Chumbe Island Coral Park is a private nature reserve founded in 1991 to conserve and manage the natural resources of Chumbe Island, an uninhabited coral island just off the west coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is considered to be one of the region’s last unspoiled coral islands. This amazing reserve includes both a Coral Reef Sanctuary and a Forest Reserve, historic landmarks, beautiful nature trails, a visitor and educational center, and an eco-lodge.
Every structure on the island was built with sustainability in mind, equipped with cutting-edge environment-friendly technology in order to keep the impact of tourism to an absolute minimum. Examples of those facilities are composting toilets, wastewater treatment with vegetation filters, rainwater storage, and solar panels to generate energy to heat water and power electrical equipment. There is no artificial lighting at night, anywhere, which ensures that the nocturnal animals living on the island are not disturbed. If requested, guests can use individual solar-powered torches in the evenings.
In addition to this, what sets Chumbe Island Coral Park even further apart from other accommodations in and around Zanzibar is the fact that it works closely with the local communities. Local farmers, fishermen, craftspeople and artisans supply produce, furniture, soaps and a number of other services and products to the island. The island’s small boutique sells locally made products and works of art, which helps the local people financially and allows guests to take home a truly authentic souvenir.
Chumbe Island Coral Park is a non-commercial company, even though its practices may be commercial. Proceedings flow directly toward nature conservation projects, research and economic development. There are also environmental education programs at the local schools. Its long history of sustainable practices and conservation efforts is why the park has won many awards, and why it became a certified eco-destination in 2011.
While Chumbe Island Coral Park does everything from nature management and local development projects, it also manages a popular eco-lodge. Accommodation is available in seven striking eco-bungalows, featuring modern state-of-the-art designs, built to keep their impact on the environment to almost zero. This should give guests peace of mind while staying on the island, knowing that they keep the island as pristine as it ever was. Each bungalow has a palm-thatched roof, a spacious living room with locally made furniture and beautiful African art, a comfy hammock, a bathroom with hot and cold shower, and either a twin or a double bed.
Surrounded by gorgeous coral reefs protected by the Coral Reef Sanctuary, Chumbe Island is one of the most pristine marine areas in eastern Africa. It is home to no less than 90% of all hard coral species in East Africa and more than 400 species of reef fish. It is also a feeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles. This abundance of marine life makes this a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, which are arguably the most popular activities at Chumbe Island Coral Park.
Other activities on offer are (guided) nature walks in the inland Forest Reserve, home to large coconut crabs, many species of bird, lizards and non-poisonous snakes, and the endangered Ader’s duiker, a mini-antelope; as well as wining and dining, and visiting local historic monuments.
