Chumbe

Tour Details

Six kilometers south of Stone Town, surrounded by pristine coral reef, Chumbe Island coral park is one of the world's most successful eco-tourism projects. In 1994 the reef surrounding chumbe Island was named Tanzania's first Marine National Park. The island itself, covered with lush coral rag forest, is a designated forest reserve. Visitors can come for the day to snorkel over the incredible coral reef, home to over 370 species of fish, turtles and dolphins. Toexperience Chumbe Island properly stay the night in one of the seven eco-bandas that nestle in the forest. Each of the eco-bandas are two-story private cottages and are adorned with local materials like the shells, driftwood and colourful local fabrics. Water and energy on Chumbe is self-sustaining. Rainwater is stored, filtered and reused to provide the island with safe, clean water.

The island of Chumbe is seen as an ensured nature reserve due to its rich biodiversity. Chumbe's shores displays immaculately preserved coral reef and is home to 90% of East Africa's hard coral species and 400 reef point species. This protected area is home to such creatures as the coconut crab, green turtle, Ader's duiker (pronghorn), and even seasonal humpback whales.

There are a number of activities such as, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving which allow visitors to view the islands reef sanctuary, home to 350 species of fish, sea turtles, and lobsters. A remarkable stretch of white sandy shoreline reaches out before the cottages, with turquoise waters lapping along one end and a delicate edge of palms along with the other, it's the perfect spot to sunbathe or walk along the waters edge.