Chumbe Island Lodge: Our full report

Chumbe Island is a tiny coral island about six miles by boat from Zanzibar Town. Many years ago, Tanzania's had a military base here and strictly restricted access to the surrounding ocean. Thus the area's coral remained untouched – even by local fishermen. After that, conservationists realised its value and when the military left, the area was placed under the protection of its own marine park: Chumbe Island Coral Park.

At the heart of this park stands the small island itself, and on this is the remarkable Chumbe Island Lodge. This is a trail-blazing, award-winning example of a lodge that is genuinely ecologically sensitive – and hence you may hear it referred to as “Chumbe Island Eco-lodge" or sometimes “Chumbe Eco-resort", or even simply “Chumbe Island Resort" – although, in fact, Chumbe doesn't feel anything like an island resort at all – and it's as far from a standard 'hotel' as you can imagine!

Chumbe Island Lodge is run by the not for profit private company Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd (CHICOP), and staffed by a very welcoming team of Zanzibari and Tanzanian people who are fully engaged with the projects aims and ethos. The ecologically-sensitive design of the lodge is award-winning. It's not only very green, but it also takes mainly local materials and building techniques to a higher level – to produce quite spectacular results. The main dining and lounge area, which also functions as an education centre, is particularly impressive in the scale of its design.

For accommodation, Chumbe Island Lodge has one single-storey bungalow, plus six double-storey bungalows. All are lit by solar power at night. Each of the double-story bungalows has a bedroom on the top floor, one wall of which can be lowered to stay open to the stars. Downstairs is a bathroom, a lounge/living room area and a large hammock. In the bathroom, the solar-heated shower uses rainwater, and the toilet is a clever, long-drop composting design.

It's important to understand that (like most islands made of coral) there's no good groundwater on Chumbe Island. Hence all of the lodge's buildings have been ingeniously designed to catch, filter and store their own rainwater.

All of the bungalows are within 30 seconds' walk of the beach. The food is simple but when we last visited it was very fresh and good, with a strong emphasis on vegetables, fruit and seafood – prepared using traditional recipes and spices.

To get the best out of a visit to Chumbe, get involved with the activities; don't try to treat the place as a conventional beach resort – it really doesn't work as one.

Many of Chumbe's activities are included in the cost of staying here, all are guided by resident guides and most focus on the island's ecology. Escorted forest walks look at the island's geology, flora and fauna - including endangered giant coconut crabs. On Chumbe's beaches, walks explore the rich inter-tidal zone, and then further into the sea, guides who know the reefs around the island lead snorkelling trips (scuba-diving is prohibited). The reefs around Chumbe are one of the most impressive coral gardens off the coast of Africa; they contain over 400 species of fish and 200 species of hard coral.

Chumbe Island Coral Park ploughs its proceeds back into local conservation and education programmes; and has very strong links with, and involvement from, the local communities in the area.

Our View

If you are conservation-minded, love snorkeling, or are interested in design – then you should certainly include Chumbe Island in your holiday – it's a great place offering a fascination experience, and we're very proud to be able to support it.

Geographics

Location: South-west Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Ideal length of stay: Chumbe Island Lodge is a delightful and fascinating place, ideal for a stay of two, or perhaps three, nights. It's nothing like a conventional beach hotel or resort – so we don't think that it works for a 7-night stay. However, 2-3 nights is perfect! Note that transfer times may require you to stay in the Stone Town area the night before coming here; ask us for details.

Key personnel

Owner: Chumbe Island is owned by a private, not-for profit limited company, CHICOP; the main owner is the Project Director and founder, Ms Sibylle Riedmiller.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: Chumbe's food is usually served buffet-style, and it's relatively simple, but when we last visited it was very fresh and good.

Expect lots of salads, and a strong emphasis on vegetables and vegetarian dishes, plus a sprinkling of seas-food and meat dishes.

Deserts often revolve around fresh fruit and fruit salads – and the bar mixes up a 'mean' cocktail!

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Sodas, juices, water, tea/coffee and snacks are included; alcoholic drinks are excluded

Special interests

Honeymoons: For something different from the usual, and very eco-friendly, Chumbe has a very positive vibe. If you like a 'Robinson Crusoe' feel to your islands, then this island lodge will suit you: one wall of the upstairs bedroom of six of the rooms opens up to the ocean – you just operate a pulley to open it. It's very rustic and romantic!

See more ideas for Honeymoons in Zanzibar

Diving & snorkelling: Chumbe Island has some of the most pristine and amazing coral gardens in the world. The reef around the island has remained largely untouched and boasts over 400 species of fish and more than 200 species of hard coral. To help preserve them, the whole area is now protected by Chumbe Island Coral Park; no scuba diving is allowed here, but guided snorkelling trips guarantee an extraordinary underwater experience!

See more ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Zanzibar

Traditional Cultures: Community involvement is relatively uncommon on Zanzibar - but here you will find it done properly. Chumbe Island runs with not-for-profit objectives, so all the profits go back to conservation and education programmes, and the team of excellent local staff and guides here take real pride in their work and in their island.

See more ideas for Traditional Cultures in Zanzibar

Children

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Superb for older children with an interest in wildlife, who will enjoy the guided inter-tidal walks (around the rock pools), and other activities.

Central communications

Power supply: Solar Power

Communications: There is limited mobile access in the office. There is usually WiFi in the main visitors centre.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible