Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
Kati, Tanzania
Often referred to simply as the Jozani forest, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is Zanzibar's only national park. The big draw for many visitors is the chance to spot endemic red colobus monkeys, though there are plenty of other creatures in the park, from bush babies (galagos) to leopards.
The basics
Spread out over roughly 19 square miles (50 square kilometers), this national park is a popular spot for a full- or half-day visit, both because of its adorable mammals and its wide variety of birds, some of which are endemic to Zanzibar. While it's easy to spend a whole day here, many tours to the park also include visits to other island destinations, including spice plantations and Paje Beach, just east of the park.
Things to know before you go
You cannot visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park without a guide
Wheelchair users wishing to visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park should book a special accessible tour.
Be sure to load up on bug spray before heading out to the forest, as insects can be an issue.
How to get there
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is situated in the southern interior part of the island, about a 50-minute taxi ride from Stone Town. You can also reach the park by dala-dala (minibus share taxis), but it's a less reliable and less comfortable way to travel. Guided tours generally include transportation from Stone Town hotels.
When to get there
The best time to visit the park, and Zanzibar in general, is during the dry season, which runs from June through September. The park opens fairly early in the morning, and visiting first thing in the day is a good idea if you want to avoid both crowds and the heat of the day.
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Just down the road from Jozani Forest, the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is an excellent place to see native butterflies in their natural habitat and learn about their role in the local ecosystem. There are usually hundreds of butterflies and many cocoons in the netted enclosure, making it possible to learn about butterfly lifecycles through direct observation.
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