Location: Zanzibar island Map
Area: 50 km2 (19 sq mi)
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, located on Zanzibar Island in Tanzania, is a 50-square-kilometer (19-square-mile) protected area and the island’s only national park. Established in 2004, it encompasses the Jozani Forest and extends to the mangrove-fringed Chwaka Bay, forming a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Procolobus kirkii), the park is a mosaic of tropical forests, mangroves, coral rag scrublands, and wetlands. Situated 35 km southeast of Stone Town in the Kusini District, it is a biodiversity hotspot and a key eco-tourism destination.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park lies at approximately 6.23°S,
39.40°E, on Zanzibar’s low-lying central isthmus, connecting the
island’s northwestern and southeastern halves. The park stretches from
the Jozani Forest in the south to Chwaka Bay in the north, encompassing
diverse habitats:
Jozani Forest: A dense groundwater forest with
swampy areas, prone to flooding during the rainy season.
Chwaka Bay:
A tidal bay with extensive mangrove forests and seagrass beds, critical
for marine life.
Momella Area: Includes coral rag forests and
scrublands on higher ground, with sandy soils.
The park’s terrain
is virtually flat, except for gentle slopes in the groundwater forest.
Its climate is tropical, with:
Temperature: Averages 25–28°C
year-round, with highs of 30°C in February–March and lows of 20°C in
July–August.
Rainfall: Annual precipitation ranges from 1,600–2,000
mm, with a long rainy season (March–May) and short rains
(November–December). The dry season (June–October) is optimal for
visiting.
Humidity: High (70–90%), especially in forested and
mangrove areas, creating a lush, tropical feel.
The park’s geology is shaped by Zanzibar’s coral reef origins:
Reef Limestone Terrace: The Jozani Forest rests on a marine
limestone platform formed from ancient coral reefs, with rich, organic
black soil in forested areas. Beyond the forest, soils transition to
shallow, sandy coral rag.
Mangrove Sediments: Chwaka Bay’s mangroves
grow in saline, silty soils deposited by tidal action.
Coral Rag:
Higher ground features broken coral rock with thin, nutrient-poor soils,
supporting scrubland vegetation.
Seasonal flooding, driven by a high
water table, nurtures the swamp forest, while the bay’s tidal dynamics
shape its coastal ecosystems.
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting
diverse habitats and endemic species.
Flora
The park’s 291
plant species, from 83 families, include 21 endangered species, many
used in traditional medicine:
Groundwater Forest: Dominated by
moisture-loving trees like mahogany (Khaya anthotheca), eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus robusta), and palms (Elaeis guineensis). Ferns, orchids, and
strangler figs create a dense canopy. The “Mother Mahogany,” over 200
years old, is a highlight.
Mangroves: Chwaka Bay’s mangroves include
Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia marina, vital for coastal protection
and marine breeding grounds.
Coral Rag Scrubland: Dry, rocky areas
support resilient shrubs like Euphorbia tirucalli and Commiphora
species, adapted to poor soils.
Grasslands and Wetlands: Reeds
(Phragmites), sedges, and water lilies thrive in swampy areas, with
seagrass beds in the bay.
Fauna
The park’s wildlife is a major
draw, with over 40 mammal species, 30 reptiles, 168 bird species (30 of
global/regional significance), and countless invertebrates:
Mammals:
Zanzibar Red Colobus (Procolobus kirkii): An endangered
primate, endemic to Zanzibar, with a population of about 1,000 in the
park. Known for their vibrant red fur and social behavior, they are a
flagship conservation species, named after Sir John Kirk, who introduced
them to science.
Sykes’ Monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis): Agile,
curious primates common in forests.
Aders’ Duiker (Cephalophus
adersi): A rare, small antelope in dense vegetation.
Zanzibar Leopard
(Panthera pardus adersi): Critically endangered, possibly extinct, with
rare sightings in remote areas.
Bushbabies (Galagos): Nocturnal
primates like Sykes’ bushbaby, spotted on night walks.
Other Mammals:
African civet (Civettictis civetta), Zanzibar servaline genet (Genetta
servalina archeri), bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus), and suni
(Neotragus moschatus).
