🌴 A Deeper Dive Into Zanzibar
So here we were, a few nights into our 10-night stay in Zanzibar. We’d finally slept off the jet lag from our almost 20-hour journey from the UK. We’d spent a few nights exploring the grounds of the most beautiful hotel and were looking forward to some real epic experiences to come… but also ready to dig a little deeper into the paradise island we were on.
🐒 Jozani Forest: A Conservation Gem
After doing some thorough research pre-trip, Jozani Forest was firmly on the list of must-do activities.
Jozani Forest is a conservation area established in the 1960s in the heart of Zanzibar. Covering around 50 square kilometres, it forms part of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and was created to protect the endangered Kirk’s red colobus monkey—a rare and beautiful primate found only here.
Before our trip, my son—who was being home educated at the time—had just completed an English assignment on the colobus monkey. So visiting Jozani Forest felt perfect. It gave him a chance to see his schoolwork come alive, with his own eyes.
🚗 Getting There: Zanzibar’s Roads & Rhythms
We were picked up by our driver and just over an hour later, we arrived at the most beautiful forest.
I must say—Zanzibar, although not tiny, is surprisingly easy to get around by car. (Although I definitely wouldn’t recommend driving yourself!) It’s pretty chaotic, with minimal road rules. Think Jamaica-style: every man for himself, roads buzzing with movement, and horns beeping in every direction like some kind of rhythm section.
But still—everywhere you’d want or need to go is no more than an hour away, including the airport. And if you book yourself a driver like we did, you can relax knowing you’ll get there safely, stress-free, and in air-conditioned comfort.
One thing I loved about our driver: every trip felt like an informal island tour. He’d share little nuggets of history or local facts—but also knew when to give us space, putting on the best laid-back Afrobeats. Songs I still listen to now that instantly transport me back. (Music and travel definitely share top spot for my first love.)
🌳 Into the Heart of the Forest
Anyway—back to the trip! (Sorry, ha!)
As always, our lovely driver handed us over to our local guide for the forest trails. You can’t explore Jozani without a guide—and honestly, I wouldn’t want to. They’re there for your safety, sure, but also to give you a deeper understanding of the forest, its plants, its creatures, and its spirit.
IMHO, going without a guide would mean missing out massively.
Our driver had already arranged everything in advance (he sorted all our trips, which made things so easy). All we had to do was pay at the end—about £85 for all four of us, including return transfers, tickets, and a guide.
You can arrange it yourself—just show up and pay around £12 per person, which includes your guide. But that won’t include transport or the ease of it all being sorted for you.
🐒 The Red Colobus Monkeys: Quiet, Rare & Beautiful
Walking the trails was incredible. We had loads of chances to see the colobus monkeys—quiet, mysterious, and nothing like the cheeky monkeys you might expect. Without the guide pointing them out, we probably wouldn’t have spotted them at all.
Watching my son quietly take it all in was a moment. Like, here he was, in the middle of a forest in Africa, seeing something he’d researched from behind a screen at home in real life. I could’ve cried—this is why we travel.
Watching them glide through the trees in their natural habitat was breathtaking. But it wasn’t just the monkeys—we saw beautiful wildlife, unique trees, and those mangroves! They added a real fairytale vibe, casting magical shadows through the forest.
My daughter was absolutely giddy with the photo ops. And for my son, seeing what he’d studied come to life was such a full-circle moment. I’m a firm believer in making learning real, and this was just that.
🧒🏽 The Village Surprise: A Connection Beyond Words
What we didn’t expect was to be invited to visit a nearby village afterwards to meet the locals. That took the whole experience to another level.
We met the children, chatted, played, and were even treated to a spontaneous song and dance performance by the local tribe. Of course, my husband had to get involved—he was straight on the drums! I’ll never forget that moment.
Reflecting back.. I remember sitting with those children and just thinking—our lives are worlds apart, but here we were, laughing and learning from each other without needing many words. That kind of connection? You don’t get that on a resort.
🧳 Quick Tips for Visiting Jozani Forest
🎒 Pro Tip: Many people give the children money—but honestly, resources like pens and pencils are far more useful and appreciated. Think schooling, creativity, real value.
🧍🏽♂️ Respect: Always gauge whether children want to engage. Some will, some won’t. Respect that—it’s their home, not a tourist show.
📸 Bring a camera: You’ll want to capture the red colobus monkeys. They’re one for the camera roll!
👟 Wear covered shoes: You’re in a forest—flip flops won’t cut it.
🌟 Why Jozani Forest Should Be On Your Zanzibar List
All in all, Jozani Forest is an absolute must-do if you’re visiting Zanzibar. It’s an unforgettable experience packed with precious moments, rich culture, and hands-on learning.
And for £85 for a family of four on a 6-hour, fully guided, no-stress trip? That’s an absolute steal.
Put it on your itinerary and thank me later.
Loves,
Zo x
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