Monkey Business of Jozani
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Port
Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$140
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
A 20-mile drive south-east of Stone Town takes you along the road to Paje to visit Zanzibar's first and only National Park -- the Jozani Forest Reserve. The reserve encompasses much of the island's mature forest. With mangroves and saltmarshes to the north of the park, this area is an extremely rich mosaic of Zanzibar's diverse natural habitats -- a haven for wildlife including rare, endemic and endangered species. The forest hosts a sizeable population of the rare red colobus monkey, found only on the main island of Zanzibar and ecognized as a separate species (Piliocolobus kirkii). A visit to Zanzibar is incomplete without seeing one of these rare monkeys of Africa, with less than 2,000 remaining in the world.
Other game to be seen include Sykes monkeys, bush babies, Ader's duikers, and hyraxes. More than 40 bird species have been recorded in this area and more than 50 species of butterflies are also seen here. Follow your guide on a nature trail that is lined with eucalyptus and mahogany trees. (S)he will explain the medicinal properties of various plants and will also speak about the animals, birds and reptiles that inhabit this tropical rain forest.
The main purpose of the National Park is to conserve the forest and the surrounding environment. This is achieved in partnership with the local communities in many different forms, from educational activities to practical tasks such as mangrove planting. The mangrove boardwalk takes you over the swamps where, depending on the tide, you may be fortunate to see some tropical fish and crabs scurrying between the mangrove roots.
Take a short rest before re-boarding your vehicle for the journey back to the pier.
Please note:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour requires walking on unpaved, uneven surfaces. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. In the tropics, the temperature and humidity can be quite high. Wear light, layered cotton clothing; bring a sunhat and sunglasses. Zanzibar is a very special place and keeping it so means that change will happen only at the pace that suits the people that live here. You can show your respect for local custom by dressing conservatively. The local people are very appreciative when visitors are respectful of this dress code: bare shoulders, midriffs and thighs are not acceptable; wearing long sleeves and minimum of capri-length pants or skirts is optimal. Photography of police officers or persons in uniform is not allowed. Please obtain permission before taking photographs of the local people. Your guide will assist you with this.Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.