Camping Safaris in Zanzibar
Camping Safaris in Zanzibar are the ultimate relaxing and adventurous way to get in touch with nature. Zanzibar is an archipelago offshore Dar-es-salaam, 25-50km within the Indian ocean. The island is semi-autonomous part of the united Republic of Tanzania since 1964, with its shorelines flanged by lush tropical islands, sandy beaches and charming people.
The archipelago is made up of many islands with two large ones being Pemba and Unguja, which are both ideal camping destinations. Historically, Zanzibar was an Arab / Muslim state which later was used as a slave market and this influence can still be seen in the Arabic architecture, religion, language and general culture of the people.
The capital of Zanzibar, Stone town is a UNESCO World heritage site, due to its rich history. Till now its bustling markets, mosques, winding streets and small boutiques are a true replica of the past Arabic history.
Zanzibar is a true paradise and a holiday destination where travelers unwind after their gorilla adventures in Uganda and Rwanda or wildlife safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Indian ocean provide serene environment from where to chill and relax.
A camping safari in Zanzibar is a true adventure for solo travelers, large families, couples and backpackers alike.
Where to do camping in Zanzibar?
Stone town.
The Stone Town is a historic heart of Zanzibar, matched with bustling streets and rich history dating back from the times of slave trade. Currently, the city is home to almost a quarter million people alleging to its rapid development, trade and safety.
The stone town is just 15 minutes away from Dar-es-Salaam in a flight and about 1 hour from Nairobi. While here, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, learn about history, buy some crafts and ornaments, or just relax at the vast sandy beaches of Indian ocean.
Jozani forest.
Now part of the lush Jozani-Chwaka National park, this forest was established in 1960s as a conservation area. Since then it has become an important destination and sanctuary for rare primate species in Africa and beyond.
A camping safari at Jozani forest exposes you to the endemic Kirk’s red colobus monkey; one of the rarest monkey species in the world and only endemic to Zanzibar, this forest currently hosts almost 2,500 species of these creatures.
Other forest residents that you can look out for during a nature walk are the Zanzibar Suni, Skyes’ monkeys, tree hyraxes, Ader’s duiker, bush pigs, as well as over 40 bird species, particularly the Fisher’s Turaco with its unusual colored wings.
There are also rumors that Jozani forest is home to the elusive leopard though no such sighting has ever been made for over a decade.
There are groups of red colobus monkeys that have been habituated to live amongst human beings and as a result they go about their business taking little notice of human presence, which affords excellent opportunities for clear photography.
You can take a boardwalk to explore the mangrove swamps south of the forest and learn how this lush ecosystem protects the Zanzibar coastline.
Pemba and Ngezi forest reserve.
This is arguably the second biggest island after Unguja island, located 50km north-east of Zanzibar archipelago. Pemba is without doubt Zanzibar’s most fertile and lush island where cloves are mostly grown. It is however true that most visitors to Zanzibar never travel to Pemba island, leaving it less-exploited and a bit quieter than Unguja island.
Pemba island’s north-western tip is home to the less known Ngezi Forest Reserve which is ideally the best place to see most of Zanzibar’s indigenous wildlife.
Ngezi forest is a beautiful and unspoilt tract of lush forest which hosts amazing species ranging from Pemba flying fox (fruit bat), miniature antelope and numerous species of monkeys. The three Zanzibar bird species are also hosted here – Pemba white-eye, Pemba violet-breasted sunbird and Pemba scops owl.
With all these destinations and so much more, don’t hesitate to book your camping safaris in Zanzibar; whether you are combining with a wildlife safari to the mainland Tanzania or to Masai Mara in Kenya or treating yourself to an African adventure of trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, Zanzibar is a leisure haven never to be missed.
