Knowing very well that once the Topic of Zanzibar is introduced, many will think of the exotic beautiful beaches, several lip-smacking spices, the ancient Arabic architecture, exciting culture, and the thought-provoking slave trade history. Not today! Here we give you an alternative. This amazing archipelago is as well home to nature-based parks. With all the treasures in it, the best time to visit and why you should add it to your list. A destination, very accessible and affordable for nationals and internationals, exploring the island for honeymoon, camping, birding, cultural adventure, and many more.
Zanzibar; an amazing gate a way of Tanzania is an archipelago, with a collection of several small islands along the shoreline of the vast Indian ocean; south of the equator and east of the continent of Africa. Pemba and Unguja islands are the biggest and most famous of them all, with several exotic beaches; perfect for unwinding stress, relaxing, parties, enjoying kinds of seafood, and spending any other quality time as a group, family, or an individual.
There is only one national park in Zanzibar, receiving about 10% of the total number of visitors to the island, yet offering a variety of nature’s sights and sounds. Though critics may say it is overrated, the forest is one of the best places to visit for those interested in birds, monkeys, flora, amphibians and fresh air; a reason why it was transformed into a national park.
About Jozani – Chwaka Bay National Park (Zanzibar’s Only National Park).
The park is located south of Chwaka Bay, about 35km southeast of Zanzibar, via paje road. It was established around the 1960s when tourists started visiting specifically for an encounter with the rare Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkeys that dominate the place. Other occupants of the lush forest include; birds, marine vegetation, over 50 butterfly species, forest mammals and so much more.
Jozani-chwaka bay national park is a true paradise to some of the rarest monkeys in the world, co-existing with each other and jumping from one tree to another as they feed or play. However, the rarest of them all; one unseen so easily in the world is the rare Zanzibar red Colobus monkeys, also known as the Colobus kirkii (their population estimated to be about 1000 individuals). The name kirk was got from Sir John Kirk; a British resident who identified and informed the zoological scientists.
Other eye-catching creatures include; the tree hyrax; with its unique four toes on the front feet, the aders duiker, the Zanzibar servaline genet, and many more. Some rare bird species include; fishers turacos, brown-headed parrots, east coast akalats, the Zanzibar red bishops, the greater sandplovers, mangrove kingfishers, mouse-colored sunbirds, and the saunders’s terns among others.
Activities offered for visitors include a 2-3 hour primate trekking experience; through the guidance of experienced park rangers, half or full-day birding experience, guided nature walk, and visiting the communities living outside the park if you wish.
Other destinations to visit besides the national parks in the local communities for exciting cultural experiences with the local communities, the flourishing spice plantations to uncover the different spices, and also taste them; explore the magnificent stone town city, dolphin tour, the exotic yet very calm beaches, and the local villages to interact with the local natives.
The best time to visit Jozani-Chwaka Bay National park in Zanzibar.
June to September and December to February have less and no rains, thus the most ideal months for visiting the park. However, depending on your schedule, any time can be ideal. The fee of visiting Jozani bay is so affordable.
Though you haven’t included it on the list of destination to visit In Zanzibar, it can still be added to the list while on the island because no one is limited, unless there is a reason necessitating the restriction, such as having sicknesses like flue that can transfer to the primates. The accommodations are present around the park, ranging from budget, midrange to luxury, with very amazing services, tasty cuisines and so much more.
Zanzibar has only one national park; harboring over 5000 rare monkeys, over 50 butterfly species, forest mammals, birds, and so much more. A visit to the only one Jozani – Chwaka Bay national park is truly rewarding and unforgettable.