Chumbe Marine Park
Chumbe Marine Park
Chumbe Marine Park (Chumbe island) – located on an island a few kilometers away from Zanzibar island, this is a unique privately managed nature reserve developed and managed by the Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd. It is a rare example of a still pristine coral island ecosystem. The reserve includes a reef sanctuary, which has become the first gazetted marine park in Tanzania, and a forest reserve.
The reefs around Chumbe were gazetted as a Marine National Park in 1994 and the island itself is a Forest Reserve. There is truly excellent snorkeling and a small eco-lodge, which also caters for day visitors, including school children. The island is home to the rare giant coconut crab, able to climb palm trees and eat young coconuts. In addition, Chumbe has a lighthouse (built in 1904). Scuba diving is not allowed on the reefs directly adjacent to the island, but diving can be done on other reefs around Zanzibar, all within easy reach by boat.