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wildlife · Zanzibar

Jozani Forest: Red Colobus Monkeys & Mangrove Trail

Trek the emerald depths of Zanzibar's only national park to observe the critically endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus — found nowhere else on Earth — at arm's length, then wind through ancient mangrove boardwalks. Pure, rare, wild Africa.

What to expect

The 45-minute drive south from Stone Town passes clove and coconut plantations before arriving at the forest edge, where the air drops 10 degrees and smells of damp earth and flowers. Rangers who know individual monkey troops by name guide you along shaded trails as the red colobus — vivid russet and black, completely unafraid — leap overhead and sometimes descend to the path beside you. The mangrove boardwalk that follows is a meditative contrast: tidal channels, mud skippers, and the strange silence of a forest standing in the sea.

Book it with
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (Official / Tanzania National Parks)
USD 10 park entry fee per person + approx. USD 15–20 guided forest walk (private guide fee)
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Good to know

Jozani is ~35 km from the cruise port; allow 45–60 minutes each way by private taxi or driver-guide (approx. USD 40–60 round trip). A half-day departure by 08:30 returns well before a 16:00–17:00 all-aboard. Book a certified TANAPA ranger-guide at the park gate. No flash photography with the monkeys.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Zanzibar — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Viking Ocean · Viking Neptune
36 nights · calls at Zanzibar
from $12,999
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Regent · Seven Seas Voyager
20 nights · calls at Zanzibar
from $14,099
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Viking Ocean · Viking Vesta
141 nights · calls at Zanzibar
from $63,995
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Viking Ocean · Viking Sky
152 nights · calls at Zanzibar
from $81,995
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