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Chumbe Island

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Chumbe Island - Tanzania Beach Holidays

Chumbe Island — is a remarkable nature travel goal on a private island off Zanzibar. Arranged 8 km southwest of Stone Town in Zanzibar, it is secured by undisturbed woods and encompassed by a virgin coral reef.

The island of Chumbe is perceived as a “protected nature reserve” and has gotten various “eco-the travel industry” grants for its common appearance and assurance of biodiversity. Chumbe Island is controlled by conservation and child-welfare NGOs.

Chumbe’s coast flaunts flawlessly saved coral reefs. Other than from the 81-section of land coral reef, it is home to 90% of East Africa’s hard coral species and 400 reef angle species in uncommon untamed life ensured nearby the island incorporates the coconut crab, green turtle, Ader’s duiker (pronghorn) and humpback whale.

Activities incorporate swimming and scuba making a plunge the simple exceptional reef haven which is home to around 350 types of fish, ocean turtles and lobsters. An astonishing stretch of white sandy shoreline extends before the lodges. With the profound turquoise waters lapping along one edge and a fragile edge of influencing palms along the other, it’s the ideal place to sunbathe or walk leisurely.

Chumbe Island, located in the Indian Ocean off the western coast of Zanzibar Island is a stunning marine island park that was the first to be gazetted by the Tanzanian government. Managed as a private entity, the entire island forms a part of the park along with the coral reef ecosystem around the island. An incredibly beautiful reserve, it has many facets to it, a gorgeous underwater world, sandbars that form incredible realms with the coming and going of the tides, the verdant forest kingdom with its diverse flora and smaller fauna and an interesting historical site of the Chumbe Lighthouse that vacationers on their exploratory trip on Chumbe Island will love to explore. The coral reef world of Chumbe has been preserved in its original state with strict restrictions on fishing or laying heavy anchors that can damage the delicate coral. Shallow enough to capture the warmth of the sun that is so vital for the proliferation of the coral, the waters are around 1 to 3 meters deep depending on the movement of the tides. BookmySafary.com guests ocean touring the Chumbe Reef Sanctuary can delight in the snorkeling excursions where they can discover many distinct assortments of coral and their equally diverse marine inhabitants. You will see barracudas hunting in the reefs while dolphins frolicking in the depths make for an enchanting view. Due to the fragility of the marine biome, scuba diving is not permitted at Chumbe.

On shore, the tide dances on and off the sandbars, leaving behind pools in the rock formations. During your dream holiday on Chumbe Island, you will enjoy viewing the delicate marine creatures that are stranded in the pools. Take lots of pictures of oysters, starfish, shellfish, crabs and many other invertebrates as they wait for the tide to come back in. On the north of the island, a kilometer of sandbar beckons for exploring when the tide leaves it bare while the south of the island houses tiny islets that many roseate terns use to nest here. Fighting off the tern rivals, African fish eagles also lay their claim on the territory while the groves of baobabs and mangroves play host to a range of other assorted creatures. Chumbe Island has developed on ancient coral fossils and when you wander through the inland forests, you will see many remnants of their past when they were still submerged in the ocean. You will find hardened coral skeletons and clams with their dissimilar shapes. Even more incredible is the fact that the coral rag forest that has evolved to cover the island survives without any groundwater at all. The expert lodge guide accompanying you explains that the forest captures and stores moisture from the humidity in the air and from the rain. And the trees form a thick umbrella overhead that minimizes evaporation. To view some of the most spectacular sunrises over the Indian Ocean, visit the Chumbe Lighthouse at dawn. After a climb of 131 steps, you will be rewarded by the sight of the sun emerging over Zanzibar Island bathing the ocean and land mass in a superb auburn color. Even as you revel in its splendor, traditional dhows with their triangular sails set out over the waters for another day of fishing. A truly breathtaking beginning to another day of your unforgettable travels in Tanzania with BookmySafary.com. Chumbe Island Lodge is the only accommodation on the isle.

Wildlife

Approximately 90% of Chumbe Island is covered by one of the last undisturbed tropical dry forests in Zanzibar. This forest was declared a Closed Forest Reserve in 1994 by the Government of Zanzibar, and the management was entrusted to CHICOP.

Chumbe’s Forest Reserve hosts a highly specialised plant community (over 124 identified plant species) that has developed to survive without any groundwater, as the bedrock of the island is made up of an impressive substrate of fossilized coral that is unable to store rainwater. The density of this ‘coral rag’ forest is spectacular, as adventitious roots thrust out in all directions and epiphytic species cling to life by wrapping themselves around all available surfaces.

Not surprisingly, the forest is refuge for an abundance of bird species, crustaceans, non-poisonous snakes and lizards. Fauna also include rare and endangered species such as the Ader’s Duiker, a critically endangered mini-antelope and a large population of Coconut crabs, the largest living arthropod in the world.

Researchers have taken up to four hours to transverse the 1 km stretch through the central Forest Reserve and the crags and caves hidden underfoot, make studying this environment both challenging and consistently rewarding as new discoveries are constantly uncovered.

Seabirds, such as the Roseate Terns, terna dougalli, have been successfully bred on Chumbe Island, as well the rare species of Robber or Coconut crab, which are frequently seen on the island. The creation of this protected area has allowed for the free breeding of fish, coral and other marine species that have begun to repopulate the over-exploited nearby areas such as directly off the coast of Zanzibar.

