Searching for a list of Zanzibar national parks? Chumbe Island Coral Park is an award-winning private nature reserve established in 1991. There are many activities to enjoy in the park such as visiting historical monuments, taking guided nature walks, exploring the visitor education center, and visiting the coral reef sanctuary.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park on the island of Zanzibar, covering about 50 square kilometers. It is home to the Zanzibar red colobus, also known as Kirk’s colobus, which is only found on the island.
This park also protects several other natural areas, including forest reserves, butterfly centers, and coral and marine parks.
Size of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park covers about 50 square kilometers (19 square miles) of mangrove forest, coral rag forest, tall trees, thickets, ferns, and palms. It is the largest conservation area on Zanzibar Island and is recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as the most extensive near-natural forest on the island.
The park’s habitats include coastal forests, groundwater forests, grasslands, salt marshes, and mangroves along the coast.
Location of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
The park lies between Uzi Bay and Chwaka Bay, about 35 kilometers southeast of Stone Town, making it easy to reach for day visits and guided tours.
History of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
The Jozani Chwaka Bay area was first gazetted as a forest reserve in 1960 and became a national park in 1984. It was created to protect Zanzibar’s unique wildlife, including the now-rare Zanzibar leopard, which was once threatened by hunting.
What to See in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
- Plants: The park is home to over 290 species of plants, including more than 100 species of trees that support various animal species.
- Animals: Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park shelters several rare and endemic animals. These include Zanzibar tree hyrax, Zanzibar red colobus, Sykes monkeys, bush babies, Zanzibar genets, African civets, and adder’s duikers. Though rare, Zanzibar leopards are also part of the park’s wildlife history.
- Birds: The park is a paradise for bird lovers, hosting over 80 bird species. The mangroves provide ideal breeding grounds for many birds. You can see Zanzibar red bishops, Fischer’s turacos, mouse-colored sunbirds, African paradise flycatchers, dark-backed weavers, brown-headed parrots, mangrove kingfishers, and crab plovers.
- Other Attractions: Apart from wildlife and birds, the park also has more than 50 butterfly species. In the Chwaka Bay area, visitors can spot dolphins, turtles, sharks, tuna, and marlin living in the sea grass beds and mangroves, which serve as breeding grounds for marine life.
Other Protected Areas in Zanzibar
Besides Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar has several other protected areas worth visiting. These include Chumbe Island Coral Park, Kiwengwa–Pongwe Forest Reserve, Ngezi Forest Reserve, and Misali Marine Park. Each area offers a different nature experience for visitors.
Chumbe Island Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park is a privately managed nature reserve and one of the most beautiful coral parks in the world. The park is home to colorful coral gardens that attract a variety of sea creatures such as dolphins, sea turtles, and different fish species. Visitors can explore these marine habitats through diving and snorkeling activities.
The island also has a small forest reserve that provides habitat for birds, crabs, and reptiles. Well-marked nature trails allow guests to walk through the island and discover its natural beauty. The Chumbe Island Visitor Center offers educational displays about marine conservation and the coral ecosystem.
Kiwengwa–Pongwe Forest Reserve
Located on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, Kiwengwa–Pongwe Forest Reserve lies close to the main road between Kiwengwa and Pongwe. The reserve protects a large area of indigenous forest and is known for its rich wildlife. Visitors can see Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, Ader’s duikers, Suni antelopes, Sykes monkeys, and several snake species.
The forest is also home to more than 47 bird species including the white-browed coucal, Zanzibar sombre greenbul, Fischer’s turaco, and crowned hornbills. Beneath the forest floor are coral caves with stalactites and stalagmites, adding to the area’s natural charm.
There are more than 100 plant species in this reserve, many used for traditional medicine. Despite its importance, the area faces threats from timber cutting that began in the 1970s. It remains one of the most important biodiversity zones in the coral rag ecosystem.
Ngezi Forest Reserve
Ngezi Forest Reserve, gazetted in 1959, covers about 14.4 square kilometers (1,440 hectares). It is located in the northwestern part of Pemba Island, the second-largest island in Zanzibar. This forest protects the last remaining natural forest on the island.
The dense double-canopy forest provides shelter to vervet monkeys, Sykes monkeys, and Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. Endemic species such as the Pemba flying fox and Pemba scops owl are among its highlights. Visitors can also see blue duikers and a range of birdlife.
The reserve’s visitor center and entrance gate are located about 5 kilometers west of Konde, along the dirt road to the Kigomasha Peninsula. Two main trails lead through the forest: the Joshi Trail, a short walk where you can spot flying foxes and red colobus monkeys, and the Taufiki Trail, a longer 3–4-hour hike that continues to Vumawimbi Beach. Night walks are also possible for spotting Pemba scops owls and bush babies.
Misali Marine Park
Misali Marine Park is part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, covering about 22 square kilometers, including 10 square kilometers of coral reefs around Misali Island. It is one of the best coral reef ecosystems in East Africa.
The park features over 42 species of hard corals, more than 400 fish species, and numerous sea urchins. Snorkeling and diving are the main activities here, allowing visitors to explore the colorful underwater world that supports both marine life and local fishing communities.
Exciting Things to Do in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
- Game Viewing: Game viewing allows visitors to see forest elephants, African civets, Sykes monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and different birds. The dry season is the best time for game viewing since the roads are dry and easy to access.
- Guided Forest Walks: Guided forest walks offer a close look at the park’s ecosystem. Well-marked trails lead through the forest, and guides explain the plants and animals you see along the way. Expect to see century-old mahogany trees, monkeys, butterflies, and various birds while enjoying the cool forest air.
- Bird Watching: Bird watching can be done on foot or by vehicle. The best time to see birds is early morning or late afternoon. Common species include black-bellied starlings, brown-headed parrots, and African goshawks.
Best Time to Visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is open all year, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the best times to visit. During these months, trails are dry and wildlife is easier to spot.
The rainy seasons from March to May and October to November have fewer visitors, and the paths can be muddy and slippery.
How to Reach Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is located about 35 kilometers, or a 40-minute drive, from Zanzibar City. It is easily accessible by both public transport and private vehicles through Paje Town. The drive offers scenic views of local villages and coconut plantations along the way.
Where to Stay Near Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Visitors can find a variety of lodges and hotels in Zanzibar that suit different budgets. Options include Ananda Villa Zanzibar, Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, Coconut Tree Village Beach Resort, B4 Beach Club, Kikoi Boutique Hotel, African Paradise Beach Hotel, Sahari Zanzibar, Filao Beach Zanzibar, Aluna Paje, Zanzibar Bay Resort, Mahali Zanzibar, Breezes Beach Club and Spa, Beach View Chwaka Resort, and Villa Huruma among others.
