Chumbe Island Coral Park

Description: 

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; however scuba excursions can be arranged for clients] 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; 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.

Highlights: 

Chumbe Island is a unique nature travel destination on a private island in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is covered by an undisturbed forest and surrounded by a virgin coral reef.

Rates on request

CommunityConservationNature
Includes: 

boat transport to and from the island on the morning transfer
accommodation
full-board meals
sodas, water and snacks
boat transfers onto the reef for snorkelling
guidance on the reef and through the forest trails
use of snorkelling equipment
tuition in snorkelling, if required
all taxes

Excludes: 

the price is not inclusive of late boat transfers or alcoholic drinks (which are available for purchase on the island).

Itineraries: 

Limitations: family: children under 2 years of age are free of charge; those aged between 3 and 12 years will be charged at half price

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 schoolchildren. 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.

Accommodation: 

7 bungalows The eco-bandas perfectly blended with the surrounding nature and situated between the beach and the forest, 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.

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