Zanzibar National Parks, Safaris and Wildlife Reserves

(Zanzibar, Tanzania, TZ, East Africa)



Many of Zanzibar's wild areas are protected as natural reserves and marine parks. However, it only has one national park as such, which is to be found on Unguja Island and near to the town of Jozani.

Set up in 1960, the impressive Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park makes up Zanzibar's largest conservation area, covering an overall area of approximately 50 square kilometres / 20 square miles.

Visitors will find that it offers a rich overview of the island's natural wildlife habitats, which are home to several species that are on the rare or endangered list. The Mangrove Boardwalk allows visitors to stroll in the shade of tamarind trees and observe both tropical fish and crabs as they feed in the shallow waters below.


Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Address: Jozani, Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, TZ, Africa
Around 1,000 red colobus monkeys live in the park, along with tree hyrax and bush babies. Also known as the Kirk's red colobus, red colobus monkeys remain one of the rarest in the whole of Africa. Indeed, this species can actually only be found in Zanzibar. Also very much on the endangered list and living in this forest is the Aders' duiker (a small antelope species) and the Servaline genet (a cat-like creature).

Numerous butterfly species thrive in the rainforest environment of the park, along with nectar-feeding sunbirds and an array of wildlife based around the mangroves of Chwaka Bay.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Chumbe Island Coral Park

Address: Chumbe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, TZ, Africa
This privately run nature reserve is home to one of the most beautiful coral gardens in the world. The reef attracts huge numbers of fish, turtles and dolphins, which are perhaps best viewed by donning a snorkel and getting close to their natural habitat. It is worth noting that scuba diving is strictly forbidden, though.

The island is also made up of the Chumbe Forest Reserve, an area that provides a safe haven for numerous birds, reptiles and crabs, including the nocturnal Coconut Crab. The park has a visitor centre, as well as many nature trails. A nearby lighthouse offers visitors a chance to enjoy spectacular views over the island and beyond.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Ngezi Forest Reserve

Address: Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, TZ, Africa
Created as a reserve as early as 1950 in order to save the rapidly depleted forest from further destruction, Ngezi is home to such animals as the flying fox - a type of large fruit-eating bat, the red colobus monkey and the Pemba blue duiker. Over 25 bird species can also be spotted here, including the African goshawk and malachite kingfisher.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Kiwengwa / Pongwe Forest Reserve

Address: Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania, TZ, Africa
The reserve's rich biodiversity means that it is home to a large number of animal and bird species. The distinctive green wings and red crest of the Fischer's turaco can be seen amidst its trees, as can the white belly and black wings of the crowned hornbill. Close to the forest floor are over 100 species of plants, many of which are known to have medicinal uses.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge