At Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, we invite you to explore one of Zanzibar’s most captivating excursions: the Jozani Forest and Spice Island Farm Tour. This immersive day trip combines the island’s lush natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage into a single, unforgettable adventure. Located in the central and southern regions of Unguja Island, this tour reveals the heart of Zanzibar’s biodiversity and agricultural legacy, offering travelers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history.

Your journey begins in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, and continues to Zanzibar’s renowned spice farms, where cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and other exotic spices thrive. Ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and culture explorers alike, this full-day experience highlights why Zanzibar is famously known as The Spice Island.

Jozani Forest Overview

Located about 35 kilometers southeast of Stone Town, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park spans approximately 50 square kilometers and is Zanzibar’s only national park. It encompasses a diverse ecosystem, including swamp forests, mangrove areas, and evergreen thickets, supporting a remarkable variety of plants and wildlife.

The forest’s most iconic inhabitant is the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii), found nowhere else in the world. Other wildlife includes Sykes’ monkeys, bush babies, duikers, and over 40 bird and butterfly species. Guided walks along maintained trails allow visitors to explore safely while learning about the park’s conservation programs and ecological importance.

What to Expect During the Jozani Forest Tour

The forest portion of the tour typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Licensed guides introduce visitors to the forest ecosystem and share insights into conservation efforts. As you stroll along shaded trails, you may spot red colobus monkeys leaping among the trees, curious and unafraid, offering excellent photography opportunities.

A highlight of the forest walk is the mangrove boardwalk, where you can observe the intricate root systems that help protect Zanzibar’s fragile coastline. Guides also explain the delicate balance between the local communities and the environment, demonstrating how responsible tourism supports both.

Spice Island Farm Tour Overview

After the forest, the tour continues to Zanzibar’s famous Spice Farms, primarily around Kizimbani or Kidichi villages. This hands-on experience lasts 2 to 3 hours, immersing visitors in the sights, scents, and tastes that have made Zanzibar a legendary spice hub.

Local farmers guide you through aromatic plantations of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla, turmeric, and black pepper, sharing insights on cultivation, harvesting, and traditional uses in Swahili cuisine and medicine. The tour also highlights the historical and economic significance of spice farming in Zanzibar’s cultural identity.

What to Expect During the Spice Tour

The Spice Tour is a multi-sensory journey. You may crush leaves, smell bark, and taste raw spices, testing your senses before learning their identities. Seasonal tropical fruits such as pineapples, mangoes, starfruit, and jackfruit are often sampled along the way.

Tours typically conclude with opportunities to purchase organic spices, herbal teas, and natural oils directly from local farmers, supporting community livelihoods. Some farms offer a traditional Swahili lunch, prepared with freshly harvested spices, providing an authentic culinary experience.

Suggested Itinerary

A full-day tour typically runs 6–7 hours and can be adjusted based on your location and pace.

Sample Schedule:

• 08:00 AM: Depart from hotel (Stone Town, Nungwi, or Paje)
• 09:00 – 11:00 AM: Guided walk through Jozani Forest and mangrove boardwalk
• 11:30 – 12:00 PM: Transfer to Spice Farm area
• 12:00 – 02:30 PM: Spice Tour and traditional Swahili lunch
• 03:00 – 04:00 PM: Return transfer to hotel

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Light, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle for hydration
• Hat and sunglasses
• Camera or smartphone (avoid flash near animals)

Travel Etiquette and Safety Tips

Do:

• Follow your guide’s instructions throughout the tour
• Keep a respectful distance from wildlife, especially monkeys
• Support local communities by purchasing products directly from farmers
• Ask questions and engage with your guides, they love sharing their knowledge

Avoid:

• Feeding or touching wild animals
• Straying off marked trails in the forest
• Using flash photography near animals
• Picking plants or spices without permission

Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons (June–October and December–February) are ideal for walking trails and photography. The green season (March–May) brings lush vegetation and vibrant colors, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Tours operate year-round.

Conservation and Cultural Significance

Jozani Forest forms part of the UNESCO-recognized Jozani-Chwaka Bay Biosphere Reserve, a model for eco-tourism and biodiversity protection. Zanzibar’s Spice Farms preserve centuries-old agricultural traditions while supporting local communities through sustainable farming practices. By joining this tour, visitors contribute directly to both conservation efforts and community empowerment, ensuring your experience is meaningful and sustainable.

Why Choose Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris

Our expertly guided tours are designed to showcase Zanzibar’s natural and cultural heritage. From the playful red colobus monkeys of Jozani Forest to the aromatic Spice Farms, every moment of your day is educational, safe, and memorable.

With Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, your Zanzibar adventure becomes more than a day trip, it becomes a story of discovery, connection, and immersion in one of Africa’s most enchanting destinations.