Chumbe Island is a unique nature travel destination on a private island in Zanzibar, Tanzania and offers arguably the best snorkelling in Zanzibar.
Situated 8 km Southwest of Zanzibar town, it is covered by an undisturbed forest and surrounded by a virgin coral reef. The island can be reached in a 30-45 minute boat ride from the Mbweni beach departure point south of Stone Town.

Chumbe Island is a nature reserve and includes:

The Chumbe Reef Sanctuary: the first declared Marine Protected Area of Tanzania, one of the world's most beautiful coral gardens and the best preserved shallow reef on the East African Coast. The sanctuary has more than 200 species of pristine stone corals, more than 400 species of fish and regularly visiting turtles and dolphins. This spectacular reef can be observed by snorkeling under the guidance of trained Park Rangers. Snorkeling equipment is available on the island. [Please note that scuba diving on Chumbe is prohibited, unless for research purposes]

The Chumbe Forest Reserve: a coral rag forest with a unique flora and wildlife including numerous reptiles, birds, crabs and the rare nocturnal Coconut Crab. The island is formed from fossilised coral and throughout the trail it is possible to see the patterns of the coral and the remains of giant clams thousands of years old. The Forest Nature Trails are also visited under the guidance of trained Park Rangers;

The historic buildings: built by the British in 1904; these include the lighthouse, which offers breath-taking views of the Island and of Zanzibar, and the mosque that was built with an elaborate design and is still in use by the Chumbe team.

ACCOMMODATION: in eco-bandas perfectly blended with the surrounding nature and situated between the beach and the forest. Chumbe has seven stunning eco-buildings each incorporating state-of-the-art eco-architecture and using local materials with coconut palm thatch. They are especially pioneering because they are all ecologically self-sustaining with zero impact on the environment.
Each has solar-powered lighting, private bathroom, cold & (solar-heated) hot water showers fed from a unique rainwater catchment system, compost toilets and greywater filtration through specialised garden areas. On Chumbe you can live in simple luxury on this paradise island in the knowledge that you are in no way damaging the environment of this spectacular nature reserve;

Please note that this is a private island and the bandas have been designed specifically along environmentally friendly guidelines. This means that toilets are not flush toilets but compost toilets, there is no air conditioning but trade winds provide your breeze, there is no television or similar modern amenities. If you seek this type of facility you should not stay at Chumbe.
If you are interested in a unique concept of eco-friendly architecture design, want to indulge yourself in one of the world’s most pristine coral reefs and learn about the environment then Chumbe is a beautiful relaxing and romantic spot to spend a few days. If you miss your TV try one of the hotels on the mainland.

Other facilities: the historic lighthouse keeper's house built by the British in 1904 has been adapted to be the Park HQ with a restaurant for visitors and a classroom for local choolchildren. This magnificently designed building is also equipped with eco-technology. The restaurant has dining terraces overlooking the sea, and serves delicious local Zanzibari cuisine, which combines influences of Arabic, Indian and African dishes using fresh fish, octopus and seafood, beef and chicken, tropical vegetables, fruits and spices.

Chumbe Island Coral Park is a financially self-sustaining conservation initiative. It is run by a non-profit making company, where income from visitors is re-invested into the conservation activities and education programs operating in the park. Numerous experts have volunteered their skills and energy into the development of the project and the management of Chumbe is comprised of Zanzibar's from the local fishing communities with overseas experts continuing to provide support and training.

The eco resort has been recognised internationally for its conservation efforts with the following well deserved awards

*** GREEN HOTELIER OF THE YEAR ***
Independent Environmental Award 2001
from the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH&RA)

*** WORLD WINNER ***
Condenast Traveller Magazine, ECOTOURISM DESTINATION Award 2001

*** GLOBAL 500 LAUREATE ***
UNEP OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT Award 2000

*** PROJECT AROUND THE WORLD WINNER ***
Award presented at the EXPO2000, Hannover Germany,
where Chumbe was selected to represent Tanzania

*** GLOBAL WINNER ***
British Airways TOURISM FOR TOMORROW Award 1999

Cost: From $150p.p.

Try our ECOLODGE ITINERARY, combining Chumbe Island with Tarangire national Park and West Kilimanjaro