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, and 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, bush babies, and the Zanzibar leopard, which 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 that 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 the years and remain unspoiled. You will enjoy interactions with them, and knowing their humble way of life. You may learn how to prepare their local dishes and also have a chance to taste 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
- Menai Bay Beach Bungalows
- Zanzibar Bay Resort
- Dhow Inn
- Kisiwa on the Beach