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Chumbe Island Lodge

The accommodation on Chumbe Island takes the concept of eco-architecture to unparalleled levels that has seen award winning global recognition for its innovation and conservation principles. As far as Tribes is concerned we wish all accommodation was built on the principles found at Chumbe Island.

Chumbe describes itself as what Robinson Crusoe could only have dreamt about, and we have to agree.

Chumbe's seven eco-bungalows are designed so that they provide both privacy and a sense of freedom of living in the open. They are exceptionally romantic making them ideal for a honeymoon, but any individual with a passion for natural beauty will find these bungalows captivating beyond measure. All bungalows overlook the sea and it takes just 30 seconds to stroll from your bungalow hammock to the warm tropical ocean. All bungalows have double or twin beds in the sleeping area under the palm-thatched roof. They have solar powered lighting, self-contained bathrooms with solar heated showers, large living rooms, with handmade furniture and decorated with African art and colourful fabrics.

The island never gets crowded even when fully booked and it is worth spending at least three nights here to get into the spirit of the place and fully relax. Take a book, laze about and just watch the dhows sailing by.
The whole of Chumbe Island is a nature reserve and you can explore it with the resident park rangers or at your leisure.

No phones (except of course for emergency contact), no TV, no newspapers, no hassle, no humdrum. Excellent food, great staff, good weather, and above all fantastic style! What more could you want? I guess Robinson Crusoe really would dream about a place like Chumbe Island! 

Highlights

  • Superb ecological credentials having won numerous awards.
  • An ideal retreat for a relaxing holiday on the coast.
  • A great option for diving and snorkelling.

Viewpoints

Outstanding in terms of friendly guides and staff, and the food was superb.
E Casale

Chumbe is unique - a real Robinson Crusoe experience, but all the cooking is done for you! The food is excellent.
P. Limb

I knew Chumbe Island would be special but I couldn't imagine the beauty of the place.
M Lippens

Chumbe is one of our very favourite spots in the islands off Tanzania. Not only does it have unique accommodation in a beautiful position, excellent food and great staff, it is a pioneering lodge in terms of environmental issues. Given that it is on a small, quiet island, it is more suited to couples and honeymooners than to families as children would most likely prefer a few more facilities.
Guy Marks, Tribes director

Chumbe was perfect, the island is a great escape and away from the usual type of holiday. The accommodation was amazing and we also impressed by the building thereof.
W & T Powell

Chumbe was an incredible eco-lodge. Right on the beach and the food was great - and lots of it! Nice to be involved with their conservation work.
Peter and Rebecca Nicholas

Chumbe blew us away with it's outstanding natural beauty. The staff were all passionate about their eco-conservation. Everything about Chumbe was magical. Rustic but luxurious. We swam with 4 turtles for an hour - incredible! Food was delicious and we bought the cook book!
Stephanie Swann and Daniel Savill

Chumbe Island was amazing, a true ecotourist destination and because it's so small it's quiet and unspoilt.
Becky Boret

Situation

Award-winning Chumbe Island is just a short boat journey from Zanzibar’s mainland and is a small island set in a marine park.

Activities

Guided walks exploring the forest reserve and historical monuments; snorkelling in the reef sanctuary; they can arrange scuba diving excursion to the nearby reefs.

Facilities

Chumbe Island is a stunning and innovative Eco-Lodge providing seven distinctive, ensuite bungalows. Dining takes place under the impressive roof of the visitor's centre, which overlooks the sea between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.

Child policy

The lodge can accomodate children of all ages though there are no special activities or facilities laid on.

Open

2009 closed 20 April - 15 June inclusive; 2010 closed 12 April - 07 June inclusive

Meals

Full board including soft drinks.

Best times to go

Tanzania's main rainy season runs from April until the beginning of June. There is also a short rainy season in November.

View Tanzania climate chart

Included

Boat transfers for snorkelling; guidance on the reef and through the forest trails; use of snorkelling equipment; tuition in snorkelling.

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The Tribes Foundation

Our charity aims to relieve the poverty of indigenous communities outside of the UK.

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