Jozani Forest & Maalum Cave Private Zanzibar Tour

Five stops in one day: forest wildlife, cave swimming, beach lunch, fine dining, and sunset music.

A private full-day tour from Michamvi covering Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, Maalum Cave, Paje Beach, The Rock Restaurant, and Kae Beach sunset bar. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, see Red Colobus Monkeys in their native forest, swim and snorkel in a natural cave pool, choose lunch at a beachside restaurant or The Rock, and end with sunset drinks and live music. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore nature, beach, dining, and sunset

• Visit Jozani Forest and see monkeys
• Swim and snorkel at Maalum Cave
• Relax and explore Paje Beach
• Dine at The Rock Restaurant
• Enjoy sunset and music at Kae Beach

The experience

You start south of Chwaka Bay at Jozani Forest, the largest indigenous forest on Zanzibar Island and home to the rare Red Colobus Monkeys. A private 2-hour exploration lets you watch these creatures up close and learn how locals use mangroves and traditional trees for medicine. The guide shares the forest's history as you move through the canopy, and the pace leaves room for photography.

Next is Maalum Cave, a natural swimming pool fed by underground springs. You dive into crystal-clear water, then snorkel with provided equipment while the guide explains the cave's legends and geology. Shaded areas let you dry off and rest before the next leg. The cave sits in a peaceful pocket of the island, far enough from the main beaches to feel remote.

Lunch happens at Paje Beach or The Rock Restaurant. You choose at booking. Paje is a long stretch of white sand and turquoise water where you can eat at a beachside spot and walk the shoreline. The Rock sits just offshore on Michamvi Pingwe beach, a single-structure restaurant serving up to 14 tables with Indian Ocean views on all sides. It works for lunch or dinner depending on your preference. Either way, you have time to eat and rest before the final two stops.

The day ends at Michamvi Kae Funk, a sunset beach bar with live music and Amapiano beats. You watch the sun drop over the water with a drink in hand, surrounded by the energy of a working beach bar where locals and travelers mix. Transport back to your hotel is included, along with bottled water throughout the day, WiFi in the vehicle, and all park fees and taxes.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking guide for the full day.
• snorkeling equipment at Maalum Cave.
• bottled water throughout.
• entry fees and taxes for all sites.
• WiFi on board.
• hotel pickup and return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (14 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 95 years) · Youth (5 to 13 years) · Child (3 to 4 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Viva Ocean Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?The tour runs 9 to 10 hours with a 2-hour forest walk, cave swimming, beach time, and a seated meal, so it suits travelers with a full free day and comfort in the water. You choose lunch at booking: Paje Beach if you want to stay casual and swim again, or The Rock if you prefer a sit-down meal with a view.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 13 years); Child (3 to 4 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What are the Red Colobus Monkeys like when you see them in Jozani Forest?

Red Colobus Monkeys are rare to Zanzibar and live in the forest canopy. The 2-hour guided walk lets you observe them in their natural habitat and photograph them up close. The guide explains their behavior and the forest's role in protecting them.

Can you actually swim in Maalum Cave, or is it just a viewing spot?

Maalum Cave is a natural swimming pool where you dive into the water and snorkel with provided equipment. The cave stays cool and clear year-round, and shaded areas on the shore let you rest between swims.

How do you choose between Paje Beach and The Rock Restaurant for lunch?

You pick your lunch spot when you book. Paje Beach offers a casual beachside meal with time to walk the sand and swim. The Rock is a seated restaurant perched over the water with a more formal dining experience and the same ocean views.

What time does the sunset happen at Kae Beach, and how long do you stay?

Sunset timing shifts with the season, but the tour ends your day at Michamvi Kae Funk beach bar as the sun drops. You have time for drinks and live music before the return drive to your hotel.

Is the whole tour private, or do you share the vehicle with other groups?

The tour is private: you travel in your own air-conditioned vehicle with your guide and group only. Private transport is included in the price.