Tourist activities to do in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park : Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a stunning natural area that offers a unique a range of activities for tourist to enjoy. The Park lies on Zanzibar Island, in Tanzania. It’s the only conserved ground on Zanzibar Island. The Park covers only 50 sq km. The park is known for having huge numbers of red colobus monkeys, or commonly known as Kirk’s red colobus monkeys. (Sir John Kirk was the first to present them to zoological science, and so they were named after him.) These are totally different from the white and black colobus monkeys that you have probably seen in other parks. The species in question is the flagship for the conservation of Zanzibar since the mid-1990s. There’s more in this park to see, that is bush babies, Sykes monkeys, the four-toed nocturnal tree hyrax, Zanzibar leopard, Ader’s duiker, and Zanzibar servaline genet, 40 species of birds, 40 species of butterflies, mangrove forests, and marine organisms like various sea fish species. For all the flora and fauna in this park, it will not be surprising for it to be named a world heritage. Here are some of the popular tourist activities to do in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. These includes;
Guided nature walks
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is by taking a guided nature walk. Visitors can explore the lush forest, spot unique flora and fauna, and learn about the park’s conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides. Nature walks in Jozani Chwaka Bay are best done early in the morning and in the evening with the company of an armed park ranger to protect you from any danger and to show you different trails to follow. During the guided nature walk in the park, you will have the chance to view a variety of incredible species that might be missed out from a traditional game drive such as small insects, birds, mammals, beautiful butterflies, primates as well as stunning vegetations among others
Bird watching
The park is a birdwatchers’ paradise, with over 138 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. Vsisitirs can spend hours watching for colorful Fischer’s Turacos, Mangroves Kingfishers, Malachite Kingfisher , African Pygmy Kingfisher , Brown-Headed Bellied Starliins, East Coast Akalats, Mouse-Coloured Sunbirds , Zanzibar Red Bishops, Greater Sand plovers, Crab Plovers , Saunder’s Tern , White-browed Coucal, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, White-rumped Swift, African Swamphen, Water Thick-knee, Black-bellied Plover, Common Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper, Small Buttonquail, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Long-tailed Cormorant, Black Heron, Malagasy Pond-Heron-endangered, Yellow-billed Egret, Black-headed Heron, African Sacred Ibis and European Honey-buzzard among others flitting through the treetops.
Mangrove boardwalk.
The park is home to a large mangrove forest, which provides important habitat for a verity of wildlife. As visitors walks through the elevate boardwalks that take them deeper in to this fascinating habitat, they can observe the resilience of these trees, whose roots are submerged in water, acting as a filter for water quality. The mangroves also serve as a habitat for a plethora of bird species including herons and kingfishers, making its an exciting location for birdwatchers and other creatures that call the mangrove home.
Red colobus monkey viewing
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is famous for its population of endangered red colobus monkeys. These primates known for their striking appearances with long limbs, reddish coats and expressive eyes, are endemic to Zanzibar and are classified as endangered. Observing the monkeys as they leap gracefully between trees in their natural habitat offering an incredible wildlife experience. There social behaviours are fascinating, they live in groups led by a dominant male and communicate through variety of vocations. The monkeys primarily feed on leaves, fruits and flowers, contributing to the park’s ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal. Visitors can take tours to see these charismatic primates in their natural habitat, jumping from tree and interacting with one another.
Visit to Butterfly Garden
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is also home to a beautiful butterfly garden, where visitors can observe a variety of butterfly species fluttering among the flowers and plants. This is s a mesmerizing feature that captivates visitors with its vibrant display of colorful butterflies. This garden serves as a sanctuary for numerous butterfly species showcasing the rich diversity if lepidoptera found in Zanzibar. The conservation efforts focus on protecting the habitats that supports the life cycles of these delicate insects, from caterpillars to mature butterflies. Visitors can take guided walks though the butterfly-friendly garden, learning about the different species, their behaviors and their roles in local ecosystems. The sight of butterflies fluttering among the flowers, including endemic varieties that thrives in the region, provides a stunning visual spectacle. The conservation area emphasizes the importance of pollination, as butterflies and other pollinators are vital for the reproduction of many plants.
Cultural visits
The park lies close to locals with great cultural diversity. They are welcoming people. Their cultures have survived over years and still remain unspoiled. Visitors can visit nearby villages, interact with residents and learn traditional crafts, music and dance and knowing their humble way of life. You may learn how to prepare their local dishes and also have a chance of tasting them. You may get a souvenir from them as a reminder of your tour in Africa.
Best time to visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
The best time to visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. This is when the weather is most pleasant and the animals are more active, making easier to spot them in their natural habitat. During the dry season trails in the park will be dry therefore guided walks will be enjoyable compared to the wet season when trails are muddy and slippery.
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 planning to use air transport, the park can also be accessed by air transport means whereby you will connect your flight to Zanzibar and then to Jozani Chwaka Bay national park.
Where to stay on your safari in Jozani Chwaka Bay
There are a number of accommodation facilities in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park where you can stay during your safari. Accommodations range from luxury, midrange, budget and they include Menai Bay Beach Bungalows, Zanzibar Bay Resort, Dhow Inn, Kisiwa on the Beach, Beach View Chwaka Resort, Mermaids Cove Resort and Spa, Filawo Beach Zanzibar, Cristal Resort, Breezes Beach Club and Spa, Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort and Fun Beach Resort among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about the Tourist activities to do in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.
