Sight guide · Zanzibar · Tanzania
Visiting Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
The island's only national park protects remnant forest and mangroves and is home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, which you can watch at close range.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a nature spot in Central Unguja, Zanzibar. Allow 2 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Central Unguja
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- nature, kids, outdoors and photo spot
- Best months
- June–August
About Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
The island's only national park protects remnant forest and mangroves and is home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, which you can watch at close range. A boardwalk loops through the mangroves.
Tip: Visit on the way to the east-coast beaches, and keep the recommended distance from the monkeys.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Central Unguja.
Best time to visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- June: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- July: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- August: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Zanzibar has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Zanzibar itinerary visits Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park on day 2, together with Spice farm tour and Former slave market and Christ Church.
- No. 9 of the 17 sights in our Zanzibar things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Zanzibar.
- A family favourite in Zanzibar with kids.
Near Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Also in Central Unguja, so you can walk between them:
- Spice farm tour — half a day, mid-priced
If you like Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
- Prison Island (Changuu) — Off Stone Town, Half a day
- Nakupenda sandbank — Off Stone Town, Half a day
- Mnemba Atoll snorkelling — Matemwe, Half a day
- Kizimkazi — Southern Unguja, Half a day
Staying near Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Where to stay in Zanzibar compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park?
Plan 2 hours. With Spice farm tour nearby, it fits a half-day in Central Unguja.
+Is Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park?
June–August for the most comfortable weather. Visit on the way to the east-coast beaches, and keep the recommended distance from the monkeys.
+Do I need to book Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Zanzibar. Zanzibar works well for families: tortoises on Prison Island, monkeys in Jozani Forest, turtles at Nungwi and calm beaches at Kendwa.