Reviews of Chumbe Island Lodge

"real "cast away" island feeling, and the cabins are great. The coconut crabs are everywhere (outside the cabins!) at night.

The food is really good, but abundant portions there is just no way to finish it all." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Rwanda; 4n in Zambia; 1n in Tanzania

"Truly extraordinary, eco-friendly place." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar

"We were unprepared for the wade onto and off the ferry on the outward journey. You might warn people to wear shoes and trousers that can get wet,.

We loved Chumbe island, a great place to relax in between safari's. A very small coral island with good beaches, swimming from beaches, good staff, food and interesting flora/fauna.

My wife chose Chumbe to have a regulatory tummy upset - just the place for such a problem. The manager (Vera) was so concerned about this and was really attentive and helped Fran through the day. Vera is really a lovely person.

I was not over happy with the bathroom of the cabin. Much too small and it all became a bit 'mucky' too easily. The earth toilet began to smell during the 2nd day. The bed/seating area was fine but the camp really needs to do something about that facility if it is too encourage people to stay longer than 1 night.

Whether or not the camp does want people to do more than a day/1 night stay, I am not sure. Reading back over the literature about the island, it all appears to be geared to this short stay. A pity, as the coconut crabs are nocturnal and the beaches are worth a few days at least." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 5n in Kenya; 3n in Tanzania

"Most unusual accomodations.

Bed was comfortable. Bathroom facilities were adequate.

Overall if was a fun experience. Marvelled at the construction of the room/tent. The floor could have been a little more even." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"We loved this place, so relaxing and the lodges were one of a kind! Back to basics and sleeping looking at the stars and looking for coconut crabs in the dark!

We loved the snorkelling and the beach and found it so nice to get away from it all read a book and adventure round the island! The food was amazing and we wish we were there for a week!" See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"There is a fixed programme which depends on the tides.
There was only one snorkelling trip per day and that was fixed and from a boat. I wanted to be able to wander into the water but this was not possible. Very disappointed.
The beach has strong rip tides so swimming is not recommended. I wish I had known this before I went.
My "hut" was lovely but only cold water in the shower. At least two of us were told "sorry - your hut only"..so not true! Refreshing during the day but very chilly in the morning!
Boat transfer. You need to advise people that you WILL get soaked during wading to and from the boat. Depending on your height and the wind / swells, up to and including knickers!!
There was no tidal walk at all whilst I was there. No idea why!
Forest walk was OK but underwhelming and could have been done in much less time.
Staff were lovely and the food was fabulous." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya

"Beautiful location, great bungalows (we had bungalow 6&7,with our own beach!)... The boatride in was a bit rough , but once we were there very much worth it...

Good food, one night the tables were set on the beach and lit with many candles, a beautiful sight... Excellent snorkeling. Service was a bit slow, getting drinks sometimes took up to half an hour, and we had to hang around for over an hour on our last evening to find out the schedule for the next day,

Special mention for Vera, the manager, very charming, friendly and hospitable." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar

"Chumbe is a real escape from the mainland of Zanzibar. With only 7 cleverly designed, eco-friendly bungalows, it is quiet, beautiful and well-run - a real Indian Ocean paradise, with a difference.

Snorkelling on the coral reef was great, walking tours were interesting, particularly seeing the giant coconut crabs and fruit bats. Great beach, wonderful and varied food, friendly and professional service.

We really enjoyed our 2-night break here." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar

"Unique eco-lodge providing 7 well-designed eco-friendly cabins. Each is designed to catch the island breezes for natural cooling, so even though it was really hot during the day, the sitting and sleeping areas were delightfully cool. The food was great and the staff very friendly.

Good snorkelling too. It was quite windy and rough when we went out, so we made use of the available life jackets which helped. We also went on a night walk to see the amazingly large coconut crabs. Great place to spend at least 2 nights." See all these reviews: 15n in Rwanda; 9n in Zanzibar

"An interesting "eco" lodge with staff lovely, just like the Tanzanians on the mainland.

Bungalow 6 had a beautiful view of the sea, and coral. Good food and service again. The guides Matata and Chaga were excellent and very helpful with equipment for snorkeling and also had good knowledge about the island flora and fauna.

Great variety of fish and coral types when snorkeling.

Did not want to leave." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar