M A S I N G I N I  N AT U R E  F O R E S T   R E S E RV E A N D  C I T Y PA R K

W E L C O M E T O M A S I N G I N I The landscape of the forest lead to the name of the Masingini forest (MNFR) that means gullies. Indeed the forest is characterized with more than 35 gorges. Masingini is located in the Western district of Unguja about 8 km from Zanzibar town. It is situated at the highest peak of Zanzibar; about 120 meter above the sea level. The forest area is 566 ha. The forest was established in 1950s for the purpose of conservation of water sources and soil.

Today Masingini forest is an essential part of water supply for Zanzibar town by creating large groundwater storages. Differing from the most of the forests in Zanzibar, Masingini has deep soil rich in nutrients that creates a lush living environment for large variety of plants and animal species.

FLORA Masingini forest is a home for over 179 plant species including endemic and rare native species. Forest provides habitat for herbs and shrubs that are used in traditional medicine. For example Mimosa can be used for boosting memory, Mabola Palm is treats fever and Lesser Quinine is used as pesticide.

FAUNA   Some of the rarest species in the forest are native Zanzibar Red Colobus monkeys belonging to the taxonomic group of the most endangered primates in the world. They are known for using charcoal or clay in medicinal purposes to combat the cyanide from their leave diet.

Other monkey species of the forest include Velvet and Sykes monkeys. Masingini forest is a home also for a tiny antelope mammal called Blue Duicker that thrives in forest environments where it can browse leaves, seeds and fruits and find everything from small insects to rodents to consume. Small animals such as mouse kind of elephant shrews, snakes and reptiles as well as arthropods and insects roam around Masingini Forest floor. Here it is very possible to encounter with the African Giant Millipedes that can grow up to 40 centimeters long, have over 250 legs and a lifespan of 7 years. Forest has also big variety of butterfly species.