Zanzibar: Jozani Forest Red Colobus Monkeys & Mangrove Walk
Where 6,000 Red Colobus Monkeys Live in One Forest
You walk through Jozani Forest spotting red colobus and sykes monkeys in their natural habitat, then cross a wooden boardwalk through mangrove forest and over a creek. Private transport picks you up, includes bottled water and all fees, and returns you in the afternoon. No arrangements needed beyond booking.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Jozani Forest and Mangroves
- Visit red colobus monkeys habitat
- Explore swamp forest and thickets
- Observe sykes monkeys and birdlife
- Walk Pete-Jozani Mangrove Boardwalk
- View coral thicket and mangrove forest
- Cross creek on boardwalk
The experience
Most of Zanzibar's tours keep you on the beach or in Stone Town. Jozani Forest is the opposite: thick, wet, alive with sound, and the moment you step past the entrance you're in a different island altogether. The red colobus monkeys are why people come, and they're there: you'll see them moving through the canopy, their rust-colored fur catching light through the leaves. There are about 6,000 of them in the forest, along with sykes monkeys, and the noise they make (calls, rustling, the crack of branches) fills the whole space.
The walk itself moves through several habitats. You start in swamp forest and evergreen thickets where the monkeys spend most of their time, and your guide points out the difference between the species, how they move, what they eat. After that section, you cross over to the Pete-Jozani Mangrove Boardwalk, which is a wooden path that winds through mangrove forest and across a creek. The boardwalk keeps you dry and lets you see the mangrove ecosystem without disturbing it. The trees are tangled, the water is dark, and it's quieter than the monkey section but stranger somehow. You're walking through a landscape that looks almost prehistoric.
The whole experience is half a day, and private transportation is included, so you don't have to arrange a driver or negotiate a shared minibus. Bottled water comes with you, which matters in the heat and humidity. It's not a long hike or a strenuous one (the forest floor is soft and the boardwalk is flat), so it works for most people. What you get is time in an actual working forest, not a curated wildlife park, and the monkeys are wild, not fed or trained. They ignore you most of the time, which is exactly what makes it feel real.
What’s included
Your half-day includes private transportation from your hotel, entry to Jozani Forest, a guided walk through swamp forest and evergreen thickets to see the red colobus and sykes monkeys, access to the Pete-Jozani Mangrove Boardwalk, bottled water throughout, and all fees and taxes. Return transport is included.
Information
Lasts 2h–3h, runs every day, 7 start times, from US$ 95.50 per person, with live guides in 5 languages, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated today
Operated by Pazuri Zanzibar
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Zanzibar's wildlife in its actual habitat without arranging your own transport or guide: the private pickup and all-inclusive pricing mean you show up and walk, nothing else to organize.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 5 alternatives
- 6 reviews
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 3h–4h
- start times · Every day
- 2
- 1 review
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 6h–7h
- Every day
- 08:30
- 5 reviews
- 4.80★
- Duration
- 2h
- start times · Every day
- 11
- 1 review
- 5.00★
- Duration
- 5h
- start times · Every day
- 4
- 143 reviews
- 4.98★
- Duration
- 2h 30m
- start times · Every day
- 5
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 28 years); Child (9 to 12 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How many red colobus monkeys are in Jozani Forest?
About 6,000 red colobus monkeys live in Jozani Forest, along with sykes monkeys and various bird species.
What is the Pete-Jozani Mangrove Boardwalk?
A wooden walkway that winds through mangrove forest, coral thicket vegetation, and across a creek, allowing you to explore the mangrove ecosystem without disturbing it.
Is private transport included?
Yes, private transportation is included in the tour price.
How long does the tour take?
The tour is a half-day experience. Exact duration depends on your hotel location and the operator's schedule.
What habitats will I see?
You'll walk through swamp forest, evergreen thickets, mangroves, and coral thicket vegetation.
Is the walk difficult?
No, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The forest floor is soft and the mangrove boardwalk is flat.
What should I bring?
Bottled water is provided. Wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, and insect repellent. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.
Can I see the monkeys up close?
The monkeys are wild and not habituated to humans. You'll see them in the canopy and moving through the forest, but they keep their distance.
Zanzibar: Jozani Forest Red Colobus Monkeys & Mangrove Walk
2h–3h · EN · ES · FR · DE · IT
from US$ 95.50 per person