Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is Zanzibar Island’s only National Park extending for approximately 50 square kilometers (5000 hectares/19 square miles). This Conservation Area was established in 2004 and is presently managed by Tanzania National Parks Authority.
Vegetation of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park’s spectacular landscape is comprised of a mosaic of mangroves, grassland, coastal forest, salt marshes, salt marsh at the Coast, mangrove (or groundwater) forest, coral rug forests and agricultural areas. There are over 290 outstanding plant species, of which 21 species are considered endangered. The different vegetation types within Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park once existed throughout Zanzibar Island.
Wildlife and Bird Species in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
The varying habitats of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park make it a biodiversity hot spot haven to unique wildlife species that include the exceptional Zanzibar Red Colobus (Kirk’s red colobus) that are confined to the habitats of Zanzibar, African civets, Aders’ duikers, bushbabies, Zanzibar genets, the nocturnal Zanzibar tree hyrax, Sykes monkeys, Red colobus monkeys, dolphins, Zanzibar leopards, Amphibians (such as the Jozani frog), reef fish species and many others.
Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is also an Important Birding area with more than 160 species of birds including over 30 species of regional and global importance occupying the mangrove forests in the Chwaka Bay. Expect to see Saunders’s terns, Mouse-colored sunbirds, Greater sand plovers, Crab plovers, African goshawk, Mangrove Kingfishers, Zanzibar red bishops, Brown-headed parrots, East coast akalats, Black-bellied starlings, Fischer’s Turaco and many others.
Also, over 50 species of butterflies call the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park home. The sea grass beds of the Chwaka Bay, surrounded by mangrove forest are significant breeding grounds for several marine organisms including a number of open sea fish species.
Tourist activities in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
Guided Forest Walks
Guided forest walks bring visitors closer to the rich biodiversity in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. With this activity, you will see the Zanzibar Red colobus, Ader’s duikers, duikers, Sykes monkeys, dolphins, birds and many other residents of the Park. The walks here last 45 minutes to one hour and can be done all year round.
Bird watching
There are over 160 species of birds occupying the mangrove forest, savannah grassland, ocean shores and coastal forests in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. The best time for birding is the morning and evening hours where Mouse-colored sunbirds, Greater sand plovers, Crab plovers, African goshawk, Mangrove Kingfishers, Zanzibar red bishops, Brown-headed parrots can be spotted.
Village/Community visit
Visitors to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park can participate in Village/Community visits through communities in Zanzibar Island. Discover their undiscovered cultures and traditions on top of buying souvenirs at the end of the tour.
Best time to visit Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
When it comes to climate and weather, Zanzibar Island is known for featuring the most beautiful climate for all-year round tours. However, exploring Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is during the drier and less humid months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December. The months of March, April, May, October and November are soggy and usually avoided by visitors, yet perfect for birding. Also, accommodation facilities offer discounts during these months since they are in the low season and there are fewer crowds. However, the perfect time to visit Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park varies from individual to individual and depends on personal interests and budget.
Accommodation facilities in/near Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
Extensive choice of accommodation facilities exist near Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and they include Dhow Inn Zanzibar, Demani Lodge, Evergreen Bungalows, Menai Bay Beach Bungalows, Paje by Night Hotel, Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa, Kisiwa on the Beach Resort, Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort and Mbuyuni Beach Village among others.
How to get to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
The main Park entrance gate of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and its Visitor Information Center are approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Zanzibar Town, just off the Road leading to Paje.
