Reviews of Chumbe Island Lodge

"Again we did not know what to expect. The boat crossing began with dolphin sightings which put us in the mood for all the marine life that lay ahead. We did not pack light and wished we had taken smaller bags just for the Chumbe island bit of our as our luggage had to be carried through low tide waters, staff wading out to the waiting boats, and it felt unnecessary to have brought so much, particularly as the sea air with all its moisture meant everything was slightly damp all the time!

Chumbe Island lodge was an experience like no other. It is the nearest I could imagine to ever being shipwrecked on a tropical island, castaway style! And yet with enough modern conveniences to make it a pleasurable experience. From the giant coconut crabs, as big as a human head, to the huge array of smaller crustaceans scuttling along the sand, I have never seen so many crabs in one place.

The absolute highlight for me and my daughter was the snorkelling. We went out on a midday snorkel trip two days running and were lucky enough to see a reef shark on one of them. The marine life and corals were quite simply spectacular. The experience was not so good for my husband who, though he had snorkelled before in Antigua, where we went in from the shore, was not prepared for the different sensation of jumping into water out of his depth and with delicate coral beneath that he was trying very hard not to tread on. The stress of it led to him getting out of breath, taking on sea water and having a panic attack. I think, had the team that took us out snorkelling checked in with everyone individually, prior to the boat trip to ask about different levels of ability and experience, he would have been able to explain he'd only been once (he did not know how different it would be to Antigua) and might have had a better experience with more guidance and support, even an offer of equipment like a buoyancy aid.

The food on Chumbe was good. We liked the all day coffee, and other drinks being on offer. The tour of the forest was interesting, as was the trip up to the top of the lighthouse to see the view. The Chumbe experience, was an absolute gem overall." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania

"We liked Chumbe Island Lodge very much. The people working there were nice and the food excellent.

We did some snorkeling, went for the forest walk and the crab walks in the evening. It was very interesting.

We saw a lot of fish and other things when snorkeling and several coconut crabs in the evening. We also spent some time relaxing on the beach and in the bungalows.

The buildings and the environment are beautiful and very relaxing.

We also like the concept of ecotourism financing conserving nature and educating people." See all these reviews: 4n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania

"real "cast away" island feeling, and the cabins are great. The coconut crabs are everywhere (outside the cabins!) at night.

The food is really good, but abundant portions there is just no way to finish it all." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Rwanda; 4n in Zambia; 1n in Tanzania

"Truly extraordinary, eco-friendly place." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar

"We were unprepared for the wade onto and off the ferry on the outward journey. You might warn people to wear shoes and trousers that can get wet,.

We loved Chumbe island, a great place to relax in between safari's. A very small coral island with good beaches, swimming from beaches, good staff, food and interesting flora/fauna.

My wife chose Chumbe to have a regulatory tummy upset - just the place for such a problem. The manager (Vera) was so concerned about this and was really attentive and helped Fran through the day. Vera is really a lovely person.

I was not over happy with the bathroom of the cabin. Much too small and it all became a bit 'mucky' too easily. The earth toilet began to smell during the 2nd day. The bed/seating area was fine but the camp really needs to do something about that facility if it is too encourage people to stay longer than 1 night.

Whether or not the camp does want people to do more than a day/1 night stay, I am not sure. Reading back over the literature about the island, it all appears to be geared to this short stay. A pity, as the coconut crabs are nocturnal and the beaches are worth a few days at least." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 5n in Kenya; 3n in Tanzania

"Most unusual accomodations.

Bed was comfortable. Bathroom facilities were adequate.

Overall if was a fun experience. Marvelled at the construction of the room/tent. The floor could have been a little more even." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"We loved this place, so relaxing and the lodges were one of a kind! Back to basics and sleeping looking at the stars and looking for coconut crabs in the dark!

We loved the snorkelling and the beach and found it so nice to get away from it all read a book and adventure round the island! The food was amazing and we wish we were there for a week!" See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"There is a fixed programme which depends on the tides.
There was only one snorkelling trip per day and that was fixed and from a boat. I wanted to be able to wander into the water but this was not possible. Very disappointed.
The beach has strong rip tides so swimming is not recommended. I wish I had known this before I went.
My "hut" was lovely but only cold water in the shower. At least two of us were told "sorry - your hut only"..so not true! Refreshing during the day but very chilly in the morning!
Boat transfer. You need to advise people that you WILL get soaked during wading to and from the boat. Depending on your height and the wind / swells, up to and including knickers!!
There was no tidal walk at all whilst I was there. No idea why!
Forest walk was OK but underwhelming and could have been done in much less time.
Staff were lovely and the food was fabulous." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya

"Beautiful location, great bungalows (we had bungalow 6&7,with our own beach!)... The boatride in was a bit rough , but once we were there very much worth it...

Good food, one night the tables were set on the beach and lit with many candles, a beautiful sight... Excellent snorkeling. Service was a bit slow, getting drinks sometimes took up to half an hour, and we had to hang around for over an hour on our last evening to find out the schedule for the next day,

Special mention for Vera, the manager, very charming, friendly and hospitable." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar

"Chumbe is a real escape from the mainland of Zanzibar. With only 7 cleverly designed, eco-friendly bungalows, it is quiet, beautiful and well-run - a real Indian Ocean paradise, with a difference.

Snorkelling on the coral reef was great, walking tours were interesting, particularly seeing the giant coconut crabs and fruit bats. Great beach, wonderful and varied food, friendly and professional service.

We really enjoyed our 2-night break here." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar