The Jozani Forest & Blue Lagoon Tour is a half-day Zanzibar combination tour that pairs a guided walk through Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park — home to the endangered Red Colobus monkey — with snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon coral garden at Michamvi, famous for its dense starfish population. Both stops sit along Zanzibar’s southeast corridor, making it the most logical and time-efficient pairing on the island. Prices start from $75 per person with hotel pickup included.
Duration
6–7 Hours
Locations
Jozani + Michamvi
Best Months
Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb
From
$75 / person
- Expert Guides
- Easy Booking
- 24/7 Support
Overview
The Jozani Forest & Blue Lagoon Tour is the smartest way to combine Zanzibar’s most beloved wildlife encounter with one of its most photogenic snorkeling spots — without spending two separate days on the road.
Both attractions sit along the same southeast corridor of Unguja Island, so your morning with the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey at Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park flows naturally into an afternoon snorkel at the Blue Lagoon coral garden at Michamvi, just a 35–45 minute drive further along the coast.
You’ll start the day under the cathedral-like canopy of Zanzibar’s only national park, where our guides — trained for years on troop behaviour — get you close to the Red Colobus monkeys other operators only glimpse from a distance.
Then it’s onto the mangrove boardwalk, where tidal channels weave through ancient roots and the air goes still. After Jozani, we drive southeast to Michamvi, board a traditional wooden boat, and you slip into shallow, calm water alive with starfish, angelfish, and coral so close you don’t need to dive deep to see it.
"This is the only Zanzibar combo where the geography actually saves you time instead of costing it. Jozani is on the road to Michamvi — we'd be driving past it anyway. So we built one tour that gives you both, without the rushed feeling." — Wadi, Lead Guide, Blue Green Zanzibar Tours
The Blue Lagoon at Michamvi has one of the highest concentrations of colourful starfish anywhere in Zanzibar, and its shallow, sheltered reef makes it ideal for first-time snorkelers, families, and anyone nervous about deeper water. Pair that with the rare privilege of seeing a primate species that exists nowhere else on Earth, and you have a day that genuinely earns the word “unforgettable.”
Your Two-Stop Zanzibar Adventure
Forest in the morning, lagoon in the afternoon — built around the natural geography of Zanzibar's southeast coast.
1
Morning Stop
Jozani Forest National Park
Walk through Zanzibar's only national park and meet the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey — a rare primate found nowhere else.
- Red Colobus monkey encounter
- Mahogany & podo forest walk
- Mangrove boardwalk
- 50+ bird species
- Medicinal plant trail
2
Afternoon Stop
Blue Lagoon Snorkeling
Snorkel a shallow coral garden famous for its colourful starfish and calm beginner-friendly waters.
- Starfish in shallow water
- Healthy coral reef
- Reef fish & octopus
- Calm, easy snorkeling
- Guided by local crew
Tour Gallery
Your Day, Step by Step
A relaxed half-to-full day rhythm — designed around the heat, the tide, and the wildlife.
1
⏱ 08:00 – 08:30
Hotel Pickup in Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Your driver collects you from your hotel — Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Bwejuu, Jambiani or anywhere in between.
2
⏱ 09:30 – 11:30
Jozani Forest Walk
Meet your guide and explore the forest while spotting Red Colobus monkeys and learning about native plants.
3
⏱ 13:15 – 15:30
Blue Lagoon Snorkeling
Enjoy calm shallow waters, colorful fish, coral gardens, and the famous starfish.
Why This Combo Just Makes Sense
Most tour combinations in Zanzibar force you to backtrack across the island. This one doesn't — and that's why it works so well.
No Wasted Drive Time
Jozani sits directly on the route — you're not detouring, you're stopping along the way.
Two Stops, One Cost
Combining saves money on transport, time, and entry fees.
Perfect Day Flow
Cool forest in the morning, ocean swim in the afternoon — ideal timing.
What You'll See — Land & Sea
A snapshot of the wildlife and marine life that make this combo so unique to Zanzibar.
At Jozani Forest
Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey IUCN ENDANGERED
Endemic to Unguja. Fewer than 3,000 remain in the wild — the majority live in Jozani.