For our guests, nature walks are provided which allow for an insight into this otherwise virtually impenetrable habitat.

Climate

Temperature
Average temperatures in Chumbe Island vary very little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 18th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Chumbe Island, the hottest months are February, January, and then March. The warmest time of year is generally mid February where highs are regularly around 92°F (33.3°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 76.4°F (24.7°C) at night.

Precipitation (Rain or Snow)
If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Chumbe Island are July, June, and then January. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid July. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain in late March with an average of 4 days of significant precipitation the week of March 26th. There is no snowfall.

Humidity and Wind
Chumbe Island has some extremely humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is January (69.7% relative humidity), and the most humid month is April (81%).

Wind in Chumbe Island is usually moderate. The windiest month is July, followed by January and June. July’s average wind speed of around 9.2 knots (10.6 MPH or 17.1 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early to mid July where average top sustained speeds reach 18.4 knots, which is considered a fresh breeze.

Art & Culture

Found only 6 km off the shoreline of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island is one of the last flawless coral islands in the district. As one of the many fossilized coral reefs specking the Indian Ocean archipelago,. Some time ago a military army, the island has been left unscarred by any human effect yet by and by, the social liveliness of the land stayed flawless. Laying on the intersection of the conventional ocean courses the dainty little island decorates the best of Arabic and European impact. Standing tall as a notice of its tolerant assorted variety are two landmarks of massive chronicled and social esteem worked when the new century rolled over. The pinnacle called the Lighthouse-worked by the Sultan of Zanzibar and the British in 1904, and the notable mosque described by Indian engineering portray the numerous accounts of the locale.

Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) in Zanzibar/Tanzania has created the first private Marine Park in the world, and the first managed Marine Protected Area in Tanzania. The objective of the investment was from the beginning to create a model of financially, ecologically and socially sustainable Marine Park management, where ecotourism supports conservation, research and environmental education for local people.

In 2008, CHICOP became a founding member of the flagship program of the Jochen Zeitz Foundation, the “Long Run Initiative“. This initiative promotes and certifies tourism enterprises, which directly manage, or significantly contribute to the management of a natural area of conservation value and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Performance and processes across the 4Cs are assessed through a certification scheme that awards destinations with the Global Ecosphere Retreat (GER) distinction for the highest level of sustainability. CHICOP become the first GER certified Long Run Destination in 2011, in recognition of promoting marine conservation in Tanzania and setting an example for genuine eco-tourism and environmental education and awareness creation.

What To Eat

Chumbe is roosted amidst the primary ocean course between Dar es Salaam and the Stone Town of Zanzibar and generally of its history stayed uninhabited. The topographical contiguity with the Zanzibar has additionally guaranteed a social contiguity which is extravagantly proved in the heavenly culinary character of the area. To be reasonable, the cooking styles mirror the recorded accounts of the district with food spread pressing a blend of Zanzibarian, Arabic, Indian and African food. The accessibility of crisp seafood and organic products implies the food is ample and scrumptious and takes into account the selections of veggie lovers and non-vegan eaters alike. Food, epicureans should need to look at the cookbook entitled “Chumbe Chakula” – Kiswahili for Chumbe Food for that observing plate of nearby cooking styles

Things To Do

Apart from the pristine beaches you can visit the Chumbe Reef Sanctuary and the Closed Forest Reserve.

If you are interested in history you can visit the two historical building, one lighthouse and a mosque which were built during the turnaround of 20th century.

Activities:

Chumbe Island offers an array activities. Listed below are some of the:

  • Birdwatching
  • Hiking
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Guided forest walk
  • Swimming

Places To Visit

Chumbe, even though being smaller in size, is rich in wildlife concentration which is because of the varied landscape and ecosystem. It hosts the largest giraffe population in Africa. Animals like elephant, cape buffalo, waterbuck, lion are easily seen in this park with occasion sighting of leopard, hyena, and wild dog. More than 400 bird species are recorded in Arusha which includes the famous flamingos and Hadeda Ibis.

Best Time To Vist

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months
The busiest month for tourism in Chumbe Island, Tanzania is July, followed by September and October. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Chumbe Island in June. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Overall Chumbe Island Travel Experience by Season

Fall (March through May)

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 91.8°F (33.2°C) and 85.1°F (29.5°C) with colder temperatures in the later months. Rain is very common with 9 to 13 days of significant precipitation per month. Fall is fairly slow for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Winter (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the least precipitation with 2 to 4 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Chumbe Island, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.

Spring (September through November)

Spring daily highs range from 89.5°F (31.9°C) and 86.4°F (30.2°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 3 to 12 days per month. Tourism is the busiest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be higher priced.

Summer (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in Chumbe Island to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 92°F (33.3°C) and 88.7°F (31.5°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 3 to 9 times per month. These times of year are the slowest with tourists.

How to go

Chumbe Island can be reached by airways or waterways.

Waterways:

Chumbe is located 10 km from Zanzibar. Boat and ferries are available and it takes about 30- 40 minutes to reach Chumbe from Zanzibar.

Airways:

You can also take Charter flight to the island.