Overview
Chumbe Island Lodge lies just a short boat ride from the vibrant, historic Stone Town, on a private coral island off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania. This award-winning eco-lodge is nestled within the Chumbe Island Coral Park, a globally recognized marine and forest reserve that protects one of East Africa’s most vibrant coral reefs and rare wildlife. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean’s warm, crystal-clear waters, the lodge offers an intimate retreat where the rhythm of the tides and the calls of tropical birds set the pace. The nearby Chumbe Reef Sanctuary, home to over 500 fish species and 59 hard coral genera, beckons snorkelers to explore its underwater kaleidoscope, while the island’s forest reserve shelters endangered species like the coconut crab and Ader’s duiker.
The lodge’s design marries rustic elegance with cutting-edge eco-technology, creating a barefoot-luxury vibe that feels both adventurous and indulgent. Seven thatched eco-bungalows, crafted from local materials like mangrove poles and coconut fronds, blend seamlessly into the island’s natural beauty, offering panoramic ocean views and a sense of living in harmony with nature. Getting here is a breeze: a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar’s Stone Town, followed by a scenic 30-minute boat transfer from Mbweni, just 10 minutes outside the city. For those craving a serene escape after exploring Stone Town’s spice-scented alleys, Chumbe is a sanctuary of tranquility and conservation.
Facilities & Features
Accommodation: Seven eco-bungalows (six double-storey and one single-storey), each with a king-size or twin beds, en-suite composting toilets, solar-heated rainwater showers, and a spacious living area with a hammock.
Dining: A seafront visitor’s center with a palm-thatched roof serves Zanzibari, Arabic, and Indian-inspired cuisine, emphasizing sustainable seafood, organic produce, and vegan/vegetarian options.
Amenities: Solar-powered lighting, Wi-Fi in the main visitor’s center, biodegradable toiletries, and locally crafted mosquito repellents. No pool, but the ocean is steps away.
Eco-Technology: Rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic energy, and advanced wastewater management ensure a near-zero environmental footprint.
Additional Features: A historic lighthouse, educational center, and shaded lounge areas with ocean views.
Highlights
Pristine Marine Sanctuary: Snorkel in one of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs, teeming with clownfish, parrotfish, and hawksbill turtles.
Rare Wildlife Encounters: Spot coconut crabs, Ader’s duikers, and over 60 bird species on guided forest walks through the protected reserve.
Eco-Luxury Bungalows: Sleep under a thatched roof in solar-powered bungalows designed to blend rustic charm with sustainable innovation.
Guided Excursions: Explore the 1904 Chumbe Lighthouse, intertidal rock pools, or join evening coconut crab walks, all included in your stay.
Sustainable Dining: Savor fresh, locally sourced meals with a focus on sustainable seafood, served under a dramatic makuti roof overlooking the ocean.
Conservation Impact: Your stay supports free environmental education for Zanzibari schoolchildren and the preservation of this biodiversity hotspot.