Sykes' & Vervet Monkeys
Often spotted in the forest canopy alongside the Red Colobus troops.
Fischer's Turaco & Zanzibar Sunbird
Among 50+ bird species recorded inside the national park.
Aders' Duiker ENDEMIC
A tiny, shy antelope found only on Zanzibar — rare but possible with patience.
Mangrove Ecosystem
Crabs, mudskippers, juvenile fish, and the breathing roots holding the coast in place.
Medicinal Forest Plants
Mahogany, podo, strangler fig, and herbs still used by Zanzibari healers today.
At Blue Lagoon
Colourful Starfish (Sea Stars) SIGNATURE
Orange, red and blue across the sand — one of Zanzibar's densest populations.
Hard & Soft Coral Garden
Shallow, healthy, easy-access reef — ideal for beginners and nervous swimmers.
Reef Fish in Clouds
Angelfish, snappers, batfish, rainbow runners, parrotfish and small tropicals.
Octopus & Squid
Masters of camouflage tucked into coral pockets — your guide knows where.
Moray Eels & Lionfish
Plus puffer fish, scorpion fish and mantis shrimp for the eagle-eyed.
Clear, Calm Shallows
Good visibility year-round in the dry season — perfect first-snorkel water.
How This Compares to Other Zanzibar Combos
There are several popular two-stop combinations in Zanzibar. Here's the honest difference so you book the one that fits your trip.
← swipe to compare →
| What matters to you | Jozani + Blue Lagoon | Jozani + Cave Swimming | Spice Farm + Jozani | Mnemba + Turtles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife encounter | Red Colobus + reef fish | Red Colobus only | Red Colobus only | Sea turtles + dolphins |
| Snorkeling included | ✓ Yes — coral & starfish | ✗ No (cave only) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes — open water |
| Best for beginners | Excellent — shallow water | Excellent | Excellent | Good (deeper water) |
| Family-friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Boat trip included | ✓ Traditional wooden boat | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ Speed boat |
| Duration | 6–7 hours | 5–6 hours | 6–7 hours | 5–6 hours |
| Coast direction | Southeast (single corridor) | Southeast | West + Southeast | Northeast |
| Easy add-on | The Rock Restaurant, Kae Funk | The Rock Restaurant | Stone Town | Nungwi beach |
| Price from (pp) | $75 | $65 | $55 | $50 |
Best Time to Do the Jozani & Blue Lagoon Tour
This combo runs year-round, but the dry seasons give you clearer water at Blue Lagoon and easier walking at Jozani.
June – October
Long dry season. Cool mornings, calm seas, best snorkeling visibility.
Dec – Feb
Warm water, lush forest, excellent conditions overall.
November
Short rains. Mornings are usually still good for tours.
April – May
Heavy rains reduce visibility and make forest trails muddy.
Why tide-timing matters: The southeast coast has strong tides. We schedule trips when water levels are ideal for the best snorkeling experience.
What to Bring & Good to Know
What to Bring
- Swimwear worn under your clothes
- Comfortable walking shoes for the forest
- Water shoes or sandals for the boat & reef
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes in mangroves)
- A towel and dry change of clothes
- Waterproof phone case or GoPro
- Cash for optional lunch & tips
Good to Know
- Suitable for all swimming levels — life jackets provided
- Family-friendly — kids love the starfish
- Snorkeling gear sanitised between guests
- Guides speak English, French, German & Italian
- Please don’t touch or lift starfish
- No flash photography near monkeys
- Advance booking recommended
- Can be customised (Rock Restaurant, Kae Funk)
Tour Price
Important Note: Transportation costs are not included in the listed prices, as they depend on the distance from your hotel. Please get in touch with us, and we’ll provide a tailored quote that includes transfer costs based on your hotel’s location.
Price Includes
- Proffesional Tour Guide
- Entrace fees
- Swimming equipment
- All government fees
- Transfer from and return to your hotel is available only for the extra costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything travellers ask before booking the Jozani Forest & Blue Lagoon combo.
