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. The Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park was established in 2004 and it covers an area of approximately 50 square kilometers national park of Tanzania located on the island of Zanzibar. It is the only national park in Zanzibar. The park is famous for its huge numbers of Zanzibar 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. Besides the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, the park is also home to other animals such as 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.
Attraction in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Wildlife
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is famously known for hosting one of the most endemic primate species -Zanzibar red colobus monkey (pili colobus kirkii) is a flagship species for Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and one of the most fascinating attraction sights for visitors. These primates known for their striking appearances with long limbs, reddish coats and expressive eyes, are endemic to Zanzibar and are classified as endangered. Besides red colobus monkeys, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring a variety of wildlife species that rea both endemic and significant to the African ecosystem. The park is sloe home to Skye’s monkeys (Cercopithecus albogularis) also known as the Samango monkey and the bushbabies. The park is also home to more than 50 species of butterflies. More so Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a dwell for animals such as nocturnal Zanzibar tree hyrax, Zanzibar leopard, Ader’s duikers, Zanzibar servaline genet, African civet lizards as well as different fish species such as dolphins, tuna, marlin and shark among others.
Birds
The park consists of two adjoining Important Bird Areas designated by Birdlife International. Birding in the ark can be done in the Jozani forest and the Chiwaka Bay and its surrounds on the east coast, including extensive stands of mangroves along its southern shore, support populations of Fischer’s Turacos, Mangroves Kingfishers, Malachite Kingfisher , African Pygmy Kingfisher , Brown-Headed Bellied Starliins, East Coast Akalats, Mouse-Coloured Sunbirds , Zanzibar Red Bishops, Greater Sandplovers, Crab Plovers , Saunder’s Tern , Brown-crowned Tchagra, Fork-tailed Drongo, African Crested Flycatcher, House Crow, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Lesser Striped Swallow, Little Greenbul, Southern Yellow White-eye, Tanzanian Liliopsids, Spotted Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Purple-banded Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, Mouse-colored Sunbird, Black-winged Bishop, Black-and-white Mannikin, Northern Gray-headed Sparrow, White-browed Coucal, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, White-rumped Swift, African Swamphen, Water Thick-knee, Black-bellied Plover, Common Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper, Small Buttonquail, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Long-tailed Cormorant, Black Heron, Malagasy Pond-Heron-endangered, Yellow-billed Egret, Black-headed Heron, African Sacred Ibis, European Honey-buzzard, African Fish-Eagle and African Wood-Owl among others
Amazing things to do in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Guided nature walks
One of the most popular activities in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is embarking on a guided nature walk. This is an activity which involves foot walks along the park’s vast landscape in search of the most hidden creatures that might be missed out during the traditional game drives. 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 that are herbal too. You will enjoy the sights and sounds of birds and primates in the forest. During this walk, you will be fascinated with the astonishing views of the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, which are renowned for their striking appearance and entertaining behavior. Observing them in their natural habitat can be a highlight of the visit.
Bird watching
Jozani boast a rich birdlife, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts. Over 135 species of birds inhabit the park. Bird watching in the park is best done in the wet season which typically runs from months of March to May and November because this is the best time for bird watching therefore you will be able to view migratory bird species. 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 Fischer’s Turacos, Mangroves Kingfishers, Malachite Kingfisher , African Pygmy Kingfisher , Brown-Headed Bellied Starliins, East Coast Akalats, Mouse-Coloured Sunbirds , Zanzibar Red Bishops, Greater Sand plovers, Crab Plovers , Saunder’s Tern , White-browed Coucal, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, White-rumped Swift, African Swamphen, Water Thick-knee, Black-bellied Plover, Spotted Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Purple-banded Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, Mouse-colored Sunbird, Black-winged Bishop, Black-and-white Mannikin and Northern Gray-headed Sparrow among others.
Game viewing
Game viewing is one of the most interesting activities that shouldn’t be missed on your safari in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. The park is home to the red colobus monkey, Ader’s duikers, Zanzibar servaline genet, lizards’ African civet, Sykes monkey, bushbabies, tree hyrax if you are lucky and the Zanzibar leopard, that is believed not to be found anywhere else in the world. During your game-viewing safari, you will have the great opportunity to view these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Visiting the Jozani Forest Research Center
The Jozani Forest Research Center is dedicated to the study and conservation of the indigenous species in the area. A visit to the Jozani Forest Research Center offers visitors with the opportunity to learn about ongoing conservation efforts and research projects that aim to protect the biodiversity of the forest. Educational exhibits highlight the importance of sustainable practices, making this an insightful spot for those interested in conservation.
When to Go
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, this is when the weather is most pleasant and the animals are more active, making it easier to spot them in their natural habitat. During the dry season trails in the park will be dry therefore guided walks will be enjoyable compared to the wet season when trails are muddy and slippery. The wet season runs from November to May is the best time for bird watching therefore you will be able to view migratory bird species
How to access Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
he parks can be accessed by road transport; you can use private or public means. From Zanzibar to the park, it’s only 35km from Zanzibar to the Jozani Chwaka Bay Park entrance. 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 Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Where to stay in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Visitors planning to visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park shouldn’t where to stay, the park has a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, mid-range, and budget such as Menai Bay Beach Bungalows, Zanzibar Bay Resort, Dhow Inn, Kisiwa on the Beach, Beach View Chwaka Resort, Mermaids Cove Resort and Spa, Filawo Beach Zanzibar, Cristal Resort and Fun Beach Resort among others.
