Chumbe Island Coral Park

Chumbe is a small island southwest of Zanzibar that was closed to fishing for decades because of a military zone, and when it was declared a private marine park in 1994 its reef was in unusually good condition. It has stayed that way: no fishing, strict visitor limits, and no anchoring. The lodge runs on rainwater and solar with composting toilets, the forest holds coconut crabs and Ader's duiker, and a lighthouse of 1904 stands at the north end.

What you actually see

• The reef sanctuary - a closed reef in unusually good condition with high coral cover.
• The coconut crabs - the world's largest land crab, present on the island in numbers.
• The 1904 lighthouse - the tower at the northern point, climbed for the view.
• The eco-lodge - bandas running on rainwater, solar and composting systems.

When to go

June to October and December to February have the best visibility. The long rains from March to May close the island. Numbers are capped and booking well ahead is required.

Honest expectations

Visitor numbers are strictly capped and both day trips and stays must be booked well in advance. It is expensive. The island closes entirely for part of the year.

Nearby

Zanzibar City is northeast, and Changuu is north.