Jozani Forest tour Zanzibar: Red Colobus monkeys

The monkeys here are accustomed to people and let you photograph them from arm's length as they feed and leap between branches.

A half-day private tour of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park in Zanzibar, where a guide leads you through the largest indigenous forest on the island to find Red Colobus monkeys, the rare Zanzibar Sykes' monkey, and over 50 butterfly species. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with water and an experienced guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language. The forest canopy is tall and dense, and the monkeys have grown comfortable around visitors.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Jozani Forest and wildlife

• Enter Jozani Forest Reserve
• Join guided forest walk
• Observe Zanzibar Red Colobus monkeys
• Spot rare Zanzibar Sykes’ monkeys
• See Bushbaby and butterflies
• Watch various bird species

The experience

What makes Jozani different from other forest reserves is the monkeys themselves. Red Colobus troops move constantly through the high branches, and because they've adapted to human presence, you can get close enough to photograph them eating, playing and jumping from tree to tree. The rarer Zanzibar Sykes' monkey is harder to spot, but the guide knows where to look. Beyond the primates, the forest holds 40 bird species, 50 types of butterflies and Bushbaby, which you may encounter depending on the time of day and season.

The tour runs about three hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don't arrange your own transport to the park. Your guide speaks one of five languages and carries bottled water for the walk. All entrance fees, taxes and service charges are built into the price. The forest floor is uneven and the canopy dense, but the path is walkable for most fitness levels. The operator notes the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entrance fees to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park.
• an experienced professional guide.
• bottled water during the tour.
• all taxes and service fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Zanzibar Crystal Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if your guide needs to speak a specific language. You pick the language at checkout, and the guide will deliver the commentary in that language throughout the walk.

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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 (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): 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.

How close can you actually get to the Red Colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest?

Red Colobus monkeys in Jozani have become accustomed to people and allow you to approach close enough to photograph them as they eat, play and jump between branches. The guide will position you where you can watch them without disturbing their behavior.

What other wildlife might you see besides the monkeys?

The forest is home to over 50 butterfly species, 40 bird species, Bushbaby, and the rare Zanzibar Sykes' monkey, which is unique to Zanzibar and harder to spot than the Red Colobus. What you see depends on the time of day and the season.

Does the tour include transport from your hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price. The guide will collect you and return you at the end of the three-hour tour.