Best time to travel to Zanzibar

Butterflies in Zanzibar

Admire these gentle creatures and inspect their lifecycle in a magical garden or butterfly farm or in their natural environmen—Jozani Forest

Best time: May–July | December–January

Butterflies
Butterflies
Butterflies

Visiting Zanzibar you can notice that butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts. Discover the world of butterflies in Zanzibar by inspecting the tiny butterfly eggs, the hungry caterpillars that nibble away at the leaves, and the process of converting caterpillars into a butterfly. Lots butterfly species in Zanzibar are diurnal.

Check out hundreds of butterflies in Jozani Forest, or at the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre and the Butterfly Spice Farm, breeding Butterfly pupae for sale. Some interesting species are exported abroad to Zoos or Butterfly exhibitions.

Visit Jozani Forest early in the morning or at dusk and at its most abundant period between May and July, and December through January. Don't forget your camera for some awesome shots of these gentle, colourful creatures with their bright wings and erratic flight.

Practical info

When should one go to Jozani Forest to see the butterflies?

If you're hoping to see butterflies in Jozani Forest, you should go early morning or evening. The ideal times to spot them are from May to July, as well as December and January. During these months, various butterfly species are visible in the forest. Remember to take your camera to capture these creatures as they flutter about. Show more

Besides the forest, where else is it possible to see butterflies in Zanzibar?

Apart from Jozani Forest, other excellent locations to observe butterflies include the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre and the Butterfly Spice Farm. These places breed butterfly pupae and export them to exhibitions worldwide. You can also visit butterfly-friendly gardens to see these graceful creatures in their natural habitat. Show more

Is it allowed to bring back butterfly pupae from the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre?

Exporting butterfly pupae from Zanzibar to countries requires the necessary permits and documentation. If you purchase pupae from the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, they will provide the documents for the species bred for sale. But, it's often hard to bring butterfly pupae back to your home country. Before making any purchases, look into the laws of your country to avoid any legal troubles when returning. Show more

When is the butterfly population most thriving in Zanzibar?

The butterfly population thrives the most in Zanzibar during May-July and December-January. At this time, numerous species of butterflies can be spotted at Jozani Forest. Plan your trip accordingly if you want to see these lovely insects in their prime, but be aware that several factors, such as weather and habitat, affect the butterfly population. Show more

What is the estimated number of butterfly species that can be seen in Jozani Forest?

Jozani Forest, as the home of numerous butterfly species, is estimated to house up to 40 of them. Information about the exact number can vary, but you may spot species like Red-banded Jezebel, Brown Charaxes, and African Caper White during your visit. To ensure you make the most of your trip, research the kinds of butterflies you would like to observe. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin