Masingine forest

65.00 USD per person

🌿 Overview — Location & Landscape

• Located approximately 8 km west of Stone Town, on Unguja Island, at an elevation of around 120 m above sea level, making it one of Zanzibar’s highest points 

• Named “Masingini” after the 35+ gullies (“masingini”) carving through the terrain 

• Encompassing about 566 hectares (≈1,374 acres), the reserve was designated in the 1950s to protect critical water sources, soils, and forest cover 

💧 Ecological Importance

• Serves as a primary water catchment; the forest sustains groundwater reserves that supply Stone Town and nearby communities 

• Its deep, rich soils support lush tropical vegetation that differs significantly from other Zanzibar forests 

🌸 Flora & Fauna Highlights

• Home to 179+ plant species, many of them endemic or medicinal, including mimosa (memory aid), Mabola Palm (fever treatment), and Lesser Quinine (insect pest control) 

• Wildlife includes the critically endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey (endemic to the island), plus velvet monkeys and Sykes data:text/mce-internal,rte__editor,Peekmonkeys +

• Other inhabitants include the blue duiker (a small forest antelope), elephant shrews, giant millipedes (up to 40 cm!), reptiles, butterflies, insects, and amphibians 

• Some animals like the red colobus use clay or charcoal to detoxify their leaf-based diet 

🚶 Visiting & Ecotourism

• Since 2017, the forest has been developed as a city park, with hiking trails ranging from short walks to nearly 3-hour guided treks A typical guided tour lasts about 3 hours and costs about USD 50–65, including a local guide, snacks, and water; transport availability from Stone Town varies 

• Tours are often paired with visits to nearby villages, eco-projects, or spice farms.

🤝 Community & Conservation

• With support from groups like Seacology and the TUI Forest Zanzibar project, local communities have planted thousands of native trees, built water wells, and established forest patrol units, eco-tour guides, and a bike rental program to minimize erosion and improve livelihoods 

• Ongoing efforts include forest boundary patrols, education programs, reforestation, and eco‑tourism development run by local villages 

⚠️ Conservation Challenges

• The forest is under increasing pressure from illegal logging, encroachment, and expansion of residential settlements. Some springs have dried up, reducing water availability for villages 

• Authorities, together with local communities, have initiated enforcement actions, restoration efforts, and awareness campaigns to combat deforestation and habitat loss .

🧭 Why Visit?

• Nature lovers, photographers, and eco-conscious travelers find Masingini a peaceful contrast to the beaches.

• Offers a chance to witness rare Zanzibar wildlife, lush forest landscapes, and learn traditional medicinal uses of flora.

• Visiting supports conservation and local livelihoods, as most tours contribute to forest protection and community development.