About the project
Chumbe Island is an internationally acclaimed conservation area, hosting a fully protected coral reef sanctuary and closed forest reserve. As a not-for-profit enterprise, the revenue generated by eco-tourism on the island funds all conservation management and Chumbe’s extensive environmental education programs with local schools and communities. Operational for more than 25 years, Chumbe is the world’s first financially self-sustaining marine protected area. Chumbe’s seven bungalows have been built in a unique eco-design, ensuring close to zero impact on the environment. Chumbe’s 55.1ha marine protected area and forest reserve is a 100 % no-take zone and is home to rare wildlife including the giant coconut crab, Ader’s duiker (antelope), turtles and dolphins!
About the homestay
Our seven eco-bungalows are inspired by traditional African design and are completely self-sufficient open structures, which allow you to experience nature, without negatively impacting it. Chumbe’s eco architecture includes photovoltaic energy; rainwater collection systems; solar water heating for showers; vegetative greywater filtration and composting toilets to avoid reef-polluting sewage and save water. Each bungalow comfortably fits two people and has areas for lounging and relaxation. From your bed, you can watch the stars at night, listen to the sound of the ocean or the bird songs. There are never more than 18 visitors on the island per day, making Chumbe a truly exclusive island get-away.
How to get there:
Chumbe Island Coral Park is located off the west coast of Zanzibar. You will reach Chumbe island from Zanzibar with one of the daily boat connections that leave from Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins for registered guests. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes according to the weather and is conducted by a local boat operator.
Other things to do nearby:
– Snorkel tours: Each snorkeling tour lasts for about one hour and provides new discoveries for our guests. With each visit you are unlikely to be disappointed! Our reef is home to a diversity of coral, sea turtles, friendly reef sharks and more than 500 species of fish. No matter if you are a snorkeling newcomer or professional, our competent guides will make you sure you get the most out of it in a safe and responsible way.
– Climb the iconic historic Chumbe lighthouse and enjoy a breathtaking view over the forest and marine park and soak in the colours of the Indian Ocean!
– Guided snorkel tour: explore the coral rag forest of Chumbe with one of our rangers to learn more about its special ecosystems, discover our mangrove area and mighty baobab trees and do some birdwatching, as the forests hosts more than 60 species of birds
– Coconut walk: At Chumbe island you can admire the largest land living crab in the world, the coconut crab. We have a healthy population living in our forest, which makes it an important study base for international researchers, as research into this species is very limited in the East African region. Every night our rangers take guests out on a guided walk into the forest to observe and learn more about these fascinating creatures!
Other activities on the island which can be arranged upon request: education talks and presentations about marine and terrestrial conservation, visits to community projects on Zanzibar and the possibility to witness one of our environmental education excursions on the island (most active months for this are: March, September-early December)
Tanzania – Chumbe Island
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