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Chumbe Island, Tanzania

Chumbe Island Coral Park

We really like this funky little eco-resort. While it is not super luxurious, the bungalows are totally comfortable. And the undersea world in incredible. A great place to relax for a few days.  — Mango's view

Chumbe Island Coral Park is located just off the coast of Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is a privately managed nature reserve and is a rare example of a still pristine coral island ecosystem. The reserve includes a reef sanctuary which has become Tanzanias first marine park as well as a forest reserve.

The island reserve is located upstream from the most important fishing grounds opposite Stone Town. So it provides a protected breeding ground for fish, coral and many other species which can then re-colonize the nearby over-fished and degraded areas.

Accommodation on Chumbe Island is pretty special. The bungalows are designed to provide both privacy and a sense of freedom of living in the open. All bungalows are equipped with: Double or twin beds, self-contained bathrooms with hot and cold shower, large living areas with handmade furniture, and decorated with African art and fabrics.

All seven bungalows also are very eco-friendly. They have rain water collection systems that filter water, and then it is hand pumped through a solar heating system for re-use. Water from showers and basins is filtered and used in specially sealed plant beds so that no polluted water will seep into the Reef Sanctuary. Lights powered via solar panels and the open design of the buildings allows for maximum through draft, meaning air conditioning is not needed. Composting toilets ensure that no sewage is directed back into the sea.

Lovingly tended and beautifully designed, the eco-lodge is centered around a dining room and education center created from a lofty makuti thatch. This area was built on the foundations of the house of the old lightkeeper, an old Zanzibari who tended the lighthouse for 30 years and has now retired to live with his family.

Activities include snorkeling and scuba diving in the very unique reef sanctuary which is home to over 90 percent of all the coral species ever recorded in East Africa, estimated to be around 200 species, and home to more than 350 species of fish, sea turtles and lobsters. A network of nature trails crisscross the southern part of the virgin coral rag forest that covers about 90 percent of Chumbe Islands interior. Other highlights include visiting the 1904 built lighthouse on the island.

Chumbe Island Coral Park has been receiving awards since its inception for is strong ties to the community and eco-friendly practices.

Includes: All meals, & activities