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ecoQuestChumbe Island Coral Park

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Children of all ages welcome

Chumbe Island Coral ParkChumbe 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.
  • Snorkelling
  • Beach walks
  • Forest walks
  • Historical sites
  • Scuba excursions to neighbouring reefs

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.

Chumbe Island Coral Park activitiesChumbe Island Coral Park activitiesChumbe Island Coral Park hosts
Chumbe Island Coral Park facilitiesChumbe Island Coral Park facilitiesChumbe Island Coral Park accommodation
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.
Family
Children under 2 years of age are free of charge; those aged between 3 and 12 years will be charged at half price.
ecoQuest
Conservation & CommunityLocals experience marine ecology first hand.
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. Numerous experts have volunteered their skills and energy into the project and the management of Chumbe is comprised of Zanzibari's from the local fishing communities with overseas experts continuing to provide support and training. The Chumbe Project aims at building environmental awareness in Zanzibar and the Education Program is a vital component that sponsors local school visits to the island, prepared through teacher training workshops and the development of teaching aids.

Though Zanzibar is a coral island, coral reef ecology is insufficiently covered in school syllabi. Formal education does not yet provide environmental information on marine issues, and extra-curricular activities, such as field excursions, are rarely organized. Very few children have a chance ever to visit coral reefs and coral-rag forests. This is also partly due to the fact that school children, and particularly girls, normally do not learn how to swim or snorkel. Chumbe Island organises field trips to the lodge where both children and teachers are taken snorkeling, have educational classes and go on forest walks.


Chumbe is also working with Zanzibar's Ministry of Education to form a "Coral Reef Module" for subjects ranging from Eco-tourism to Biodiversity, Eco-technology and Conservation.
Tourism cares for Tomorrow finalistAwards
  • One of three finalists within the Conservation category for the Smithsonian magazine /Tourism Cares for Tomorrow Sustainable Tourism Awards 2005.
  • Winner of the TODO Award 2004 for Socially Responsible Tourism.
  • Winner of the Responsible Tourism Award 2004!
  • Responsible Tourism Award 2004 in the Marine category. This award was launched by Responsibletravel.com with The Times newspaper (UK), World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine (Magazine of The Royal Geographical Society)
  • Recognised as the best institution in the protection and conservation of marine natural environment, 2004, Zanzibar
  • Finalist of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2001 & 2004
  • Finalist of the World Legacy Award 2004
  • Winner of the Green Hotelier & Restaurateur Environmental Award 2001
  • Winner of the 2000 UNEP Global 500 Award for Environmental Achievement
  • Rate 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
    Rate excludes
    The price is not inclusive of late boat transfers or alcoholic drinks (which are available for purchase on the island).
    Access
    Boat transfers leave for Chumbe Island from Mbweni Ruins Hotel, Zanzibar (south of Stonetown) at 10:00 and the returm transfers will depart from Chumbe at 9:30am on the day of departure.

    Guests are advised to wear shoes that can be used in the water, as at certain tides you may need to wade for a short distance to the boat.

    Submit Enquiry


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