Jozani Forest

“Jozani is the only place on Earth to see the Zanzibar red colobus, an endangered monkey found nowhere else, in the island's last great patch of native forest.”

About Jozani Forest

Jozani's groundwater forest survived as one of the last large stands of native vegetation on a Zanzibar long cleared for farming and spice growing. Recognising its unique wildlife, especially the endemic red colobus, authorities protected it within Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. Conservation efforts and tourism revenue have supported the recovery of the red colobus population, making the forest both an ecological refuge and a model of how protection and visitor income can reinforce each other on the island.

Overview Jozani Forest, the heart of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, is the largest patch of indigenous forest left on Zanzibar and the only place on Earth to see the Zanzibar red colobus, a striking, endangered monkey found nowhere else. The reserve protects a rare slice of the island's natural heritage amid a landscape otherwise given over to farms and spice plantations.

The Red Colobus The Zanzibar red colobus, with its reddish coat, dark face and shock of pale fur, lives in troops that are remarkably relaxed around visitors, allowing close, unhurried watching as they feed and move through the canopy. It is the island's most important endemic mammal.

Forest and Mangrove A network of trails leads through the groundwater forest, and a raised boardwalk crosses a mangrove swamp toward Chwaka Bay, showing a second, very different habitat and its specialised plant and animal life.

Conservation Success Protection of Jozani has helped the once-dwindling red colobus recover, a conservation success story on an island where natural forest is scarce.

The Experience

A guided walk through Jozani brings you quickly to troops of red colobus, which feed and rest close to the trail and largely ignore onlookers, giving wonderful, relaxed viewing. Guides explain the forest's plants, including those used in traditional medicine, and point out other wildlife. The boardwalk over the mangroves offers a contrasting habitat and a glimpse toward Chwaka Bay. The whole visit is short, shaded and easy, an ideal nature break from Zanzibar's beaches and a chance to see a species found nowhere else.

Why It Matters

Jozani Forest, within Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, protects the largest remaining native forest on Zanzibar and is the only home of the endemic, endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, a key site for the island's biodiversity and conservation.

Why Visit

It is the one place to see the Zanzibar red colobus and an easy, rewarding nature stop between beach days. Take a guided forest walk for close colobus encounters, cross the mangrove boardwalk, and keep a respectful distance from the monkeys.