Zanzibar Tour: Jozani Forest, Salaam & Kuza Cave (Review)

Okay, so you’re thinking of going on a Zanzibar tour, right? Like, Jozani Forest, Salaam Cave, and Kuza Cave all in one day sounds pretty wild, doesn’t it? We took that trip, and, basically, we want to share everything about it. Basically, prepare for a day of seeing some seriously amazing nature and really interesting spots on the island.

Exploring Jozani Forest: Red Colobus Monkeys and More

First up is the Jozani Forest, alright? The major draw is the Red Colobus monkeys; they’re really, very special. Those monkeys are only found in Zanzibar, you know? We were honestly surprised by how chill they were. They would literally just hang out in the trees all around us, which is quite an experience.

The forest itself is genuinely something else, I would say. Like, it’s actually super thick and green, you see? And so you’ll be following a guide, basically, who is pointing out all sorts of stuff about the plants and their medical uses, as a matter of fact. The guide also told us about the forest’s history and how the local people depend on it, apparently.

There’s actually, you know, a mangrove area you walk through too? I mean, that’s quite something! It’s basically all these twisted roots, that’s how it looks, growing right out of the water; really gives you an odd feeling, in a way.

Salaam Cave: A Quiet, Mystical Escape

Next, we went to Salaam Cave. It’s a bit, just a bit less known than the other stops, alright? However, in some respects, it’s like, totally its own reward. You go a little down into the ground, see? It’s very quiet down there, I should add.

The guide we had talked to us about how the cave has been a spot for, like, prayers and meditation over many years, I’d say. It gave the whole place a really spiritual feeling, literally, you see? There are, honestly, some formations of the rock in there; those stalactites are kind of pretty and weird. If you really want to think, or if you’re just interested in some quiet moments, Salaam Cave could be it, actually.

Kuza Cave: Refreshing Waters and Natural Beauty

Then there is the Kuza Cave. After those caves and forests, diving into the waters in Kuza Cave is, like, pretty awesome, I feel, at the end of the day! Basically, it’s like a swimming hole right inside this cave system.

The water can actually feel chilly at first, yet when you get in, alright, you realize it’s like, perfectly refreshing, honestly! Apparently, the cave is kind of a sacred place, if you see what I mean? The local people value it for its clear water and, actually, the feeling of peace there.

We literally hung out for an hour just enjoying the swim. The rocks near the water can actually be slippery, so it is worth bearing that in mind. There’s something so totally cool and surreal about swimming in such an enclosed space, basically. After all, the sunlight streams in; it looks spectacular, actually.

Food and Local Interactions: A Taste of Zanzibar

Anyhow, lots of tours do include, like, a local food stop; make sure that it does, naturally! Trying Zanzibari food actually adds a different aspect to your trip, in that case. The spices they make use of, those are just brilliant, basically.

When we took a tour, alright, we had some rice that was, like, spiced with coconut; that was stunning. There can actually be some freshly caught seafood, too, just grilled, you understand? If you eat with local folk, then they are almost surely to welcome you, and they’ll also show you, like, about what they grow. Getting out there, and having talks, that kind of makes a great difference.

Things to consider: Tips for an enjoyable tour

Here’s a couple of considerations if you’re planning this out: you should wear shoes that will let you walk, alright, since you’ll do lots, of course. And very possibly, it’s useful if you can pack some bug repellent – so, literally, there could be a couple of bugs around.

Basically, it gets hot in Zanzibar. Pack some water with you, in any event, you need it! The cave floors could get slippery. Use caution, please. Show the natural parts some respect when walking by, or when you’re in a place like the Kuza Cave, if you get what I mean.

Making the most of Zanzibar beyond the Tour

Seriously, Zanzibar just has a ton on offer besides just those sites on that tour. When your tour is finished, seriously, make time to simply go check out some of these beaches? Like, Nungwi is the north one, and the spots in Paje – those are literally awesome.

So that Old Town of Stone, really, make some space for it in your Zanzibar adventure plans, actually? That Stone Town is simply just full of tiny streets. Check those, you understand? You’ll encounter, like, these old structures there. If you buy spices, that will always be good, also, that you’re getting some art. Those shops are packed.