Ufufuma Forest Zanzibar

The name “Ufufuma” is derived from the 13^th century chief, Mzee Ufufuma, and this historic forest is located only 45 minutes drive from Stone Town.   It is a truly exotic and unique place to visit.  It is home to some of the rarest wildlife in Africa, sacred caves and to this day still serves as the location for traditional healing practices performed by witch doctors. 

The forest is well protected by the Zanzibar government and is home to a wide variety of plant and birdlife, insects (especially butterflies) and animals including wild pigs, bush babies, adders duikers, tree hyraxes, Sykes and red colobus  monkeys and bats.  With a population estimated at fewer than 2,000, the red colubus monkey is one of the rarest monkeys in Africa and can only be found on the main island of Zanzibar.  Ufufuma Forest is also where the last evidence of the Zanzibar leopard was encountered.  Although not seen since 1970, prints and droppings have been found as recently as 1994.  The unofficial conclusion in the scientific community is that the Zanzibar leopard is now extinct. 

The forest contains several sacred caves that once served as homes to 13^th century indigenous people.  Visitors will have the opportunity to enter the caves, and visit some of the old homes that today are used as traditional spiritual and healing centres where special ceremonies are held for people looking for talents, blessings, richness, cures and protection against diseases and evil spirits.  Visitors will have the opportunity to observe local people in their traditional affairs including explanations of the healing instruments, how traditional medicines are made and used, the unique preparations and practices surrounding childbirth and the first forty days after birth, as well as direct interviews with a local witch doctor. 

Depending on the day, visitors may get to observe a witch dance where a local witch doctor speaks with spirits that have entered the body of an afflicted person.  A site to behold, musicians play mystical tunes on traditional instruments while the group dances and sings the sacred healing songs. 

• Transport to and from stone town in Zanzibar
• Guide
• Entrance fees