Chumbe Island Coral Park Hotel - Mbweni (Zanzibar)

Award-winning private island eco-resort with a protected coral reef sanctuary off Zanzibar

Accommodations

Chumbe Island offers seven solar-powered eco-bungalows situated between the beach and the forest. Each bungalow contains a king-size bed on a sleeping platform under a palm-thatched roof, a living room with handmade furniture and African art, and a self-contained bathroom with a composting toilet. The open design allows guests to sleep with the sounds of the ocean and forest, with mosquito nets and solar-powered lighting provided.

Dining

The on-site Visitor Centre restaurant serves full-board meals inspired by Swahili cuisine, with dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. A cookbook of the hotel's recipes is available, and special dietary menus can be arranged upon request. Meals are served three times daily, with unlimited drinking water, tea, and coffee included; alcoholic beverages are extra.

Activities & Experiences

Guided snorkeling excursions explore the coral reef sanctuary, home to 525 fish species, blacktip reef sharks, turtles, and rays. The island features nature trails through the forest reserve, a historical lighthouse with 360-degree views, and intertidal walks during spring low tides. Night walks offer sightings of giant coconut crabs, and the Visitor Centre provides environmental exhibits and educational materials.

Conservation & Awards

Chumbe Island Coral Park operates as a not-for-profit conservation area, funded entirely through ecotourism revenue. It holds Global Ocean Refuge accreditation and the UNDP Global 500 Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award. The hotel enforces strict zero-plastic management, uses solar power and rainwater collection, and maintains an exceptional employee-to-guest ratio for personalized attention.

Location & Transfers

Chumbe Island is a private island accessed exclusively by scheduled boat transfer from Mbweni, approximately 6 km from Stone Town. The hotel is set within a protected forest reserve and offers a private beach area with sun loungers and umbrellas. Nearby attractions include Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Lighthouse historical site, and the Coral Reef Sanctuary.

• Accommodation: Seven solar-powered eco-bungalows with composting toilets
• Dining: Full-board Swahili cuisine with locally sourced ingredients
• Activities: Snorkeling on a coral reef with 525 fish species
• Conservation: First gazetted marine park in Tanzania, Global Ocean Refuge accredited
• Awards: UNDP Global 500 Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award
• Location: Private island accessed by boat from Stone Town
• Sustainability: Zero-plastic management and solar energy