Crown Jewel Winner of the 1999 British Airways Global Tourism for Tomorrow Award and elected to the Global 500 Roll of Honour of the United Nations Environment Programme for outstanding practical achievements in environmental protection, the private coral reef and forest conservation area of Chumbe Island is a must for anyone wishing to visit a totally unspoilt area of the world. Only six km from historic Zanzibar Stone Town, Chumbe Island is a jewel in the crown of Tanzania's extraordinary natural heritage.

Bungalow Luxury
Just seven twin-bedded eco-bungalows, each designed to catch, filter and solar-heat its own water, provide each lucky guest with comfortable hammocks, private baths, large beds, mosquito nets and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Each bungalow is built entirely of local materials, reflecting the Zanzibar culture and design, and furnished with handmade African furniture, colourful textiles and handicraft.

Private Explorations
Small and private, Chumbe Island offers a personal introduction to the wonders of a tropical coral reef and forest eco-system. Your knowledgeable guides are the local park rangers and former fishermen who are now dedicated to preserving the area; they will show you the wonders of a tropical coral island, both on land and underwater.

Snorkel the magical underwater world of Chumbe's reefs, with over 200 species of pristine coral and nearly 400 species of fish, lobster, turtle and dolphin. Wander through coral rag forests and mangrove trees in search of the endangered Aders' duiker, probably the world's rarest antelope, listen to forest birds, or climb the 131 steps of the 100-year lighthouse. Observe the giant Coconut crabs climb up coconut trees in the evening or simply watch the incredible array of stars at night.

Zanzibar Delights
Enjoy the wonders of a classic Zanzibari cuisine, a delicious mixture of influences from India, Africa and Arabia, which specialises in mixing tropical fruits with the fresh seafood catch of the day.

Everything in Chumbe is designed to offer privacy, comfort and relaxation while fully protecting the fragile nature of this unique island, now and into the future.

"Coconut crabs on coral cliffs, dry wood on the white sand, delicious pasta dinners, the sound of waves crashing onto the beach at night, waking up in the morning to swim in the ocean, labyrinths of violet coral, dark blue starfish on the sand. I like it." - M.H.