Chumbe Island- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Imagine a tropical island where there are no cars, no roads, and no conventional electricity grid. A place where the coral reef is so healthy it rivals the world’s best dive sites, and where giant coconut crabs roam the forest floor at night. This is Chumbe Island Coral Park, a private nature reserve located just a few kilometers off the coast of Zanzibar.

Unlike the crowded beaches of Nungwi or the bustling streets of Stone Town, Chumbe offers a rare commodity: absolute tranquility combined with world-class conservation. Whether you are an eco-conscious traveler, a honeymooner seeking seclusion, or a marine life enthusiast, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Tanzania’s most celebrated ecological success story.

Chumbe Island is not just a hotel; it is a fully protected Marine Protected Area (MPA). The island’s management reinvests revenue from tourism into conservation, research, and education for local students. This commitment to nature creates an experience that feels raw, authentic, and incredibly exclusive.

The crown jewel of Chumbe is its Coral Reef Sanctuary. Because fishing and boating have been strictly prohibited here since 1994, the reef is in pristine condition. It boasts over 200 species of hard coral—90% of all species found in East Africa—and over 400 species of fish.

Note for swimmers: Scuba diving is generally not permitted inside the sanctuary to protect the delicate coral structures. However, the reef is shallow and accessible, making snorkeling the primary activity. All guests are taken on guided snorkeling tours by professional rangers who can identify everything from Hawksbill turtles to Batfish and Blue-spotted stingrays.

The center of the island is a closed forest reserve growing on ancient "coral rag" rock. This dense thicket is a haven for rare wildlife. During the day, you might spot the elusive Ader’s Duiker, a mini-antelope that is critically endangered. The skies are patrolled by fish eagles and roseate terns.

At night, the forest comes alive. Guided night walks are a highlight of any overnight stay, offering the chance to see Coconut Crabs—the largest land-living arthropods in the world. These giants can grow up to a meter wide and are famous for climbing trees to harvest coconuts.

Towering over the island is a lighthouse built by the British in 1904. It remains operational and is a striking piece of history against the tropical backdrop. Guests can climb the 131 steps to the top for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the turquoise Indian Ocean and the distant silhouette of Stone Town.

Accommodation on Chumbe is limited to just seven "eco-bungalows" (bandas), ensuring a maximum of roughly 14–18 guests on the island at any time. This guarantees privacy, but the design of the bungalows is what truly sets them apart.

The bungalows are architectural marvels designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. They are open-air structures with no walls on the seaward side, allowing the ocean breeze to act as natural air conditioning.

The sleeping area is located in a loft under a high, thatched palm roof. You sleep under a mosquito net, falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping just meters away. The living area downstairs features hammocks and African-style furniture, perfect for disconnected relaxation.

Chumbe takes "eco-friendly" seriously. There is no mains electricity or running water supply from the mainland. Instead, the island utilizes ingenious eco-technology:

• Rainwater Catchment: The roofs are designed to funnel rainwater into cisterns, which is then filtered for shower and sink use.
• Composting Toilets: To prevent sewage from polluting the reef, each bungalow uses a specialized composting toilet system that is clean, odorless, and effectively turns waste into soil over time.
• Solar Power: Photovoltaic panels provide electricity for lights and charging small devices (like cameras and phones).

Meals are served buffet-style in the main Visitors' Center, a soaring structure that looks like an overturned boat hull. The cuisine is a delicious fusion of Zanzibari spices, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. Because the island is small, the daily schedule—snorkeling trips, boat transfers, and walks—is often dictated by the tides, encouraging guests to slow down and sync with nature.

Access to Chumbe Island is via a private boat transfer from the Jungle Paradise Beach Resort (formerly Mbweni Ruins Hotel), located about 10–15 minutes south of Stone Town.

• Departure: The boat typically leaves Mbweni at 10:00 AM.
• Return: The boat returns to the mainland around 9:00 AM (for overnight guests checking out) or 5:00 PM (for day trippers).
• Duration: The crossing takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

This is the most important logistical detail for potential visitors:

• Overnight Stays: Priority is always given to overnight guests. You can (and should) book these months in advance, especially for high season (July–October and December–February).
• Day Trips: Day trips are only bookable 2 days in advance. The management only opens day trip slots if the lodge is not fully booked. If you are determined to visit but cannot stay overnight, you must have a flexible schedule and call/email the reservation team exactly 48 hours before your desired date.

Because Chumbe is a conservation area, there are specific rules to follow:

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Traditional sunscreens can kill coral. Bring biodegradable, mineral-based lotion, or wear a rash guard (swim shirt) to minimize lotion use.
• Reef Shoes: Useful for walking from the boat to the shore, as the intertidal zone can be rocky.
• Flashlight/Headtorch: Essential for navigating the paths to the dining area at night.
• No Plastic: Try to minimize single-use plastics. The island strives for zero waste.