Chumbe Island: A little bit of Paradise in the Indian Ocean

We took charter plan from the western Tanzania to arrive in Zanzibar.  From there we caught a tiny boat that would take us to Chumbe Island.  It is serene, private, & has a healing peaceful quality about it.

Chumbe Island is a small island off the eastern coast of Zanzibar.  The island itself is privately owned but locally operated.  The majority of the staff are from the local African community. Only 12 people are able to stay on the island at once in bungalows that fit two people at  a time.  There is no electricity except for at the main lodge.  Everything else is eco friendly and has been built with renewable products. 

The island does an amazing job of carrying this theme throughout including composting toilets, naturally made shampoo & insect repellant.  

The island works with the local community to develop sustainable fishing strategies and its conservation projects makes for some of the best snorkeling around! We were able to follow an old sea turtle for about 20 minutes.  He was huge & a joy to watch.

My Fav:  At the end of each season they close the island down and the workers families are invited to come and stay at the island for a weekend of fun and exploration!