JOZANI FOREST AND THE MANGROVE PARK

This excursion is an interesting alternative to any sea activity. The protected forest covers an area of 10 sq km between Chwaka bay and Uzi bay and lays on paleocorals ground. Along with the mangroves forest to North and the marshes to the south, it forms a rich set of different natural habitats. Walking through it paths you are expected to meet huge Red Mahogany trees, oil palms, Pandanus Rabaiense ficus which stunning aerial roots provide support and oxygen to the plant during the másika [monsoon season] when the forest is flooded, many species of small animals such as aquatic beetle and dragonflies. There's Palma Rafia (raffia farinifera) which fiber, extracted from leaves, is used for a myriad of purposes, both in textiles and in other areas. The Ficus Sicomoro stand out, high against the sky: it's roots as well have a strong supporting role. Among the other species of Ficus you'll see the stranglers (ficus natalensis): this tree interlace firmly to the others forest's tree but this is not a cooperation rather a fight for survival. Here and there are clumbs of cardamom, mint and other wild spices perfuming the air. The Todalia lianas [typical of tropical countries belonging to the same family of Rattan Asia] are also to be seen: these plants exploit the forest's trees in order to to climb towards the light. Dwelling, from the silence of the forest emerge the songs of the birds of Jozani: the Akelat (Erithacus Gunning, a robin ofthe east coast); the green-Babul of Zanzibar (Pycnototus zanzibaricus virens); the Nettarina olivacea; the crowned Bucero(Tockus alboterminatus); the acute whistling of the Colubus Red Monkeys of Zanzibar (precolubus kirke); the sounds produced by the tusks of the Patacomero (distant relative of the Boar), which scours the ground to get roots and tubers; the rumors produced by black pygmy frogs leaping in water puddles and more [about . 40 species between migratory and resident]. The forest then extends towards an area of Casuarina equisetifolia planted in 1980 after a fire which destroyed part of the forest.

Duration: 3 - 4 hours [depending on your desire for exploration]
cost: 35 usd inclusive of transportation and entrance ticket.

JOZANI FOREST + MANGROVES + BUTTERFLIES
it's possible to extend the visit to the nearby Butterflies centre, bhosting all endemic species.

Duration: 4 - 5 hours approximately
cost: 40 usd includes transportation and all entrance fees.

JOZANI FOREST + MANGROVES + ZALA PARK
Lovers of chameleons can extend the visit to Zala Park hosting a great variey of chameleons and snakes

Duration: 4 - 5 hours approximately
cost: usd 35 includes transportation and all entrance fees.

JOZANI FOREST + MANGROVES + BUTTERFLIES + ZALA PARK
This is an all-inclusive option to visit the forest, the mangroves park, the chameleons and snakes center and the butterfly center

Duration: 5 - 6 hours approximately
cost: 45 usd includes transportation and all entrance fees.