The name Masingini comes from gullies of the landscape which is characterized by more than 35 gorges. This forest is located 8 km from Stone Town, and it is situated at the highest peak of the Zanzibar Island about 120 meters above sea level. It differs from other forests in Zanzibar due to its large groundwater storage and deep soil, rich in nutrients that create a lush environment to a variety of plants including endemic and rare native species. The forest is decorated by seasonal ponds and small water streams during the rainy season, where birds like herons, striped kingfishers, red-eyed doves, Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul and other birds are easily spotted. Animals like shy Red Colobus Monkeys as well as Vervet and Sykes Monkeys, mouse kind of Elephant shrews, different insects, butterflies, the African Giant Millipedes, and other reptiles are common in this forest. If you are lucky enough you can spot Blue Duiker antelopes or even snakes.