Chumbe Island

My partner and I spent one day and one night on the stunning Chumbe Island (which was far too short, I wish we stayed more) with just two other couples. It was a beautiful, blissful, wholesome and sweet stay for so many reasons. So much thought and care has gone into preserving the natural beauty and resources of this land. There is very limited WiFi and reception there, but I see this as a bonus. This is a much welcomed retreat after being surrounded by swarms of tourists in Zanzibar for a week. While I can’t speak to the value of the day trips there, if you stay the night, the activities are all so well timed and planned, with plenty of cushion room to unwind and explore. I thought the snorkeling and coral reefs were exceptional and by far the best we saw in Zanzibar. The food wonderfully showcases the depth of the Swahili culinary tradition and we didn’t leave any food on our plates. The view of the entire island from the lighthouse is also incredible — you won’t find a view of the island AND mainland with such intimate viewing experience anywhere else in Zanzibar. And I loved the coconut crab walk (it’s the largest living land crab in the world!) in the evening, which will just be a delight for anyone and bring out your inner child. The bungalows are also cozy, stunning and tasteful — you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to sea views with coffee delivered to your doorstep. My partner and I also got engaged on the island! While this does not influence my review in any way, I know the staff went to great lengths to make this a perfect evening for us and were exceptional at crafting this special moment for us in the weeks before we arrived. This was the highlight of our trip to Zanzibar and I hope it retains its simplicity and charm in the years to come. Our deepest gratitude to the amazing staff (with extra big hugs to Vera, Margareth, Chagga, Zena and Mak, who made us feel so at home here). Asante Sana! ❤️

Chumbe is one of those places you really feel bad rating down, as you want them so much to be great. But truth be told a day at Chumbe is a rather boring, very highly priced and wildly overpromised affair. Curb your expectations, in other words. So what is a day here? Expect 25 mins’ish on boat out/in. Nice ride! After a rest, we went out and spent around 30 minutes snorkling in an ok reef with few fish. So expect almost nothing of your day to be in water! They tout the protection. True, a portion of the reef in front of the bungalows is protected, the rest is not. I find it frankly a tad hard to understand all their claims on protection vs what I saw and experienced. The story feels..off. As far as snorkling not a great spot if you have travelled a bit. I even liked snorkling around Paje more, and there we also had some great dives. Then a hike in a protected forest…well, a 200 meter path with some signs, botanical garden style. Over and over the info from the guide was incorrect so I lost belief any of it was true (this was after the short snorkle). A coral rag forest should be wildly fascinating, here it is not. Would maybe urge a change in presentation format. There were good things! The food, the vibe of the location and the friendly people. We did get to see a coconut crab, very cool! And a shark from land! We even got to hike around the low tide part of the island, that was supercool. Does it merit a daytrip? For us coming from Paje beach with 3 people (a 450 USD expense). Absolutely not! If you sleep over? Perhaps it is better then? You may not see it the same way, but curb your expectations, do not expect time in water, and you may get an awesome day

We stayed on Chumbe Island for 3 nights, and it was awesome!! The bungalow was super clean and comfortable, albeit somewhat rustic, which might not appeal to everyone, but we loved it. The food was excellent and everyone working on the island was very friendly and helpful. Loved the night walk in the forest to see the coconut crabs and snorkelling to see the amazing corals and colourful fish. The research and environmental work undertaken is great to witness. All in all, it was an amazing experience and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 😀

This is a well maintained private island. We visited the island for 1 day. After arrival, we got fresh juice. After the exploration. We could relax 30 minutes and then an amazing snorkling tour. All equipment was available for snorkling. About 1 hour snorkling at a unique place. Beautiful corral reef and beautiful fish 🐟 in all colours. After snorkling, there was an extended lunch with fish and salad. After lunch, some time to relax and fly my drone. It's amazing to see this island 🏝 from the sky by a drone. At 3 o clock, there was a one hour tour in the forest. With a good explanation of the medicinal working of some trees. Also, a 1000 years old baobab tree was on the island in the mangrove forest. After the walk a short tour in the water for sharks 🦈. Vegetarian sharks! At 4.30 back to zanzibar. What an amazing people, place, and marine life.

This place definitely holds a warm spot in my heart! It’s among my Zanzibar highlights! I highly recommend spending one night here. The snorkeling was the main attraction for me. Even learned how to swim here! The reef was so pretty that snorkeling with a life ring wasn’t enough and I just dived down under and that was that. The staff were really kind and friendly and the food was very clean and healthy. The eco-friendly approach might not be everyone’s style but it’s definitely the right approach in order to preserve the natural beauty surrounding it!

This is a treasure of an island. The coral, for me, was the star. Very healthy and beautiful. We stayed for three nights and in hindsight maybe two would have been better, the island is rather small. However, while we were there many scientists were visiting too, clearly enchanted with the opportunities to explore flora and fauna, so it’s likely a matter of taste. A few things I wish I would have known: the toilets are compost ones (this is glamping, y’all), we didn’t have any problems with mosquitos but there is no inside/outside here, there’s coverings but if it’s raining (which it was most days for us) everything will be wet to some degree. On the topic of water, when you’re packing, think about packing in water proof bags, because while the staff takes care in their journeys, you’re at the mercy of the elements at every step of the way. All in all, really impressive operation. It is glamping but the staff over many years have taken great care to keep the creature comforts high. Really remarkable place. Wish there were more like it.

We had to push our reservation at Chumbe for years due to COVID- they were super respnsive and helpful. We had an incredible time. The island is beautiful and our one day stay was packed with activities. We snorkeled over their beautiful reefs, walked through the forest on the island, and heard a presentation on their eco-friendly and conservation efforts. The meals were delicious with breakfast/lunch overlooking the ocean and dinner around a palm tree by candlelight. We even got to see the incredible coconut crabs at night. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. It was a wonderful day and perfect addition to our honeymoon.

Amazing experience for one night. The staff are very helpful and friendly. Margaret thank you so much for the island tour you are amazing guide. Nik Asmaa 😄 thanks for your special service and your great cocktails. Kapo the best guide for snorkeling 🤿. And many congratulations for the chef, delicious and tasty foods! This team make our day so special. The room give you all the experience to leave without necessary things as we always use. The only thing was very different is the WC. I absolutely understand that they are eco friendly but I found it very difficult to use it. Thanks Chumbe island.