In short
- Wear flat walking shoes or sneakers.
- Choose light, breathable clothing; long pants help stop bug bites.
- Bring insect repellent, water, and sun protection.
In this article
Preparing for your tour of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park requires balancing the tropical heat with insect protection. Standard guided tours take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours and cover flat terrain, making practical comfort your main goal.
What shoes should I wear to Jozani Forest?
Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
You do not need heavy hiking boots. The main paths, including the Monkey Tracking Trail and the Mahogany Forest Walk, are flat and shaded. You will also walk on a 1-kilometer (0.6 mile) raised wooden boardwalk through the mangrove ecosystem. Standard sneakers are perfectly fine here.
What clothing is best for the forest trails?
Choose light, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate.
The forest retains moisture and gets highly humid. Lightweight fabrics will keep you cool. Wearing long pants is a smart choice to help prevent insect bites in the dense forest areas. If you visit during the wet seasons, pack a lightweight rain jacket or an umbrella.
Do I need insect repellent at Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park?
Yes, insect repellent is essential to protect against mosquitoes.
The park features dense tropical groundwater forests and salt marshes. These humid environments attract mosquitoes. Apply repellent before you arrive. This is especially important if you visit early in the morning when the red colobus monkeys are most active.
How should I prepare for the sun?
Bring sunscreen and a hat for the exposed sections of the park.
While the Monkey Tracking Trail is heavily shaded, the Pete Inlet Boardwalk is not. The elevated walkway over the salt marshes and mangrove roots leaves you exposed to direct sunlight for 30 to 45 minutes.
What else should I pack for a Jozani Forest tour?
Bring bottled water, small bills, and a camera with a good zoom.
Bottled drinking water is necessary to stay hydrated in the tropical heat. You will also need small bills in USD or Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) for guide tips or items at the Community Craft Market.
Can I bring food or collect plants?
No, do not bring food to feed the wildlife or collect any natural materials.
- Feeding the 3,000 endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkeys is strictly prohibited.
- Visitors must not collect plants, seeds, flowers, or other natural materials from the park.
- Take all your trash out with you to protect the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve ecosystem.
Questions travellers ask
Is there malaria in Jozani Forest?
Zanzibar is a tropical environment with mosquitoes, so packing and wearing insect repellent is highly recommended to prevent bites.
How long does a tour of Jozani Forest take?
A standard guided walking tour takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This includes time in the groundwater forest and the mangrove boardwalk.
Can you visit Jozani Forest without a guide?
No. Visitors cannot walk in the forest or on the mangrove boardwalk without an official park guide. The mandatory guide is included in the entrance fee.
