Chumbe Island

Chumbe Island is a small coral island off the west coast of Unguja (Zanzibar), Tanzania. It is protected and managed as a nature reserve combining coral-reef protection with conservation of the island’s forest.

The reef around the island supports snorkeling and shallow reef walks, and short trails cross the island’s littoral forest. A small low-impact visitor operation provides accommodation and environmental interpretation for overnight and day visitors.

From the early 1990s the island has been managed for conservation and sustainable tourism by a private organisation, with work focused on reef protection, forest management and environmental education. The management model combines a protected marine sanctuary with on-island visitor facilities.

The island sits off the western shore of Unguja (Zanzibar) and is reached by boat from Stone Town; visits are usually arranged through operators based in Zanzibar city.

• Access: Day trips and snorkel trips run from Stone Town on Unguja; organized visits are the normal way to access the island.
• Conservation measures: Conservation-focused management limits visitor impact, so facilities are low-impact and wildlife encounters depend on tide and season.

What to See #

• Marine sanctuary: A shallow coral reef system fringing the island that is managed as a marine protected area and popular for snorkeling and reef walks.
• Island forest and trails: A small wooded interior of dry coastal forest and littoral vegetation that is part of the protected reserve and crossed by short nature trails.
• Visitor facilities: Simple low-impact visitor facilities including an eco-lodge and visitor centre located on the island to support overnight stays and environmental education.