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Zanzibar's first and only national park is centered on Jozani Forest, the largest area of mature forest found within Zanzibar. The forest lies in a shallow trough in the fossil coral bed between the mangrove filled bays of Chwaka and Uzi. Seasonal flooding and a high water table has given rise to a unique groundwater forest. On the high ground to either side is dry coral rag forest and thicket.
With mangrove forests and salt marshes to the north of the National park, the area is an extremely rich mosaic of Zanzibar's diverse natural habitats, a haven for wildlife including rare, endemic and endangered species.
Jozani Forest Conservation Activities
The main purpose of the Jozani Forest National Park is conserving the forest and its surrounding environs. This is achieved in partnership with local communities in many different forms - from educational activities to practical task such as mangrove replanting.
Originally funded through international donors, these activities are now paid for through the revenue generated by admission to the National Park. Currently 80% of the entrance fees are retained and utilized within the Park, as well as supporting the livelihood in the communities surrounding the Jozani National Park.
Jozani Forest Nature Trail
During your Jozani Forest Nature Trail, you can stroll at your leisure to visit The Mama Mtondoo - or the Mother Mahogany, thought to be over 200 years old, or see the two trees in one - the strangler fig and its partner - the sycamore fig, or view the raffia fern which boasts the largest leaf in the world.
Keep an eye open for some of the 100 species of butterfly that inhabit the forest some as big as your hand, or watch out for the small but brightly colored sunbirds that feed on the nectar from the many beautiful tropical flowers that can be found. Listen for the eerie booming and cackles of Syke's monkeys and the Zanzibar Red Colobus or perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot the elusive Ader's duiker or even, the near extinct Zanzibar Leopard.
Guides, who are all from the local community, are always available to assist you, and their service is included in your entrance fee.
Red Colobus Monkeys of Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest Red Colobus Monkeys, unlike their more widespread and adaptable cousins, the Black and White Colobus, are a rain forest species that are now confined to very small areas of equatorial forest in tropical Africa. It is therefore a rare treat to be able to see them in Zanzibar and a sighting of them must be welcomed as a real privilege. Colobus Monkeys are a leaf-eating arboreal species and spend most of their time in trees. It is somewhat surprising to find, therefore, that the opposable thumb deemed most essential for arboreal primates, is reduced to a mere stump in the Colobus family (hence the name Colobus - from the Latin for "deformed).
Some troops of monkeys are used to humans and inhabit the low vegetation, which means they come close to the ground allowing for excellent views and photo opportunities. Red Colobus monkeys have been isolated on Zanzibar Island for at least 10,000 years.
Jozani Forest Mangrove Boardwalk
About a kilometer south of the Jozani Forest National Park center, the mangrove boardwalk begins under the shade of an old Tamarind Tree. Here you can walk amongst the forest in the sea. The brackish water that flows through the mangrove is a nursery ground for hundreds of tropical fish, and can be seen feeding in the shallow waters while crabs and other mollusks can be observed feasting hungrily in the nutrient rich mud.
Environmental Education
Education plays a significant role within the Jozani National Park from informing guests the role of the park, to teaching local children the value and significance of the forest and its ecology. Each year, on average, the national park plays host to almost 20,000 visitors from both Tanzania and the rest of the world, including many of the local children from Zanzibar schools.
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