We had been looking forward to our trip to Chumbe for a very long time, and it didn't disappoint. There's a lot of 'greenwash' out there in terms of ecotourism, but Chumbe is the real deal. What you are paying for is not only a spectacularly beautiful location, with the wonderful coral rag forest and reef on your doorstep, but also the long-term sustainable management of that ecosystem, not just for you but for generations to come. Although many places do their best by using rainwater harvesting or solar water heating, few actually achieve such a low level of impact on the environment WITHOUT compromising comfort.

One of the things I loved about Chumbe is the educaton programme. Although we didn't get to see any school visits whilst we were there, the set-up was extremely impressive and I am sure that the local school students and any others who visit for educational purposes thoroughly enjoy their stay and leave with a lot to think about!

Alongside the environment, the other of Chumbe's greatests assets, is the staff team. We were so well looked after from the moment we arrived by knowledgeable, happy, friendly and professional staff who were great fun. From Rangers Chaga and Juma No.5 to hospitality team members Grace and Hassan 2, and everyone in between, we loved them all! The bandas are lovely and clean, food is wonderful and the atmosphere at dinner, by candlelight, truly magical.

All in all we can thoroughly recommend Chumbe - go there to enjoy the place for its own sake, but go there too to do something good for the future of this wonderul place.

While not cheap, this was a great place for two nights R&R after three safaris on the mainland. The snorkelling was great, the food was excellent, and the accommodations were rustic yet charming.
Loved that constant breeze blowing over us. Some Britons who were there with us, and who had stayed on several resorts in Zanzibar in the past said Chumbe was the best they had been to.
I feel as if we lucked out!
I'm not sure I would recommend staying more than two days, unless you really like snorkelling, because there is not a lot to do on the island after you've done the cross-island walk and lighthouse climb.

The first word that springs to mind as the boat approaches Chumbe Island is "paradise". The beautiful clear water, lushness of the island coupled with the rustic but very comfortable bungalows takes the breath away. My girlfriend and I stayed for 4 nights and I can honestly say I never wanted to leave. Between snorkeling on the immaculate coral reef by day to dinner by firelight on the beach by night this was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life and it was only improved buy the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. Chumbe Island really is a lil' piece of paradise, and I would gladly return knowing that the cost of experiencing it, is completely contributed to maintaining the beauty of this natural wonder.

We arrived on Chumbe after a 45 minute boat ride from Mbweni Ruins. From the moment we arrived, we were well taken care of by the friendly and accomodating staff. Nothing was too much trouble. We stayed in Kasa #6 at the far end of the beach and it was lovely to hear the waves crashing on the rocks right below our bed at night. The food was delicious and it was magical to dine under the stars by candlelight or at the tables with the great ocean views. The snorkeling was excellent, it was great to see such healthy corals and the many species of fish. Special mention must go to Juma 2 for the care he took in making sure we saw everything we could on the island.
PS Remember to close the hatch upstairs when it starts to rain!