IslandChumbe Island
A tiny coral island off Zanzibar with crystal lagoons and ancient reefs.
Tucked off the coast of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island Coral Park is a living testament to what responsible travel can achieve. This tiny private reserve is home to one of East Africa’s most pristine coral reef sanctuaries, a flourishing forest to reef experience, and a world-renowned Chumbe eco-lodge built entirely on sustainable principles. Here, the rhythm of life follows the tides — snorkel over vibrant reefs alive with butterflyfish and reef sharks, then wander beneath the forest canopy where giant coconut crabs scuttle between mangroves and hawksbill turtles nest in the sand. Each of the zero-impact eco-bungalows blends seamlessly with the island’s wild beauty, powered by solar energy and designed to leave nothing but footprints behind. Guests can explore historic mosque ruins and the century-old Chumbe lighthouse, join marine education tours with resident rangers, or spot green turtles grazing in shallow intertidal rockpools. The island’s ongoing coral restoration project is a powerful reminder that conservation and comfort can coexist beautifully. For safari travellers seeking a peaceful bush to beach finale or anyone drawn to sustainable travel in East Africa, this is a rare paradise.
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Best time to go to Chumbe Island
The best time to visit is from June to October and December to March, when the seas are calm, visibility is superb, and the island hums with life above and below water. These dry months are ideal for reef snorkelling, spotting green turtles feeding, and witnessing the occasional hawksbill turtle nesting. Between April and May, rains bring lush vegetation and a quieter, more secluded atmosphere, perfect for travellers who don’t mind the occasional shower. The island is closed in November for maintenance and conservation work, ensuring its delicate ecosystems remain healthy. Whenever you visit, expect warm hospitality, crystal-clear lagoons, and a front-row seat to Zanzibar’s most successful marine conservation story.
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Where to stay in Chumbe Island
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Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
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With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
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What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
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Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
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We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
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Our South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
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I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
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We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
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We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
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I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerOur South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller