Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd. (CHICOP) is an award-winning private nature reserve that was developed from 1991 for the conservation and sustainable management of uninhabited Chumbe Island off Zanzibar, one of the last pristine coral islands in the region.
The reserve includes a fully protected Coral Reef Sanctuary and Forest Reserve that harbour rare wildlife, a Visitor and Education centre, a small eco-lodge, nature walks and historical monuments. All buildings and operations are based on state-of-the-art eco-technology aiming at zero impact on the environment (rainwater catchment, photovoltaic energy and solar water heating, composting toilets, vegetative greywater filtration etc.).
The company objectives are non-commercial, while operations follow commercial principles. The overall aim of CHICOP is to create a model of financially and ecologically sustainable park management, where ecotourism supports conservation, research and comprehensive Environmental Education programs for local schools and other benefits for local people.
In 2011, Chumbe Island became the first Global Ecosphere Retreat (GER) certified Long Run Destination through the Jochen Zeitz Foundation which means that Chumbe strives for the highest standards in sustainability through the balance of conservation and commerce, whilst fostering community development and cultural stewardship.
Chumbe’s sustainable management and promotion of key ecosystem services for the region has since been recognized on many levels, including being mentioned in the UN Secretary General’s report to the General Assembly on protection of coral reefs for sustainable livelihoods and development, which states: “A noted example for PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) within the context of coral reefs habitat is the private, non-profit Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd (CHICOP) in Tanzania (2012).
Chumbe island is accessible only via pre-scheduled Chumbe Island boats which depart from Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins. Check-in time to Mbweni Ruins is no later than 9:30 am on the day of your reservation.
Hotel Amenities
Room Facilities
Child Policies
Children 2 and under are free. Youth 3 to 12 are half price.
Payment Terms
THE RATE INCLUDES:
- Boat transport to and from the island on the morning transfer
- Accommodation in one of our 7 award winning Eco bungalows
- Full-board meals
- Sodas, water and snacks
- Boat, guide and equipment for snorkeling
- Tuition in snorkeling, if required
- Snorkeling over one of the world`s most pristine and diverse coral reef
- Guided walk through the forest trails and inter-tidal area (if low tide)
- Guided walk to view the endangered coconut crabs in the evening
- WiFi around the office (powered by solar)
- All taxes, inclusive 18% VAT
The price is not inclusive of taxi transfers, late boat transfers, private boats, and alcoholic drinks (which are available for purchase on the island).
Guests must report to Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins (proceed to the ocean side restaurant) by 09:30 am for boat departure. The Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins is located 10 minutes drive south of Stone Town. Later boats to depart to the island can be arranged for US $50, and we can also collect you from the Airport, Port or Stone Town hotels for US $12 using a trusted taxi service. Advance reservation is required for taxi pick-up to and/or from Protea Hotel.
The morning check out is at 08:00 for 09:00 a.m. boat departure from Chumbe Island. The boat ride takes approximately 45 minutes to/from Chumbe Island. If you are prone to seasickness, please consider bringing your own anti-seasickness medication or treatment. Once you arrive to Mbweni Ruins, you can ask our hospitality specialist about the sea conditions.
Advance booking for all reservations is required.
Cancellation Policy
CANCELLATION POLICY
Since Chumbe Island has only 7 eco-bungalows, their occupancy is very important to the success of our organization. Therefore, the following cancellation charges apply depending on the length of time before the reservation date
- More than one week before the reservation date: 50% charge of the overall price
- 48 hours to one week before the reservation date: 75% charge of the overall price
- Less than 48 hours before the reservation date: 100% charge of the overall price
- Bookings from on 24th December until 2nd January: 100% charge of the overall price
- In the unlikely event that Chumbe is unable to accommodate a confirmed booking or reservation, it may be necessary to offer an alternative of an equal or other standard accommodation
- If at any time Chumbe needs to make changes that will affect guest stay or we need to cancel your booking, we will inform you as soon as possible, offering a suitable alternative or a refund. This does not apply to small or minor changes during guest stay, resulting from circumstances beyond our control.
