 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
    |
Chumbe Island is a small coral marine park located about five miles off the south west coast of Zanzibar - less than one mile long and just over 300 yards wide. This is a ’Robinson Crusoe’ island paradise; dotted with coconut palms, mangroves and enormous baobabs with an emerald green canopy of coral-rag forest stretching out towards the pristine blue ocean. Chumbe Island is protected by the most pristine and colourful coral reefs you’ll find on the East Coast, with over 200 species of coral providing a sanctuary for more than 400 varieties of colourful, tropical fish. At the heart of the island stands the remarkable Chumbe Island Lodge - one of the most environmentally proactive lodges in the world and a perfect example of sustainable tourism. The lodge accommodates no more than fourteen people in seven bungalows built using only natural materials and which have won numerous awards for their eco-friendly design. The main lodge was built in the shape of a giant clam over the ruins of the old lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Chumbe has just seven double-storey chalets set in beautiful coral gardens; each has a top floor bedroom under a palm thatch roof, one wall of which opens to the stars. On the ground floor there is a bathroom with shower, a large lounge equipped with handmade furniture and decorated with African art and colourful fabrics and two large, comfortable hammocks - all are within a 30 second stroll of the beach.
Dining takes place under the impressive roof of the visitor’s centre overlooking the sea between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Here the chefs provide an abundant supply of mouth-watering dishes that are a mixture of Zanzibarian, Arabic, Indian and African tastes. The food is deliciously simple and is a combination of ocean fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables and fruit.
Besides the main lodge and chalets, there is an old mosque, which the Swahili staff still use, and an abandoned lighthouse which now houses the visitor’s centre.
Activities focus on learning about the island’s ecology, escorted forest walks looking at the island’s geology, flora and fauna - including endangered giant coconut crabs. Beach walks explore the rich inter-tidal zone, and, further into the sea, guides lead snorkelling trips (scuba-diving is prohibited here, but can be arranged at neighbouring reefs).
