Jozan Forest, Blue Lagoon & Kuza Cave: An Honest Review & Guide

Alright, so you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, very good, that makes me happy, and Jozani Forest, the Blue Lagoon, and Kuza Cave are on your radar, am I right? Very, very nice. Well, get ready because I’m about to give you, very honestly, my take on these Zanzibar gems. I’m sharing everything you need for an awesome day trip, is that useful? This isn’t just your average guide; it’s like your friend telling you all the good stuff—and, to be fair, maybe a couple of things that are a bit less exciting. You with me? Perfect, let’s get started.

Jozani Forest: Meeting the Red Colobus Monkeys

Okay, first up is Jozani Forest, a place very much famed for its super-cute Red Colobus monkeys, those adorable guys. And honestly, it really does live up to the hype. It’s almost like you stroll into their world, you know? I mean, the monkeys are just doing their monkey thing, jumping around, eating leaves, and generally being unbothered by us tourists, is that relatable? A tour guide is absolutely essential, because, that way, you actually learn a bit about the monkeys and the local flora, more or less. You wouldn’t want to just wander around aimlessly, would you? Oh, and that, be respectful – these are wild creatures in their homeland, right? Oh and also watch your belongings because you really just never know, is that wise?

Walking through the forest, with that soft light filtering through the tall trees, can really feel pretty amazing, actually. You get a sense of what Zanzibar looked like before things got more developed, you follow? So, it is definitely a needed escape from the resorts. And also, be aware there are areas that feel rather touristy. However, I found my moment away from other groups and I enjoyed it much more once that was the case.

Also, I ought to note that Jozani isn’t just monkeys. Your ticket usually includes a walk through a mangrove forest which might seem exciting until you discover you need to walk a well constructed elevated path between trees. It looks fantastic from the car park, yet feels somewhat sanitised, just to warn you a bit.

What to Expect

• Seeing loads of Red Colobus monkeys in their element.
• A brief stroll through a mangrove area, which is what it is, okay?
• A small local fee for entry – make sure you are paying the correct official rates and not a bumped-up price for tourists; that really is what happens sometimes, isn’t it?
• Keep that camera ready; these monkeys are pretty photogenic, really.

My Recommendation

Go in the morning if that works for you, or later in the afternoon when the heat lessens, or so I would recommend. Honestly, the whole experience is what you make it. If that tour guide is brilliant, it can actually elevate the whole thing a lot, that said, right? I believe, it’s great to just take your time and also observe these creatures with real curiosity, okay?

The Blue Lagoon: Turquoise Waters Calling

Right then, time for the Blue Lagoon, alright? Now, I would describe the images online as a tad optimistic; it really does appear a little too postcard-perfect online if you ask me, honestly. Still, when you show up, you see why it gets the praise. That water really is like something else, that pale blue. Seriously, that view is really worth the drive, and I felt more than content just floating there and snapping pictures. Do you see where I am going with this?

I will say, though, prepare yourself. I would claim this spot is no secret at all and can get super crowded, very quick, yeah? When the tide’s low, it is very much a hotspot and also turns into a photo magnet, is that what you’d expect? But, if you go at the right time, then you have a lovely experience of relaxation in warmer waters, believe me.

What to Expect

• Extremely eye catching water, that is super warm, usually.
• Big crowds at some times, specifically when it looks it’s at its best on the online images, yeah?
• Opportunity to take nice photos for memories that you’ll like

My Recommendation

Try to go early or late, so, just try it, you never know your luck. Pack some water shoes too, so you can handle some of those rocks comfortably underfoot, you know. Find that peaceful spot, or just make one yourself to try and absorb this fantastic sight and moment, is that reasonable?

Kuza Cave: A Dip into History

Lastly, but it’s definitely not least, is Kuza Cave. Right then, this wasn’t just a swimming spot for me. That swim really felt like a dip back into Zanzibar’s cultural pool of history, alright? That cool water offers such an escape from the island warmth, and I swear it felt somehow purifying and refreshing when I was there, okay? Seriously.

Kuza Cave might be the underdog because of other locations being far more known about, it really does bring so much extra richness, right? You can have chats with some locals, discover traditional things and feel that Zanzibar soul a little closer to you, right? I suggest that it just makes your vacation have extra dimensions.

What to Expect

• A cooling, energizing swim in a real underground cave, not joking.
• To learn a bit about Zanzibar life and tradition through the friendly locals
• Really, a chance to switch off from normal tourist activities, as it isn’t only just a picture opportunity.

My Recommendation

Give Kuza Cave loads of time, so just do it, it really might bring more meaning to your overall visit. Be open to getting some local cultural feel through what you see there, so do what feels right to you in the moment. It can actually feel rather magical, because the other things on this list won’t compare, genuinely.

Rock Restaurant: Dinner with a View, Really?

OK, so you are thinking of including The Rock in your trip around the locations listed above? I see where you are coming from and its image has reached all across social media. My advice? Plan carefully so you don’t feel left out on a ‘once in a lifetime experience’. So, consider all of what follows…

First thing’s first, you will need a reservation. Because I believe so many people plan to visit you can guarantee you’ll struggle if you don’t call in advance. You can also be stuck eating in a less prime position to see those spectacular views.

Speaking of the views. Check when you plan to visit in conjunction to the tide. At times when there’s low tide you can walk straight over there without worrying about the boat. High tide? That might be picturesque but you’re relying on other peoples schedules.

What to Expect

• Very, very great, almost one in a million sights that photos cannot do justice
• Meals and drinks which aren’t the cheapest or have great depth in ingredients. It can feel as if you’re paying for the location over taste and feeling full afterwards.
• Transfer via boat at high tide

My Recommendation

If you really wish to say you’ve been to one of the places most pictured online then make the necessary plans to feel less stressed. Check those schedules and book. Or else, don’t and maybe eat somewhere you’ll appreciate for different reasons. Oh and just take it from someone who knows a bit about it – it really is all about the photos that everyone knows.

Planning Your Day: Making it Work, Really

Alright, putting it all together. If that seems easy, well that can be the case if things go to plan, yeah? I feel you should really think of what I’ve discussed before because you don’t want any hassle, seriously. When planning you have to consider travelling distances which can feel far when it’s very warm. Then you must consider opening hours for locations, so don’t plan on visiting Kuza Caves after dusk for example! It all depends on you though, you know?

But more important than all that is travel itself. Consider using local tour operators, really get to grips with how the island lives through supporting it with tourism, because I’m aware they’ll give the money back into the economy. Then, when you get to the site use people there, give back if you feel it suits you. Without the island, what would you be doing?

Itinerary Suggestion

1. Very bright and early head to Jozani Forest, to be away from some groups
2. Go cool off at Kuza Cave and chill, because it would feel just like paradise
3. Head over to The Rock and finish your vacation looking at what you have achieved.