Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a protected area on the eastern coast of Zanzibar with mangrove forests, salt marshes, and coastal woodlands spread across the landscape. Footpaths and elevated boardwalks run through the site, allowing visitors to walk through different vegetation zones.

The site was established as a protected area in 2003 to preserve one of the last major natural forests on the island. This designation came after 19th-century scientific exploration documented the area's rare species.

Local guides share knowledge about the forest and its animals, helping visitors understand how communities depend on and protect these ecosystems. This connection shows how people see themselves as caretakers of the land.

The best way to visit is by joining an organized tour departing from the main towns on the island. The trails are mostly flat and easy to walk, with viewing areas set up along the paths for wildlife observation.

The park is home to a monkey species found nowhere else on Earth, which was nearly extinct just decades ago. Today, seeing these primates is often the highlight for visitors exploring the forest.