The Serengeti is synonymous with safari; however, this island offers its own unique range of wildlife excitements that everyone in the family can experience. This makes for the perfect family adventure, with experiences suited to all ages.
At Azao Resort & Spa, we constantly receive reports of happy, excited families returning from their wildlife excursions with stories of what they have seen. The animals living here are smaller and more elusive than those found on the larger mainland, but they are every bit as fascinating. The story that all the animals have to tell is one of the many hundreds of years of isolation, adaptation, and survival.
Jozani Forest: Haven of the Red Colobus Monkey
The Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, which is unique to Zanzibar, is the focal point of the wildlife of Zanzibar Island. The last remaining population of these endangered monkeys can be found within Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the sole national park in Zanzibar; therefore, visiting Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is an absolute must for wildlife lovers!
These monkeys live in social groupings of up to 50 individuals, referred to as troops or bands. Their most identifiable features are their red back and black face, which distinguishes them from all other species of monkeys. They exhibit a large variety of complex social behaviors that will keep you entertained during your visit. Rangers will guide you through the park on elevated boardwalks and will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the monkeys’ diet, social structure, and conservation challenges.
In addition to the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park also includes Sykes’ monkeys that inhabit the canopy of the forest. For a unique experience, consider taking a night walk during which time bush babies, the nocturnal primates, will be active. Bush babies have large eyes to help them see at night and can leap up to six feet from branch to branch.
Marine Life: An Underwater Safari
The island’s surrounding waters have an abundance of safari opportunities. Dolphins frequent Kizimkazi on the southern end of the island; both bottlenose and humpback dolphins inhabit this area year round. Many responsible tour companies provide options to view dolphins in an ecologically sound and safe manner.
Coral reefs are filled with marine creatures, and snorkeling or scuba diving allows you to observe the brightly colored tropical fish, such as parrotfish and angel fish, gliding along in the water. Sea turtles often swim around the reef, and you may even have the chance to witness nesting turtles or baby turtles making their way out to sea.
Between October and February, whale sharks pass through the waters around the island, turning this season into one of the prime times for diving. Occasionally, manta rays will visit cleaning stations on the reef; their wingspan can be over four meters long but they also move with an incredible amount of grace.
Birdlife and Smaller Creatures
Over 100 bird species call the island home, with many found nowhere else. The Zanzibar Red Bishop, with its striking scarlet plumage, is a favorite among birdwatchers. Mangrove Kingfishers inhabit the coastal forests, their turquoise and black plumage standing out against green foliage. Fischer’s Turacos can be spotted in forested areas, while herons, egrets, and ibises patrol the beaches during low tide.
Several gecko species inhabit the island, including strikingly patterned day geckos. Chameleons live in forested areas, their color-changing abilities fascinating observers of all ages. The beaches come alive at night with ghost crabs, providing endless entertainment for children exploring the shoreline.
Butterflies of numerous species flutter through gardens and forests. The Mocker Swallowtail, endemic to the island, displays beautiful patterns of yellow and black, especially in spice plantations where flowering plants attract diverse species.
Planning Your Wildlife Adventures
The best time for wildlife viewing varies by species. Monkeys are most energetic during the refreshingly cool mornings and the later hours of the afternoon. Marine life viewing is ideal during the drier stretches of the year—June to October and December to February—when water visibility is at its clearest.
Staying at the best family resort Zanzibar offers makes organizing wildlife excursions simple and stress-free. Reliable accommodations can arrange experienced guides, appropriate transportation, and optimal timing for your adventures. Morning excursions to Jozani allow you to see the monkeys at their most active, leaving afternoons free for beach relaxation.
Creating Family Memories
What makes the island’s wildlife experiences special is their accessibility for all ages. The trails in Jozani are manageable for children, and seeing monkeys in the wild captivates even the youngest travelers. Snorkeling requires minimal skill, allowing families to explore underwater worlds together.
After exhilarating days exploring the island’s wildlife, returning to the comfort of an all inclusive hotel in Zanzibar provides the perfect setting to relax and reflect on your discoveries. Our guests at Azao Resort & Spa often tell us that wildlife encounters created their most cherished memories. There’s something profound about watching a monkey family interact, swimming alongside a sea turtle, or spotting a rare bird. These moments connect us deeply with the natural world in ways that linger well beyond the end of the trip.
The island may not offer traditional safari experiences, but its unique wildlife tells a different story—one of evolution, isolation, and the delicate balance of island ecosystems. For families seeking adventure beyond the beach, these animal encounters provide education, excitement, and memories that last a lifetime.
To read more blogs, click here: Zanzibar’s Most Authentic Villages: Where to Go for Real Local Life
