Jozani Forest Tour

Walk through Zanzibar’s forest landscape and look for the island’s famous red colobus monkeys on a guided visit to Jozani Forest.

2 to 3 hours | Jozani | Nature and wildlife

What Is the Jozani Forest Tour?

Jozani Forest is one of Zanzibar’s best known nature experiences, combining a guided forest visit with the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural environment.

The main attraction is the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, along with blue monkeys, the forest itself and its plants.

The standard activity is relatively short, making Jozani easy to include in a wider Zanzibar itinerary. Plan for approximately 2 to 3 hours for the experience.

What to Expect on the Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani Forest Tour is a walking tour along the forest trails then a short drive to the Mangrove area. There is plenty to see and learn such as the small animals and the plants of this wonderful forest in Zanzibar. During all this time, you will be accompanied by a guide.

Practical Information On Jozani Forest Tour

Before You

Location: Jozani, Zanzibar

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Normal timing: 08:00 to 12:00 or 14:00 to 16:30

Best time: Morning or afternoon

Activity type: Nature and wildlife

Indicative price: From $30

Bring:

Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Drinking water
Hat
Camera or phone

Comfortable footwear is particularly useful because this is a forest walking experience rather than a vehicle based wildlife tour.

Important Notes

This is a forest experience, not a safari

You are visiting a forest environment and walking through the area with a guide.

Allow time for the walk

Although the activity itself is only around 2 to 3 hours, your total excursion time will be longer once hotel transfers are included.

Wildlife sightings cannot be treated as guaranteed

The red colobus monkey is one of the main reasons visitors come to Jozani, but wildlife moves freely.

The forest walk requires a reasonable level of mobility.
The walking paths are not completely flat or even, and some sections can be uneven or more challenging to walk through. In places, you may need to bend or lower yourself slightly to pass beneath or between trees. A standard level of physical strength and walking ability is therefore recommended. Wheelchairs may not be suitable or practical on some parts of the forest trail.

Jozani Forest from Different Parts of Zanzibar

Where you stay makes a noticeable difference . We hope this table helps you answer questions such as How convenient is Jozani from where I am staying? What should I consider? Should I combine it with something else?

Where You Are Staying	Getting to Jozani Forest	What to Consider
Paje	Convenient	One of the easiest locations from which to visit Jozani. A morning visit can fit comfortably into a half day, leaving time for the beach or other activities.
Jambiani	Convenient	A practical option for a half day. You can visit Jozani in the morning and return to the coast afterwards.
Kizimkazi	Convenient to moderate	Jozani works well from the south and can be combined with other southern activities. If combining it with a dolphin tour, allow enough time between activities.
Michamvi	Moderate	Jozani can be included in a day plan, but the route should be checked against your other activities and hotel location.
Stone Town	Convenient	Jozani is about 40 km southeast of Stone Town and is normally around a one hour drive depending on road conditions. It works well as a half day excursion or as a stop when continuing towards the east coast. (Safari Bookings)
Fumba	Moderate to long	Jozani requires travelling across the island. It may make more sense to combine it with other activities rather than making Jozani the only activity of the day.
Matemwe	Moderate to long	Jozani involves travelling from the northeast coast towards the centre south. Consider combining it with other activities to make better use of the transfer time.
Nungwi	Long transfer	Jozani is a longer excursion from the north. It can still be done as a half day visit, but the road time should be considered when planning the day.
Kendwa	Long transfer	Similar to Nungwi, Jozani involves a substantial transfer from the north coast. A combined itinerary may make better use of the day.

What's Included

Guide
Forest entry

What's Not Included

Hotel transfers
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips
Additional activities
Services outside the agreed itinerary

Frequently asked questions

What animals can I see at Jozani Forest?

The main wildlife attraction is the red colobus monkey. You may also encounter other forest wildlife such as blue monkeys, but sightings are not guaranteed.

How long is the Jozani Forest Tour?

The forest experience takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

What time does the Jozani Forest Tour start?

Our activity plan gives two normal timing windows:

08:00 to 12:00 or 14:00 to 16:30.

Your exact pickup time will depend on your hotel and whether you are combining Jozani with another activity.

Can I visit Jozani Forest in the afternoon?

Yes. The activity plan includes an afternoon operating window of 14:00 to 16:30.

Can I combine Jozani Forest with a spice farm?

Yes. A Jozani and Spice Farm combination is also great, and takes approximately 5 to 7 hours.

Can I combine Jozani with a dolphin tour?

Yes. A Jozani and dolphin tour at Kizimkazi combination is also possible. It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours and starts around 07:00 AM.