Four-day Jozani Forest National Park Area, Zanzibar

Our ecotourism itinerary allows you to explore Jozani Forest National Park, which is the habitat of the Red Colobus Monkey, as well as the most stunning environment in the preserved regions of Chwaka Bay and Menai Bay. You can also enjoy typical Zanzibar shoreline lifestyles in villages, meet with friendly locals, and tour sustainable conservation projects. 50% of the revenues from your stay are used to enhance living conditions in the village of Muungoni.

The Jozani Forest National Park area in southern Zanzibar is the best site on the island for ecotourism! Aside from the actual Jozani Forest National Park, which is Zanzibar’s largest near-natural tropical rain forest and home to the endangered Red Colobus Monkey.

Within a 20-kilometre distance, you can visit the nature conservation areas of Chwaka Bay and Menai Bay, featuring their sandbanks, vacant islets, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems that happen to be home to dolphins, sea turtles, whales, dolphins and dugongs, as well as Uzi Island, which is surrounded by Zanzibar’s largest mangrove area and serves as a breeding ground for many birds and sea animals.

Unlocking the Secrets of Jozani Forest Zanzibar – You Won’t Believe What’s Inside!

Within this natural paradise, a few settlements have mostly stayed the same over the years, with the people continuing to be mostly small-scale farmers and fishermen.

The itinerary is summarized for you: (Four-day Jozani Forest National Park Area, Zanzibar)

• Day 1: Arrival in Muungoni; explore the fascinating Zala Park and cultural tour of the village.
• Day 2: A Captivating Mangrove Canoe Trip or an Adventurous Bicycle Tour.
• Day 3: Adventure the Bicycle Tour.
• Day 4: A guided nature trail walk and departure.

Detailed Itinerary: Four-day Jozani Forest National Park Area, Zanzibar

A four-day expedition offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Gorilla Safari Expedition with Mtembezi Safaris will offer you a chance and opportunity to internalise the creation with similar human traits.

Day 1: Arrival in Muungoni; explore the fascinating Zala Park and cultural tour of the village.

Experience the ultimate getaway at the enchanting “Mother Nature Forest Camp Jozani” in Kitogani. Upon your arrival, immerse yourself in the quiet ambience of the camp, where check-in begins at 12 a.m. As a warm welcome, indulge in a refreshing tropical fruit juice, lovingly prepared for you.

To kickstart your adventure, we recommend visiting the captivating “Zanzibar Turtles and Tortoise Land.” This delightful park serves as a sanctuary for local reptiles, with a special focus on educating visitors, particularly school classes from across Zanzibar. By promoting a scientific understanding of animals, the park aims to dispel superstitious beliefs that often lead to unnecessary harm to wildlife.

Following your visit to the park, prepare for an immersive cultural tour of the village. This extraordinary journey will provide you with a first-hand glimpse into the unchanged way of life that has prevailed in the village for centuries. Witness the harmonious relationship between the locals and the surrounding nature, which graciously provides them with the essentials of their daily existence. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in various activities, including basket weaving, indulging in local fruits and sweets, and exploring the impressive water supply system and school. It’s worth noting that if you arrive late, the village tour will be scheduled for the next day, allowing you to fully enjoy your time in the village.

As the day comes to a close, the community group will treat you to a delicious dinner at your accommodation. Brace yourself for an extraordinary night immersed in nature’s embrace, where the symphony of nocturnal birds, playful bush babies, and majestic Red Colobus Monkeys serenade you, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Embark on this remarkable journey of ecological awareness and cultural appreciation, and let the enchanting wonders of Kitogani captivate your senses.

• Accommodation: Midrange & Luxury
• Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: A Captivating Mangrove Canoe Trip or an Adventure Bicycle Tour.

Indulge in a hearty breakfast served at your accommodation, preparing you for an exciting day ahead. Embark on a mesmerizing mangrove canoe trip, immersing yourself in the serene and untouched environment of this extraordinary forest. As you peacefully paddle along, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature and have the chance to observe birds and other fascinating animals in their natural habitat. The mangroves play a crucial role in the conservation of numerous animal species, making their protection of utmost importance.

If you had the opportunity to partake in the cultural tour of the village the previous day, you can now enhance your experience by booking an extension of the canoe trip to Uzi Island. This remote island, home to two small villages, offers an even more authentic glimpse into a way of life that has remained untouched compared to the villages on Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja. Should you choose this extension, a delightful lunch will be served on Uzi Island, adding to the allure of this extraordinary excursion.

However, if you haven’t yet embarked on the cultural tour, it will be scheduled for this day, with the order of activities adjusted based on the tide. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of village life, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage that thrives in the community. Engage in various activities, interact with locals, and witness firsthand how the village inhabitants harmoniously coexist with their natural surroundings. The tour promises to be a truly immersive and enlightening experience.

