Jozani Forest and The Rock Restaurant Day Trip

Overview

This day trip combines Zanzibar's best wildlife encounter with one of its most photographed dining spots. Jozani Forest, part of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, is the last remaining stand of natural forest on the island and home to the red colobus monkey, found nowhere else in the world. The afternoon continues to Pingwe Beach on the east coast for lunch at The Rock Restaurant, built on a coral outcrop just offshore.

Want wildlife and culture instead of the beach lunch? See our Stone Town and Prison Island Day Trip.

Tour Highlights

The red colobus monkey, an endangered species found only on Zanzibar
A natural forest and mangrove boardwalk inside Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
A stop at Zala Park, supporting local reptile conservation efforts
Lunch at The Rock Restaurant, built on a coral outcrop just off Pingwe Beach
Free time on the white sand of Pingwe Beach after lunch

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Group price (per person)

The price of this tour is on Request

For a more accurate estimate, contact us with your specific requirements and budget. We'll send a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.

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Places you'll visit

Stone Town

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Jozani Forest, Zala Park and Lunch at The Rock Restaurant

A morning drive brings you to Jozani Forest, the last remaining stand of natural forest on Zanzibar and part of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. A guided walk through the forest gives a close look at troops of the red colobus monkey, an endangered species found only on this island, before continuing along a raised boardwalk through mangrove forest. A short stop at Zala Park shows how local communities work to protect the island’s native reptiles. The day continues to Pingwe Beach on the east coast for lunch at The Rock Restaurant, a small dining room built on a coral outcrop in the sea, reached on foot at low tide or by a short boat shuttle when the tide is in, with free time on the beach afterward before the drive back to your hotel.

Distance: Half-day Jozani Forest and Zala Park visit, half-day at Pingwe Beach

Activity: Forest walk, mangrove boardwalk, reptile park visit, beach lunch

Accommodation: N/A, day trip

Meals: Lunch

Extend your trip

Want Zanzibar's other classic cultural day trip too? See our Stone Town and Prison Island Day Trip.

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere on the island
English-speaking guide
Bottled drinking water
All government taxes and VAT
Jozani Forest and Zala Park entrance fees
Lunch at The Rock Restaurant (reservation included)

Not included

International flights and Zanzibar entry requirements
Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Tips for your guide and boat crew
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional drinks
Boat shuttle to The Rock Restaurant at high tide, if applicable (small additional fee, payable locally)

Frequently asked questions

What makes the red colobus monkey special?

The red colobus is found only on Zanzibar and nowhere else on Earth, making it one of the island's most significant wildlife encounters. It is classified as endangered, and Jozani Forest is its primary protected habitat.

Why is The Rock Restaurant built in the sea?

The restaurant sits on a natural coral outcrop just off Pingwe Beach, originally built as a fishing lookout before being converted into a small dining room. Its setting, fully surrounded by water at high tide, has made it one of Zanzibar's most photographed spots.

How do I get to The Rock Restaurant?

At low tide, the restaurant can be reached on foot across the exposed sand. At high tide, a short boat shuttle from the beach is used instead. Either way, access is arranged as part of this day trip.

Is lunch at The Rock Restaurant guaranteed, or does it depend on availability?

The restaurant has limited seating and is popular with both day-trippers and resort guests, so we book your table in advance as part of this package. Let us know your travel dates as early as possible to secure availability.

What does the price include?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, Jozani Forest and Zala Park entrance fees, and lunch at The Rock Restaurant.

Is this trip suitable for children?

Yes, the forest walk is gentle and on level ground, and most children enjoy spotting the monkeys. The walk out to The Rock Restaurant at low tide is also straightforward for most ages.