Chumbe Island

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Chumbe Island

Marine Eco Lodges

since december 2011

Featuring a protected coral reef sanctuary, forest reserve, education centre, and state-of-the-art ecolodge, designed to have zero impact on the environment, Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) is not only a pioneer in biodiversity conservation and MPA management but also serves as a model for effective ecotourism as one of the top-ranked destinations in East Africa.

Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) is an award-winning private nature park eight miles southwest of Zanzibar, Tanzania. It was developed in 1991 when the formerly uninhabited Chumbe Island was recognised as one of the last pristine coral islands in the region. Besides the 81-acre coral reef, home to 90% of East Africa’s hard coral species and 500 reef fish species, rare wildlife is protected on and around the island. Overnight guests enjoy a private island experience, including activities such as snorkelling and forest and intertidal walks, combined with learning more about CHICOP's conservation and education efforts.

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CONSERVATION

Chumbe's Coral Reef Sanctuary is accredited to the highest international science-based standards for biodiversity conservation and best management practices.

The protected forest reserve is home to 178 plant species. It is also a refuge for a variety of birds and other animals recognised by the IUCN Red List.

COMMUNITY

Environmental Education Programme for school children and their teachers, local fishing communities, the general public, and government authorities of all levels.

Over 97% of Chumbe's staff are from local communities and various research opportunities for local and international students and researchers.

CULTURE

Over 100-year-old monuments, such as a mosque and lighthouse, built by the British together with the Sultan of Zanzibar.

Local and fresh Zanzibari cuisine and a cookbook entitled "KITAMU" Kiswahili for "delicious" showcasing the variety of Zanzibari dishes prepared for visitors to Chumbe.

COMMERCE

All commercial activities are designed to support and provide sustainable funding for the conservation of Zanzibar's biodiversity and habitats.

Recognized by the UN Secretary General as a leading example of Payment for Ecosystem services.

Chumbe Island’s Highlights

The Chumbe Island eco-lodge features seven bungalows, each designed with state-of-the-art eco-architecture and eco-technology. These bungalows are self-sufficient, utilizing rainwater collection for bathrooms and solar power for electricity. They also have advanced composting toilets and wastewater management systems.
As the first privately established and managed Marine Protected Area worldwide, the Chumbe reef is considered one of the best shallow snorkelling experiences in the Zanzibar archipelago and East Africa in general. It is home to at least 59 hard coral genera and over 500 reef fish species.
CHICOP fully funds activities including full-day excursions to Chumbe Island, where local community members learn about marine and forest ecology, sustainable coastal management and ecotourism.
Biodiversity Hotspot - Chumbe Island is a biodiversity hotspot and therefore home to many rare and endangered species. One of these is the coconut crab, the largest land-living crab in the world. Guests can see them during the coconut crab walk at night.
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