In short
- Touching and feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited.
- Visitors must stay several meters away from the monkeys.
- An official park guide must accompany you at all times.
In this article
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It provides a sanctuary for an estimated 3,000 endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. To keep the animals safe and wild, park authorities enforce specific conservation rules for all visitors.
Can you touch the monkeys in Jozani Forest?
No, touching or petting the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys is strictly prohibited.
These monkeys are a wild, endangered species found nowhere else in the world. Human contact can transmit diseases to the animals and alter their natural behavior. Always keep your hands to yourself while observing them on the trails.
Are you allowed to feed the wildlife?
You cannot feed any monkeys or other wildlife inside Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.
The red colobus monkeys rely on a specific diet of leaves, seeds, and unripe fruit found in the forest ecosystem. Human food can make them sick. The park supports 291 known plant species, providing plenty of natural food.
How close can you get to the red colobus monkeys?
Visitors must maintain a distance of several meters from the monkeys at all times.
While the monkeys are accustomed to humans, getting too close can cause them stress. You must also keep noise to a minimum. Loud voices or sudden movements will disturb the animals and ruin the viewing experience for others.
Can you walk the forest trails without a guide?
No, visitors are not permitted to walk in the forest or mangrove boardwalk without an official park guide.
Your $12 USD entrance fee includes a mandatory ranger. The guide ensures you stay on the designated trails and follow all conservation rules. They also help you spot the monkeys in the canopy.
Why must visitors stay on the designated paths?
Staying on marked trails protects the fragile ecosystem and prevents visitors from getting lost.
Jozani Forest covers 50 square kilometers (19 sq mi) of diverse habitats. Walking off the path damages plants and disrupts animal habitats. The park enforces this rule strictly to preserve the native flora and 168 bird species.
Can you take plants or seeds from the park?
You cannot collect any plants, seeds, flowers, or natural materials from Jozani Forest.
Everything in the park belongs to the protected ecosystem. Removing vegetation removes food sources for the wildlife. Additionally, you must take all trash out with you. Littering is banned to keep the forest and the 1-kilometer (0.6 mile) mangrove boardwalk clean.
Questions travellers ask
Are the red colobus monkeys dangerous?
They are wild animals but generally ignore humans if left alone. Following the rules and keeping your distance ensures a safe visit.
Can you visit Jozani Forest without a guide?
No, you cannot. Walking in the forest or on the mangrove boardwalk requires an official park guide.
How many red colobus monkeys are in the park?
The park provides a sanctuary for an estimated 3,000 Zanzibar red colobus monkeys.
