Chumbe Island

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Chumbe Island is situated a few kilometres offshore from Zanzibar. The formerly uninhabited island and the coral reef on its western side have been turned into a nature reserve by a private company, Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd (CHICOP), and has now glorious coral reefs, waving palm trees, thick coral-rag forests, a Visitors' Centre, seven eco-bungalows, nature trails and sublime cuisine.

Based on the initiative of CHICOP, the government of Zanzibar gazetted the western reef and island forest as a protected marine park and forest reserve (since 1994/95). Both are now managed as a category II park (IUCN) by CHICOP, including marine research and an environmental education program for local schools. Park management is based on Management Plans (1995-2005 and 1996-2016) and is entirely funded through ecotourism. Guests can stay in seven small eco-friendly bungalows, either overnight or for day trips. These bungalows are made from natural materials, collect rainwater and have solar panels for their electricity. [1] Composting toilets avoid any sewage and the shower water is also filtered through plant beds. [1]

One of the seven bungalows with the historic lighthouse behind it.

The exceptional quality of the reefs is attributable to the fact that the Reef Sanctuary is fully protected from fishing and anchorage since 1992 by local rangers, former fishermen employed and trained by CHICOP. The coral gardens and their resident fish, turtles and eels can be explored by visitors staying on the island, but only while snorkelling - scuba diving is generally not allowed.

The island also has two historical buildings - a small mosque and a lighthouse, both built around the turn of the 20th century. [2]

Chumbe Island has won awards [3]that highlight exceptional environmental organizations, notably: