Chumbe Island Coral Park, just off Zanzibar

An authentic eco-lodge on a private island close to Zanzibar

Complement your beach holiday in Zanzibar with a stay in one of the finest marine parks in the entire Indian Ocean. Stay close to the beach in wonderful, open eco bungalows, experience snorkeling day and night, and go hunting for the special giant crabs.

A stay on Chumbe Island is a unique experience for anyone with an interest in nature. It is a role-model example of how tourism can help preserve and protect wildlife, coral reefs, and forests. And it almost goes without saying that the experience is far greater than the places where one does the opposite.

Chumbe is recognized across the globe as a true pioneer in eco-lodging and marine life protection

Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Chumbe Island Coral Park, off Zanzibar, Tanzania

Travel in time and the journey begins

The boat ride from Zanzibar to Chumbe Island takes just 45 minutes, but it feels like time travel because at Chumbe, nature and wildlife still holds control of this beautiful island.

The first thing that meets the eye on the voyage through the turquoise seas is probably the island's old lighthouse, which towers up from the green jungle wilderness. But otherwise there is not much sign of human activity. The 7 bungalows, the restaurant and the other common facilities are built of 100% natural materials and camouflaged well under the treetops. You are entering another kingdom.

And then of course there's what it's all about: the large-flowering coral reef, sea turtles, giant crabs and 400 different reef fish, just outside the bungalow - 100% financed by the income of the guests on the island.

On arrival, you immediately notice that Chumbe does not need to make a big deal of itself. It comes all by itself through heart, passion, and fervor - and it goes from the passionate marine biologists who take you through the world of animals, to the skilled chef who juggles the spices of Swahili cuisine.

Corals, sea turtles, and giant crabs

And then of course there's what it's all about: the large-flowering coral reef, sea turtles, giant crabs, and 400 different reef fish, just outside the bungalow - 100% financed by the income of the guests on the island.

There are snorkeling activities every day - and also at night, where it all changes shape and color, and luminescent plankton makes the sea surface magical. If you look closely, you will almost be able to see how the fish seem to smile a little, more than other fish around the world's coral reefs!) But that's because they are doing so well - and the smiling instantly spreads to the island's guests.

Skilled instructors help the youngest members of the families see through the glories of a real sea-fare while solving the great mystery of whether fish sleep at night.

Late in the afternoon, Chumbe's special Coconut crabs emerge from their hiding place. Crabs the size of dachshunds swarm through the forest floor and give almost the entire place a touch of something prehistoric. Despite their size, they are just as nervous about humans as any other crab.

Stay in a bungalow that is eco to the bone

You put the sandals on the doorstep of the bungalow - partly it is good practice, and at the same time, you do not bring sand in. Next to the sandals, the rainwater is collected in screened cisterns, where it is filtered and cleaned and used for both bathing and brushing teeth.

The entire lower floor is one large open living room. Here, the hammock and sun lounger is built of wood and laced together with coconut fibers and at the back it the semi-outdoor bathroom.

From the 1st floor, there is a view of the sea, while the refreshing ocean breeze makes the tropical nights pleasant.

Even the roofs are built in a shape so that they bend the hard hurricane winds of the monsoon season. It protects the forest behind the bungalow from severe weather. The rest is pure solar energy.

The lower floor can be converted into an extra bedroom at night, so the bungalows can easily accommodate a family with 2-3 children.

This is a real-deal eco-experience. So well done.

Dinner under the starry sky

Chef John King lives up to his name. He delivers small dishes, perfectly freshly prepared, which you enjoy under the stars in the sky, while the smell of continents meeting makes you ready for dinner. The cuisine in this part of the world combines Oman, India, and the African continent into one dish here at Chumbe. These magic moments will stay with you long after you left, and will want you to come back for more.

Community:

All proceeds from the guests at Chumbe go to the operation of the marine park and educate fishermen and school children on sustainability. The employees come predominantly from the villages in Zanzibar that are closest. Most have no education but have been educated and trained at Chumbe.

Conservation:

Fishing in the marine park is of course forbidden, but John King is nevertheless extremely aware of where he buys his raw materials. Everything is bought from local farmers and fishermen from Zanzibar. Not only does it make the raw “product” fresher, but it also ensures that as much money as possible stays in the community.

And besides nature conservation, is an absolutely crucial part of Chumbe Island's foundation. The place is built on the pillars of conservation and giving back. You feel - and see it - instantly.