How long is the Jozani Forest & Blue Lagoon combination tour?
The full tour takes about 6–7 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. Roughly 2–2.5 hours at Jozani (forest walk + mangrove boardwalk), 45 minutes driving between the two stops, and 2–2.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon (boat transfer, snorkeling, beach time). You can extend the day with optional lunch at The Rock Restaurant or a Kae Funk sundowner.
Where exactly is the Blue Lagoon in Zanzibar?
The Blue Lagoon is on Zanzibar's southeast coast at Michamvi, on the Michamvi Pingwe peninsula — close to Bwejuu and Paje beaches. From Jozani Forest, it's about a 45-minute drive. You reach the reef by a short traditional-wooden-boat transfer from Michamvi beach, with hotel pickup included from anywhere on Unguja.
Is this tour suitable for beginners and children?
Absolutely — it's one of the most family-friendly tours we run. Jozani's forest trails and mangrove boardwalk are flat and easy. Blue Lagoon's coral garden is shallow, sheltered and calm, which makes it ideal for first-time snorkelers and kids. Life jackets are provided, our marine guide stays close, and the starfish are a particular hit with younger children.
Will I really see the Red Colobus monkeys?
Yes — sightings are essentially guaranteed at Jozani. The Red Colobus monkeys live in semi-habituated troops within the park, are remarkably calm around visitors, and our guides have spent years learning the troop's daily movement patterns. You'll see them clearly, often within a few metres, and you'll have plenty of time for photos.
Will I see starfish at the Blue Lagoon?
Almost certainly. The Blue Lagoon has one of the highest concentrations of colourful starfish anywhere in Zanzibar, gathered across the shallow sandy areas of the reef. Please admire and photograph them, but avoid lifting them out of the water for long — it harms them, and our guides will gently remind anyone tempted.
What's the best time of year to do this combo?
The dry seasons offer the best conditions: June–October (long dry season, clearest water, calmest sea) and late December–February (warm water, lush forest). We avoid the long rains of April–May because visibility at the Blue Lagoon drops sharply and the forest trails get muddy. The east coast also has strong tides, so we time each Blue Lagoon departure around the tide for the best conditions.
Can I add lunch at The Rock Restaurant?
Yes — The Rock sits just off the Michamvi Pingwe shore, so it pairs perfectly with this tour. We'll arrange the timing around the tide and help with a reservation. The Rock is popular and meals there (around $50–$100 per person) are charged separately and not included in the tour price.
How does this combo compare to the Jozani + Cave Swimming tour?
Both pair Jozani with a swim, but the experience is different. The Cave Swimming combo takes you to an underground freshwater cave (Kuza, Maalum or Salaam) — magical and unique, but you're swimming in still water inside a rock chamber. The Blue Lagoon combo takes you snorkeling in the open ocean over a coral reef with starfish, fish and corals. Choose the cave swim for novelty; choose Blue Lagoon if you want classic snorkeling and marine life.
Do you pick up from anywhere on the island?
Yes — we pick up from Stone Town, the airport, Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Pongwe, Kiwengwa, Paje, Bwejuu, Jambiani, Kizimkazi and everywhere in between. East-coast guests are closest to both stops and get the most relaxed schedule. Transfer is charged separately based on your hotel's distance — message us with your accommodation name and we'll quote it instantly.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes for the forest. Bring swimwear (worn under your clothes), water shoes or sandals, a towel and dry change of clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent (for the mangroves), and a waterproof phone case or GoPro for the starfish. Bring cash if you'd like lunch at The Rock or sundowners at Kae Funk.
How do I book and pay?
Book through the form on this page, on WhatsApp, by phone at +255 774 077 465, or by email at info@bluegreenzanzibartours.com. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, bank transfer and cash. Most bookings are confirmed the same day, often within the hour.
Can I combine this with other tours?
Yes. This combo pairs especially well with a Kuza Cave swim, a Kizimkazi dolphin tour, or a Stone Town walking tour the following day. Tell us what else you'd like to see and we'll build a custom multi-day itinerary.
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