Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

The park lies on Zanzibar Island, in Tanzania. It’s the only conserved ground on Zanzibar Island. The Park covers only 50 sq km. The park is known for having huge numbers of red colobus monkeys, or commonly known as Kirk’s red colobus monkeys. (Sir John Kirk was the first to present them to zoological science, and so they were named after him.) These are totally different from the white and black colobus monkeys that you have probably seen in other parks. The species in question is the flagship for the conservation of Zanzibar since the mid-1990s. There’s more in this park to see, that is bush babies, Sykes monkeys, the four-toed nocturnal tree hyrax, Zanzibar leopard, Ader’s duiker, and Zanzibar servaline genet, 40 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, mangrove forests, and marine organisms like various sea fish species. For all the flora and fauna in this park, it will not be surprising for it to be named a world heritage.

Size of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

The Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a 50 km² national park of Tanzania located on the island of Zanzibar. It is the only national park in Zanzibar.

Location of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Jozani Chwaka bay national park is the only national park that is located on Zanzibar Island off Tanzania’s mainland. The national park incorporates Jozani forest which lies about 35 km southeast of the stone town in the south of the island.

How to get to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

The park can be accessed by road transport; you can use private or public means. From Zanzibar to the park it’s only 35km. Visitors can alternatively take a bus from Paje town from the park. If you’re using air transport, you will connect your flight to Zanzibar, then to the park.

Things to do in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Bird watching

This activity will also be enjoyed in this park. The park has 80 species of birds and all will be at your disposal if you concentrate on it. The peak of the activity is in the early wet season. So if the main target of your visit to this park is bird watching, you may need to visit during December and January to view many of these flying creatures. With your binoculars, you will visit the spot as directed by your guide, and have pleasure from what you will see. You will get to see most of the common and unique species which include Kingfishers, African fish eagles, sunbirds, pelicans, vultures, spoonbills, among others.

Game viewing

The park doesn’t have a lot of wildlife species to see as it’s the case in other parks, but it has the rare to find species in the world. These will be visible on your walk safaris in the forest or in the park. The park is home to the red colobus monkey, African civet, Sykes monkey, bushbabies, and the Zanzibar leopard, that is believed not to be found anywhere else in the world. Most of what you will see will be the cute primates. You will enjoy pleasant views of them and the way of life as you take their photos.

Guided walk safaris

The small park is wonderful to explore on foot. The park has trails through which you will gain access to the different ends of the park. The main trail can take you at least an hour of leisure walking. You may decide to take several depending on how much time you have. You will get to see the forest and its species. Guides will be explaining to you some of the unique plantations which are herbal too. You will enjoy the sights and sounds of birds and primates in the forest. During this walk, your highlight will be setting your eyes on the red colobus monkeys and other wild animals in the park. Some of the primates are not yet used to humans, the moment they hear humans approach, they will leap through the trees. The fact that they are not tame, you shouldn’t try to get too close to them, or even giving them food. Enjoy their present way of life.

Cultural visits

The park lies close to locals with great cultural diversity. They are welcoming people. Their cultures have survived over years and still remain unspoiled. You will enjoy interaction s with them, and knowing their humble way of life. You may learn how to prepare their local dishes and also have a chance of tasting them. You may get a souvenir from them as a reminder of your tour in Africa.

When to visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

The park can be visited and enjoyed all the time in the year but the best time to visit the park is during the dry season. The dry season runs from June to October. The wet season runs from November to May. Towards the end of this season, their heavy rains run from the end of March, although they may not be constant.

Where to stay in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Hotels and lodges can only be found outside the Park and are categorized in terms of luxury, mid-range, and budget. You will need to decide on the category that suits your budget. Whichever category you choose, you will have absolute comfort throughout your stay. These include:

Luxury