Seif was absolutely great! We had a great chat on the walk from the hotel to the pier. The lads on the boat were such a laugh. We enjoyed it so so much. Thanks to everyone!
Visit the Jozani forest and explore this natural part of Zanzibar, home to several habitats including swamp forest, evergreen thickets, mangroves, as well as a variety of wildlife, including sykes and red colobus monkeys, bush pigs, Ader’s duiker and suni antelopes, elephant shrews, chameleons and lots of birdlife.
The Jozani forest is best known for its kirks red colobus monkeys (kima punju in swahili), which are endemic to Zanzibar. About 10 years ago, the monkeys were considered to be in danger of extinction, but this trend has since reversed due to the conservation project. There are about 6000 red colobus monkeys now residing in Jozani Forest.
After visiting the monkeys, walk across to the Pete-Jozani mangrove boardwalk, which entwines through coral thicket vegetation, mangrove forests and across a creek. The mangrove forest is extremely crucial to Zanzibar’s ecosystems, providing a habitat for many lizards, snakes and birdlife as well as preventing the coastal erosion.
Jozani Forest is situated 38km southeast of Stone Town. In 1995, the Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Project was set up to protect the largest remaining patch of indigenous ground-water forest that used to cover Zanzibar. Local communities are involved in the project and some of your entrance fee contributes to development projects and to compensate local farmers whose crops are often damaged by the red colobus monkeys.
Zanzibar and spice is a romantic entanglement that dates back to the 16th century. The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which are essential ingredients in a Zanzibari’s everyday life.
Join us in learning more about the important piece of Zanzibar life on our special Spice Tour with in-depth information not only about spices, but also organically grown herbs and detailed descriptions about their uses in traditional dishes, as cures for ailments and even for dyeing traditional ceremonial outfits for weddings and festivals. This tour is also a fantastic opportunity to see the countryside and rural areas of Zanzibar and also connect with local people.
Our guided walking tour passes through villages and spice plantations as spice-farm workers climb trees, seek out specific plants and cut off bark, letting you see, feel and taste everything. You will be decorated with palm-leaf accessories such as ties, rings, bracelets and glasses. You will also have an opportunity to taste some of the exotic fruits of Zanzibar and buy some of your own fresh spices if you choose.
The tour also includes a visit to the Kidichi Persian Baths built in 1850 by the first Sultan of Zanzibar as a gift for his Persian wife.
The half-day trip includes transport, guide and entrance fees
Nungwi a village at the north coast part of Zanzibar Island . This trip focuses on a cultural village visit to Nungwi, including sightseeing and free time to relax on the white sand beaches of the north.
In Nungwi there are number of very interesting things to see and do, including a natural aquarium that is home to endangered sea turtles and a variety of fish. The aquarium itself is a natural formation carved out from the coral bedrock by the erosion of millions of waves crashing against the shore. The depth of the water rises and falls with the tides providing a natural environment for its inhabitants.
The best time to visit Nungwi is in the early morning when the fish market is in full swing – depending on the catch the previous night you might see tuna, king fish, dorado and a variety of other large fish for sale. In the morning, local fishermen (and women) wade out to the edge of the coral reef to catch a number of different small sea creatures including squid, octopus, puffer fish and the occasional ray – their catch will be sold at the fish market throughout the day.
The Nungwi Boat Yard is another riveting experience where you’ll meet the ship yard owner and learn how the dhows are built; from the sourcing of the wood to the joints used and how they are launched.
Please also be aware that the village is the home and workplace of the local population and we ask you to respect their privacy – it is always best to ask before taking pictures. At the end of the walk, you can either relax on the sandy beaches or go swimming in the natural sea. Lunch and refreshments are arranged there to taste local delicacies or international food.
Suggested itinerary follows:
Visit the village
Visit the dhow-building capital of Zanzibar
We will stop at the blacksmith and see the traditional way of making the tools for the construction of dhows. At the construction site, we will see the way dhows have been built for centuries and see how skilled craftsmen bend wood to create the dhows. Take advantage of the opportunity to try your hand at this unique craft.
Visit and swim at Mnarani Natural Aquarium
Hawksbill turtles have traditionally been hunted around Zanzibar for their attractive shells, and green turtles for their meat. The project was established in 1993. You'll also get a change to swim while on tour.