Birds: Over 168 species, including endemics
like Fischer’s turaco (Tauraco fischeri zanzibaricus), eastern olive
sunbird (Nectarinia veroxii zanzibarica), and forest batis (Batis
mixta). Migratory species include kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles.
Mangroves and wetlands attract black-bellied starling (Notopholia
corrusca) and crowned hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus).
Reptiles
and Amphibians: Chameleons, pythons (Python sebae), and the endemic
Kassina jozani frog. Mangroves host crabs and mollusks.
Marine Life:
Chwaka Bay’s seagrass beds and coral reefs support reef fish, dolphins,
sea turtles, and occasionally sharks, tuna, and marlin. Mangroves are
nurseries for tropical fish.
Invertebrates: Over 50 butterfly
species, including the Zanzibar swallowtail (Papilio constantinus), and
numerous beetles and spiders. The park’s butterfly garden highlights
their ecological role.
The park’s ecosystems—forest, mangrove, and
marine—interconnect, supporting a delicate balance of terrestrial and
aquatic life.
The park’s transition zone is home to approximately 16,423 people,
primarily from the Hadimu ethnic group, with smaller Bantu, Makunduchi,
and Shirazi communities.
Local Communities: The Hadimu,
descendants of early Bantu settlers, engage in tourism, fishing,
beekeeping, butterfly farming, and crab fattening. The Makunduchi, early
custodians, and Shirazi, with Persian influences, add cultural
diversity.
Cultural Practices: Traditional medicine relies on forest
plants, with guides explaining their uses. Fishing and dhow-building are
central to coastal communities, while beekeeping and spice farming
reflect Zanzibar’s “Spice Island” heritage.
Historical Context: The
Jozani Forest was a hunting ground for the Zanzibar leopard and faced
deforestation until the 1960s. Declared a forest reserve in 1960, it was
gazetted as a national park in 2004 through collaboration between the
Zanzibar government, CARE International, and funders like Austria and
the Ford Foundation.
Cultural Tourism: Villages like Muyuni offer
immersive experiences, with locals sharing Swahili customs, music, and
cuisine (e.g., pilau and coconut-based dishes).
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is a top Zanzibar attraction,
offering accessible trails, wildlife viewing, and cultural insights,
often combined with Stone Town or spice farm tours.
Activities
Guided Nature Walks: The main activity, lasting 45–90 minutes, follows
forest trails and a mangrove boardwalk. Guides highlight the
200-year-old Mother Mahogany, red colobus monkeys, and medicinal plants.
The boardwalk, starting under a tamarind tree, reveals mangrove
ecosystems, with crabs, mollusks, and fish visible at low tide. Cost:
~$10–15.
Wildlife Viewing: Red colobus monkeys are the star, often
seen swinging through trees, habituated to visitors but protected from
feeding. Sykes’ monkeys, duikers, and bushbabies are also spotted. Night
walks (pre-arranged) may reveal nocturnal species.
Birdwatching: With
168 species, the park is a birding paradise. Guided tours target
endemics like the little greenbul (Eurillas virens zanzibaricus) and
migratory herons, best in the early wet season (November–December).
Mangrove Boardwalk: A 1-km wooden walkway through Chwaka Bay’s mangroves
offers views of marine life and coastal flora, ideal for photography and
learning about mangrove ecology.
Butterfly Garden: A small enclosure
showcases butterfly life cycles and their role in pollination, appealing
to families and educators.
Snorkeling and Diving: Chwaka Bay’s coral
reefs, accessible via boat from nearby villages, offer vibrant marine
life, including reef fish and dolphins. Operators like ZanTours arrange
trips (~$50–100).
Cultural Tours: Visits to Muyuni or Chwaka villages
include interactions with fishermen, beekeepers, and artisans. Dhow
cruises in the bay highlight traditional boat-building.
Key Sites
Jozani Forest: Enter via the Jozani Gate, near the visitor center, for
forest trails and monkey sightings. The lush, cool forest contrasts with
Zanzibar’s beaches.
