Jozani Forest Zanzibar Tour: Monkeys & Mangrove Walk

Red colobus monkeys live nowhere else on earth except this forest.

A combined tour of Jozani forest and a spice farm in Zanzibar, with a private guide and air-conditioned transport. You walk the mangrove boardwalk to see endemic monkey species and learn about the forest's vegetation, then visit a working spice farm to watch how spices are harvested and taste tropical fruits. The tour takes 6 to 7 hours and includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Jozani Forest and Spice Farm

• Tour Jozani forest vegetation
• See endemic monkey species
• Walk mangrove boardwalk
• Learn about mangrove types
• Taste tropical fruits and spices
• See spice harvesting and uses

The experience

The tour starts with a guide taking you through Jozani forest to see the vegetation and the red colobus monkeys that live nowhere else. These endemic primates are the draw: your guide points them out and explains what makes them unique to this forest. You'll walk on the mangrove boardwalk, where the guide explains the different types of mangrove and gives you time to photograph the trees and wildlife. The boardwalk keeps you above the water and mud, so you stay dry and comfortable while moving through the ecosystem.

After the forest, you move to a spice farm where the guide shows you how cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices actually grow on the plant. You'll see how they're harvested and learn how they're used in cooking and medicine. The farm lets you taste fresh tropical fruits and buy spices to take home if you want them. This second half is less about walking and more about standing and learning, which breaks up the day and gives your legs a rest.

Private transport means you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with just your group, and the driver picks you up and drops you off at your hotel. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language, so you can arrange the language when you book. Six to seven hours covers both sites without feeling rushed, and it's designed for travelers who don't have a full day to spend on separate excursions.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
• a guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• access to the mangrove boardwalk in Jozani forest.
• time to photograph the endemic monkeys and vegetation.
• a visit to a working spice farm where you see how spices grow and are harvested.
• the chance to taste tropical fruits at the farm.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (5 to 13 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 at a different place from where it starts.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ZANZIBAR GUIDE - FRANCOPHONE ANGLOPHONE

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup and private transport mean you don't need a car or have to navigate to the forest on your own. The guide collects you and handles the route, which matters if you're staying in Stone Town or another part of the island without rental transport.

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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: Child (5 to 13 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.

What are the red colobus monkeys and why do they only live in Jozani?

Red colobus monkeys are endemic to Jozani forest, meaning they exist nowhere else in the world. The guide will explain their habitat and behavior as you spot them during the forest walk.

Is the mangrove boardwalk easy to walk, or is it steep and slippery?

The mangrove boardwalk is a raised wooden path that keeps you above the ground and water, so it's stable and accessible. The guide gives you time to move at your own pace and take photographs.

Can I taste the spices and fruits at the farm, or just see them?

You can taste fresh tropical fruits at the spice farm. Spices are available to buy if you're interested, but tasting them is part of the experience the guide provides.

How long is the walk through Jozani forest itself?

The tour is 6 to 7 hours total, including both the forest and the spice farm, transport between them, and pickup and drop-off. The forest portion is the first half, and the pace is set by the guide so you have time to observe the monkeys and vegetation.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the forest and mangrove boardwalk. Bring a camera, sunscreen and a hat, as parts of the tour are in open sun. The vehicle is air-conditioned, so you'll be cool during transport.