JOZANI CHWAKA BAY NATIONAL PARK
This is the only park in Zanzibar and occupies an estimated area of 50km2. The Jozani Forest is a conservation area established in the 1960s and includes a section of the Park. The park was mainly set up was to conserve the Kirk’s colobus monkey which was first brought to zoological science’s attention by a British resident of Zanzibar Sir Jon Kirk. These monkeys are used to seeing humans around and will forage close to you allowing you to take lots of pictures. The park is located about 38km southeast of Stone Town. Locals around the Jozani Forest recognize the park as a natural pharmacy. Nearly every tree in the forest cures an ailment. The park hosts a mangrove board walk which offers you a good opportunity to have a view into the special mangrove habitat which is really enjoyable.
Best time to visit
The park can be visited all year round due to its southern equator location. The tropical climate allows for favorable weather conditions.
Highlights
- Mama Mtondoo, a stately mahogany tree that is believed to be more than 200 years old.
- The Red colobus monkeys and Sykes monkey, bush babies
- More than 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds.
- The nocturnal Zanzibar tree hyrax, which is said to have been the first hyrax species to acclimatize to the park.