider wearing long sleeves and trousers to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Bring Insect Repellent. An absolute must. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the forest.
• Silence is Golden. Be quiet while walking through the forest, you'll have a better chance of seeing the animals.
• Learn Some Swahili. Learning a few basic phrases in Swahili can enhance your interaction with the locals.