Jozani Forest Tour Zanzibar: Red Colobus Monkeys

Red colobus monkeys in the canopy, birds in the understory, and five hours to find them both.

A guided tour of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park in Zanzibar takes you through forest trails to spot red colobus monkeys, colorful birds and native plants with a knowledgeable local guide. You walk at a moderate pace through lush greenery, learning about the ecosystem and wildlife that depend on this protected forest. The tour includes private transportation, bottled water and snacks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Jozani Forest and wildlife

• Visit Jozani Forest national park
• Walk lush trails with guide
• See red colobus monkeys
• Learn about wildlife and plants

The experience

Jozani Forest is Zanzibar's only national park, and the tour centers on walking its trails to find the red colobus monkeys that live there. Your guide leads you through the canopy and understory, pointing out birds and plants along the way and explaining how the forest ecosystem works. The pace is steady but not rushed: five hours total, with time to stop and watch when the monkeys appear or when something catches your eye.

Private transportation gets you to the park entrance, and your guide handles the rest. Bottled water and snacks keep you going through the morning or afternoon walk. The guide speaks English or French and knows the forest well enough to answer questions about what you're seeing and why the conservation of this place matters. This is not a sprint through a checklist. It's a chance to stand still in the forest and actually notice what lives there.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the forest.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the tour.
• a local guide fluent in English or French who shares knowledge of the wildlife and plants.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 7 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Zanzibar Eco-Friendly Tours

Is this one for you?The five-hour pace and guided walk suit travelers who want to move slowly enough to actually see wildlife and hear the forest, rather than rushing through a list of stops. If you're comfortable walking at a moderate tempo and want time to stand still and watch, this tour delivers that rhythm.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (2 to 7 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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.

What are the red colobus monkeys like when you see them in Jozani Forest?

Red colobus monkeys are charming and social primates that live in the forest canopy. Your guide will help you spot them as they move through the trees and explain their behavior and role in the ecosystem.

How much walking is involved in the Jozani Forest tour?

You walk through lush trails at a moderate pace over the course of five hours. The terrain is forest floor with natural paths, and your guide sets a steady rhythm that allows time to stop and observe wildlife.

What birds and plants will I see in Jozani Forest?

Colorful birds and unique plants thrive in the forest, and your guide will point out species and explain how they fit into the ecosystem. The specific sightings depend on the season and time of day, but the forest is rich with life.

Does the tour include transportation to Jozani Forest?

Yes, private transportation is included in the tour price. Your guide will meet you and handle all logistics to get you to the park and back.