Chwaka Bay: Accessed via the Chwaka Gate, it
features mangroves, seagrass beds, and coastal views. Kayaking and boat
tours are available.
Momella Area: Coral rag scrublands and
grasslands, less visited but rich in unique flora and small antelopes.
Visitor Center: At Jozani Gate, it offers exhibits on the park’s
ecosystem, conservation, and red colobus monkeys, plus a small café and
craft stalls.
Access:
By Road: 35 km (45–60 minutes) from Stone Town via the
A104. Taxis (~$30–50), shuttles, or public buses (dalla-dalla Nos. 309,
310, 324, 326; ~$1–2) from Zanzibar Town or Paje. Rental cars or bikes
are options.
By Air: Fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
(ZNZ) in Zanzibar (from Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, or Europe), then drive
40 km to the park.
Entrance Fees: ~$10–12 (non-residents), ~$5
(Tanzanian citizens), children under 5 free. Guided walks (~$5–10) and
special activities (e.g., snorkeling) cost extra. Fees support
conservation.
Hours: Open daily 7:30 AM–5:00 PM. Last entry at 4:30
PM.
Accommodations:
Nearby: Filao Beach Zanzibar (luxury,
~$100–200/night), Zanzibar Bay Resort (mid-range, ~$50–100), Maars
Resort (budget, ~$20–50), and Coconut Tree Village Beach Resort. Stone
Town and Paje (30–40 km) offer more options.
Camping: Limited;
inquire at the park office or stay at beach campsites in Paje.
Facilities: Jozani Gate has a visitor center, toilets, and a café. The
Chwaka Gate offers a picnic area with bay views. Trails are
well-maintained, but bring water, sturdy shoes (trails can be muddy),
and insect repellent.
Guides: Mandatory for forest and mangrove
walks, included in entry fees. English, Swahili, and sometimes
German-speaking guides are available.
Best Time to Visit:
Dry
Season (June–October, December–February): Clear trails, less rain, and
comfortable temperatures (25–28°C). Wildlife is easier to spot with
shorter vegetation.
Wet Season (March–May, November): Lush greenery
and active birdlife, but muddy trails and heavy rain can disrupt walks.
Monkeys remain visible year-round. Early mornings (7:30–10 AM) offer
cooler weather and active wildlife.
Managed by the Zanzibar Department of Forestry and Non-Renewable
Natural Resources, the park faces several threats:
Deforestation:
Historical logging reduced the forest, though exploitation stopped
post-2004. Illegal wood collection persists in buffer zones.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Red colobus monkeys raid crops in nearby
villages, prompting retaliation. Community programs promote coexistence
through eco-tourism and beekeeping.
Tourism Pressure: Overcrowding on
trails risks disturbing monkeys and damaging mangroves. Visitor caps and
guided tours mitigate this.
Invasive Species: Non-native plants and
animals threaten native ecosystems, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Climate Change: Rising sea levels and altered rainfall could impact
mangroves and wetlands, critical for marine breeding. The park’s
carbon-sequestering mangroves are a focus of climate resilience efforts.
Conservation successes include:
Red Colobus Recovery: From
near-extinction in the 1990s, the population has stabilized at ~1,000
due to protection and habitat restoration.
Community Engagement:
Tourism revenue funds schools, clinics, and sustainable livelihoods like
butterfly farming and crab fattening.
Ramsar and UNESCO Status: The
bay is on Tanzania’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites and
proposed as a Ramsar Wetland Site, boosting global support.
Ecological Research: The park supports studies on red colobus
behavior, mangrove ecology, and climate adaptation. Its 21 endangered
plant species and endemic fauna, like the Zanzibar servaline genet, are
priorities for conservation biology.
Marine Conservation: Chwaka
Bay’s seagrass and mangroves are critical for fish stocks, informing
regional fisheries management.
Cultural Heritage: The Hadimu and
Makunduchi’s stewardship of the forest, combined with Swahili
traditions, enriches Zanzibar’s cultural tapestry. The park’s
integration of tourism and local livelihoods is a model for sustainable
development.
Tourism Role: As Zanzibar’s only national park, it
diversifies the island’s beach-centric tourism, drawing ~10% of visitors
annually.