Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) is an award-winning private nature park eight miles southwest of Zanzibar, Tanzania. CHICOP was developed in 1991 when the formerly uninhabited Chumbe Island was recognised to be one of the last pristine coral islands in the region. The reserve now includes a fully protected coral reef sanctuary, forest reserve, education centre and state-of-the-art ecolodge, designed to have zero impact on the environment. Besides from the 81-acre coral reef — home to 90% of East Africa’s hard coral species and 400 reef fish species — rare wildlife protected on and around the island includes the coconut crab, green turtle, Ader’s duiker (antelope) and humpback whale.
Chumbe Island is an idyllic tropical island that is situated about 6 km west of the larger island of Zanzibar and about 30 km off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. A short boat ride takes you to this small, magical island where hospitality is not just a way of business, but a way of life! Explore the island’s stunning coral reef sanctuary and coral rag forest, rest assured in our exclusive eco-bungalows, savor traditional Zanzibari cuisine while supporting our conservation and education efforts!
Chumbe Island Coral Reef Sanctuary protects incredible marine biodiversity, including an array of invertebrates, 474 recorded reef fish species, blacktip reef sharks, and many other creatures. It is an important feeding ground for the endangered green turtle and critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Humpback dolphins, spinner dolphins and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have all been observed in Chumbe Coral Reef Sanctuary as well.
The reefs in Chumbe Island Coral Reef Sanctuary are some of the most resilient known in the Western Indian Ocean. During previous recorded bleaching events, its corals have bleached and died at much lower levels than others. CHICOP managers attribute this resilience to “few other stressors being present” (i.e. no fishing or destructive activities taking place in the sanctuary).
Chumbe Island Coral Reef Sanctuary creates employment opportunities for local communities, and indigenous rights are integrated into its management. CHICOP’s management plan works to ensure Chumbe is “effectively and sustainably managed in order to maximize their contribution to biodiversity conservation, serve as a model for effective ecotourism and MPA management, and provide a platform to promote wider environmental awareness for sustainable development and ecological stewardship in Zanzibar."
Chumbe Island, a designated nature reserve boasting a fully protected coral reef sanctuary and forest reserve, acts as a critical haven for marine life. This pristine environment fosters a rich tapestry of marine biodiversity. Vibrant coral reefs, teeming with at least 59 hard coral genera and over 500 fish species, provide a haven for reproduction. This healthy population then spills over to replenish nearby overfished areas, supporting local fisheries and the coastal economy. In essence, Chumbe Island acts as a lifeblood for the surrounding marine ecosystem.
But Chumbe Island's conservation efforts go beyond simply protecting its ecosystems. The island operates as a non-profit organization, funded entirely by ecotourism. Visitors who visit the island contribute to the park's conservation and research programs. This sustainable model ensures the island's beauty is preserved for future generations while providing a unique and educational experience for visitors. Sustainability is ingrained in every aspect of Chumbe Island's operations. The island's caretakers, CHICOP, a non-profit organization, meticulously manage the park based on the latest scientific knowledge. This ensures that every decision regarding the island's delicate ecosystem is data-driven and has the most positive impact possible.
