Review: Zanzibar Jozani Forest & Paje Beach Day Trip

Zanzibar, that island seemingly floating off the coast of Tanzania, is really famous for its spice farms and beaches. I had a chance to go on a day trip to Jozani Forest and Paje Beach. This is what that was like, so you can find out what to expect.

Up Close With Monkeys in Jozani Forest

First stop? Jozani Forest. It’s almost the last place where you can see the Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. I mean, you hear stories and see pics, but nothing really gets you ready for actually seeing them. When you get there, you get a guide. And, frankly, you should because they just happen to know where those shy little primates are hanging out.

They have this incredible skill of pointing out the monkeys who are lounging in the trees, so you can watch them. And, honestly, they do not seem to care about us humans that are standing and watching them. Young ones will jump all over the place, chasing each other. While the older ones just eat leaves like it’s no big deal. It is a rather unique experience to just watch them go about their usual monkey day so undisturbed.

Plus, there is this mangrove boardwalk that the tour takes you on. It lets you get super close to a rather different natural environment. It is almost a different planet when you’re right there near the twisting roots. Those plants stand between the land and the water. It is quite a striking sight, and it makes you think how strong nature can actually be.

The Beaches of Paje

After getting all up close and comfy with nature, next was Paje Beach. This place is what postcards want to be when they grow up. Picture super fine, like, almost white sand. Next to the sort of blue ocean you’re just certain they use in vacation commercials. Now you have it! If you are really into kitesurfing, then this is really the spot. Apparently, the winds here are pretty prime for that kind of sport, so lots of people come for exactly that reason.

I’m more the lay-on-the-beach-and-do-nothing sort, so this worked for me. You find yourself a spot, get your book, and basically just listen to the waves. The water is warm. The sun is nice. Guys are walking around selling things, but that’s Zanzibar. If you’re in the mood to haggle a little, you might pick up something memorable. Or, like me, you might just be super polite while you say “no, thanks.”

Walking down the beach is kind of cool too because there are these restaurants and little places to get food. They are super chill. Almost like no one there is actually worried about anything. We grabbed lunch at one of those places, and it had that island flavor: fresh seafood and those spices Zanzibar is pretty well known for. It was a solid place to take a pause, fuel up, and just gaze out at the water a little bit more. Paje Beach kind of makes you just loosen up.

What I Thought Was Really Cool

What made it pretty great was getting two different vibes in just a single day. Like, the monkeys at Jozani Forest? It is something different. Paje Beach gives you those classic Zanzibar feelings. And that thing goes beyond just the places.

Every person I met? They just acted kind of nice. Guys were wanting to tell you stuff. Or laugh. All that makes traveling that much better. The guides told us so much about the monkeys. People on the beach gave their sales pitches. People were relaxed. That really seemed genuine.

You May Want To Remember That

Hire a Guide for Jozani: Seriously. Just makes everything simpler.
Sunscreen. Bring It: The sun around Paje Beach is super strong. You may want to make sure your skin is covered if that is you.
Money Situation: Small places might not use cards. Get yourself a bit of local cash.
Loosen Up and Enjoy: This isn’t a rigid schedule. Allow yourself room to experience something amazing.