For those seeking an alternative option, a half-day bicycle tour to Makunduchi Village in the south of Zanzibar is available. This thrilling excursion will take you on a journey through captivating landscapes and fascinating attractions. Highlights of the tour include exploring an impressive cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, visiting a traditional voodoo priest who will enchant you with his magic, climbing the highest lighthouse in Zanzibar, and stepping inside the grandeur of Zanzibar’s second-largest mosque in Makunduchi. With a duration of approximately 5 hours, including a delightful one-hour lunch break at the beach, this tour ensures an exhilarating and culturally immersive experience.

Choose the adventure that resonates with you the most, whether it’s the Mangroves Canoe Trip, the extended excursion to Uzi Island, or the captivating bicycle tour to Makunduchi Village. Whichever path you choose, prepare to be captivated by the wonders that await you in Kitogani, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi lodge
• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
  

Day 3: Adventure the Bicycle Tour

After savouring a delicious breakfast at your accommodation, get ready for an exhilarating day of exploration and cultural immersion. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, embark on a bicycle journey to the captivating Jozani Forest National Park. As you pedal through the picturesque surroundings, prepare to witness the remarkable sight of the endemic Red Colobus Monkeys up close. Take your time to observe these unique creatures in their natural habitat, appreciating their beauty and learning about their conservation.

Continue your adventure with a leisurely walk through the enchanting deep groundwater forest, where towering vegetation creates a mystical atmosphere. Feel the tranquillity of the forest surrounding you as you meander through its lush trails. Later, explore the mangrove forest via a well-maintained boardwalk, offering a unique perspective on this vital ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a marine turtle conservation project, witnessing firsthand the remarkable efforts dedicated to preserving these magnificent creatures.

Next, venture to the community development project known as the ‘DADA collective.’ This inspiring initiative focuses on the skill development and empowerment of local girls and women. Enjoy a delightful lunch at this heartwarming establishment while marvelling at a captivating presentation showcasing the art of traditional loom weaving. Admire the exquisite handcrafts skillfully produced by the collective, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and creativity of the local community.

Continue your journey to the renowned Zanzibar Butterfly Centre in Pete Village, where you’ll encounter East Africa’s largest aviary dedicated to butterflies. Step into a world of vibrant colours as you marvel at the diverse species of butterflies fluttering around you. This centre serves as a sustainable income generation project for the locals, providing opportunities for the villagers of Pete to raise butterflies under the guidance of a biologist. The revenue generated from tourism supports the ongoing operations of the Butterfly Center and ensures the conservation of these delicate creatures.

As the day draws to a close, pedal your way back to Muungoni, where a well-deserved dinner awaits you. Reflect on the captivating experiences and memories created throughout the day, cherishing the remarkable beauty and cultural richness of Kitogani.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, support local initiatives, and embrace the vibrant tapestry of Kitogani’s cultural heritage on this extraordinary day of exploration and discovery.

• Accommodation: Midrange and Luxury
• Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
  

Day 4: A guided nature trail walk and departure.

Following a delectable breakfast at your accommodation, embark on an immersive Nature Trail experience that promises to deepen your understanding of the remarkable flora and its significance to the local population. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be guided through the trail, receiving comprehensive explanations about the various plants and their multifaceted uses within the community. Prepare to be astounded by the extensive knowledge possessed by the locals regarding the natural environment and the invaluable resources it provides. From sustenance and medicine to construction materials and beyond, the forest plays a vital role in meeting the diverse needs of the community.

A highlight of your journey will be the visit to permaculture gardens, made possible through the generous sponsorship of vocational training in sustainable farming methods by World Unite! These gardens serve as living examples of permaculture farming, a scientific approach to sustainable agriculture. Marvel at the ingenuity of the community members as they demonstrate how to source sustainable food while minimizing resource consumption. These gardens showcase the harmony that can be achieved between humans and nature, fostering a resilient and environmentally conscious approach to food production.

Immerse yourself in the wisdom of the land and witness firsthand the efforts of the Muungoni Community Tourism Initiative to promote sustainable practices and empower the local community. Discover the beauty and practicality of permaculture farming, a testament to the potential for creating a harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world.

On this enlightening journey, gain a profound appreciation for the interdependence between humans and the environment and how sustainable practices can pave the way for a brighter future. Prepare to be inspired by the resourcefulness and knowledge of the local community, leaving you with a newfound admiration for the intricate relationship between people and the bountiful nature that surrounds them.

End of  Four-day Jozani Forest National Park Area, Zanzibar

 Safari Inclusions

• Lunch
• Bottled Water
• Accommodation (3-nights)
• Safari 4×4 Vehicle
• Park fees
• English-speaking guide

 Safari Exclusions

• Visas and International flights
• Tips