Reviews of Chumbe Island Lodge

"We packed the walks and a couple of snorkelling trips into one day here. It is great to know that by staying here you are directly supporting the conservation of this remarkable little island and marine park. The coral here is very beautiful, and the inter-tidal walk is fascinating.

There are a couple of places where the "eco" thing should probably be relaxed a little:
(1) you need flashlights. An oil lamp outside the huts in the evenings would be nice.
(2) bring insecticide. the inside of the mosquito nets if you want to avoid being bitten." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"If one goes to a marine park lodge one does not expect a 5 star hotel, and Chumbe will not disappoint. I am reminded of the song the "Bare Necessities" when thinking of the earth toilet in our chalet which was a one room accommodation for those who know each other.

This not for profit operation was to protect the marine park and guests were a route to this objective. The guides were very friendly and everyone was keen to ensure that we had an excellent holiday with them. The snortellng was first class on a fantastic corral reef. We will never forget swimming with a large Hawkbilled turtle.

Chumbe Island Lodge did not disappoint but it would not be to everyones taste." See all these reviews: 10n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania

"Our stay on Chumbe island was wonderful, inspirational and trully relaxing. Well done to all involved in creating this unique experience for travellers and the local community.

2-3 nights at Chumbe would be highly recommended. A one-day stay is definitely not adequate in order to trully appreciate the environment and experience what the island offers. We stayed 2 nights and would have gladly stayed longer, despite the relatively great cost of the lodge.

The activities offered are fun and interesting, particularly the snorkelling and the inter-tidal walks. The view from the lighthouse is also worth checking out." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar

"Just what we expected from the Expert Africa book. A stunning position, environmental construction of the buildings very interesting. Cabin had all the facilities and comfort which we wanted, hot shower etc and perfectly adequate lighting (why were you worried about us getting up from a floor-level bed?!).

Snorkelling very well conducted, and stunning coral (perhaps the fish were less colourful than in some other places). Excellent swimming beach in front of the cabins.

Interesting walks with rangers, tidal area and forest.

Staff very friendly and efficient. Good food - outstanding given the environment. School party visited on our second day - very welcome and no intrusion on our programme or facilities

Small point for your planning. The island is fairly flexible about running boat trips to and from Mbweni Beach, e.g. for day visitors, so there is no need to restrict planning to the 0930/1000 timing. Actually no problem for us as it was pleasant to return to the Serena for a day visit, collect baggage etc.

The long walk across the foreshore at each end (it was low tide) was a bit of a surprise!. Absolutely no problem, although perhaps some new overshoes (which they provide) would help.

Two nights (one full day) just about right, we thought" See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar

"Excellent place for a quiet holiday. The ambience was unique. As a poor swimmer, a few shorter snorkelling trips would have been welcome" See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"This was the first time that I had stayed at an eco resort and I found the design and functionality of the bungalows fascinating. The work being undertaken to protect the Chumbe Island Coral Park and to educate the local people about the importance of protecting the reef is fantastic - I wish I could have sat in on some of the environmental education sessions with the local schoolchildren.

The service and food on the island were excellent. The staff made you feel like you were part of one big family and would come and find you if you didn't turn up for a meal! The rangers who took us on the daily forest walk were hugely knowledgeable and they were experts on locating the biggest coconut crabs after dark for our tourist photo opportunities! Unfortunately we were unable to go on the inter-tidal walk for the whole time that I was on the island, due to the fact that it was neap tide. This meant that the daily programme of activities was very limited.

The only slightly negative comments I would make about Chumbe would be that, as a complete snorkelling novice, the pre-snorkelling tuition could have been much better - it was non-existent! Also, the island was a little bit too quiet for me. In hindsight, I think that 2 nights would have been long enough as the daily programme becomes rather tedious after 2 days. Perhaps I would have appreciated the tranquility more if I had visited Chumbe at the start of my holiday....." See all these reviews: 11n in Zanzibar

"Paradise. This was the highlight to our trip.

The location, the lodges, the sealife, the staff and the food were all exceptional. I would recommend a stay here for anyone visting Zanzibar." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania

"After the eco-shock (why didn't we pick a 5* sybaritic beachside boutique) the whole point came across and one felt part of something a bit more than the usuual offer.

Lucky with the spring tides to enjoy two inter-tidal walks. Worth three days, fewer would lose the effect of relaxing in a different way." See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"Very, very friendly staff and the food was just terrific.

We stayed two nights and that was just perfect when it comes to the activities. But It would have been perfect with another extra day to just relax on the quiet and beautiful beach, where you are almost alone." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania

"Just as we remembered it. Friendly staff. Totally relaxing. Can't wait to return" See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar