Jozani Forest & Prison Island
★★ Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
The only national park in Zanzibar protects the island's last significant rainforest and is home to the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkeys — one of the rarest primate species in the world. Only about 5,000 animals exist, exclusively on Zanzibar.
The charming monkeys with their red fur are accustomed to visitors and can be observed and photographed up close. A guided walk through the forest (approx. 1 hour) is the highlight. Additionally, the park offers a mangrove forest boardwalk over the swamp area — fascinating aerial roots and crabs.
Entrance: 12 USD adults, 8 USD children. Daily 7:30 AM–5:00 PM. Approx. 45 min. south of Stone Town.
★★ Prison Island (Changuu Island)
The small island 5.6 km off Stone Town has a varied history: first a quarantine station, then a prison (never used), now a popular excursion destination. The main attraction is the giant tortoises — a colony of Aldabra tortoises brought here from the Seychelles in the 19th century. Some are over 100 years old and weigh over 200 kg. You can feed and pet them.
Additionally, Prison Island offers a small, pretty beach for snorkeling and the abandoned prison building to explore. Boat tour from Stone Town: 15–25 USD (30 min. ride). Best booked in the morning, as the sea gets rough in the afternoon.
★★★ Mnemba Atoll
The Mnemba Atoll off the northeast coast is Zanzibar's number one snorkeling and diving hotspot. The circular reef offers crystal-clear water (visibility up to 30 m), colorful coral gardens, and an overwhelming variety: dolphins, sea turtles, giant groupers, moray eels, lionfish, and — in the right season (October–March) — whale sharks.
Snorkeling boat tours from Nungwi, Kendwa, or Matemwe cost 25–45 USD and last half a day. Diving (2 tanks) approx. 80–120 USD. The island itself is private (the exclusive Mnemba Island Lodge resort), but the surrounding reef is accessible to everyone.
