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Visit Tanzania's Most Impressive Eco Tourist Initiative - Chumbe Island Coral Park
Published by Sreemoti Majumdar
Country: Tanzania, United Republic of 
The Experience
Tanzania is a fortunate country, home to some of the most scenic national parks anywhere in the world. There is the awesome Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Tarangire National Park just to name a few. Indeed, they are all fantastic places to visit, but there is one place that should rank among these top spots that is sadly is often neglected, and that is Chumbe Island Coral Park.
Most tourists tend to miss out on the fact that Tanzania has a huge coastline. Only a handful of all tourists will begin or end their journey by visiting the Zanzibar Archipelago, and the three incredibly stunning islands of Tanzania – Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. But go there once, and you will realize why its attractions can out match many of the inland attractions. It's also the jumping off point to hit the eco tourist hot spot of Chumbe Island Coral Park.
Chumbe Island Coral Park is a conservation area that was developed in 1991 which contains Chumbe Reef Sanctuary and the Closed Forest Reserve. Run by nonprofit CHICOP who conducts marine research and limited eco-tourism, here visitors can drop into a world of unique underwater beauty.
Although Chumbe Island might be smaller than some of the more well known islands, its natural beauty far surpasses them. Chumbe Island offers you the most stunning display of shallow coral reefs in all of the Indian Ocean. Take a dip, do some snorkeling or plunge deeper into the sea and you'll come face to face with amazing displays of soft and hard corals. Although the Great Barrier Reef of Australia is bigger in size, Chumbe Coral Park ranks right up there with other such famous reefs. Here you can find over 370 species of coral and fish that is endemic to the region.
Chumbe Island Coral Park may not seem like a destination in itself, and that’s probably the reason why so many people miss it on their vacation to Tanzania. It is a very small place that separates mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar Island. It is nothing more than a forested dot on the map. The only people who visit this island are the fishermen and a lighthouse keeper who must because it's their job. But take the time out, and spend some time here. You will realize just what a place Chumbe Island Coral Park really is. You can be forgiven for forgetting about your itinerary and wanting to stay for much longer than you anticipated. Chumbe has mesmerized everybody who has ever visited.
Most tourists tend to miss out on the fact that Tanzania has a huge coastline. Only a handful of all tourists will begin or end their journey by visiting the Zanzibar Archipelago, and the three incredibly stunning islands of Tanzania – Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. But go there once, and you will realize why its attractions can out match many of the inland attractions. It's also the jumping off point to hit the eco tourist hot spot of Chumbe Island Coral Park.
Chumbe Island Coral Park is a conservation area that was developed in 1991 which contains Chumbe Reef Sanctuary and the Closed Forest Reserve. Run by nonprofit CHICOP who conducts marine research and limited eco-tourism, here visitors can drop into a world of unique underwater beauty.
Although Chumbe Island might be smaller than some of the more well known islands, its natural beauty far surpasses them. Chumbe Island offers you the most stunning display of shallow coral reefs in all of the Indian Ocean. Take a dip, do some snorkeling or plunge deeper into the sea and you'll come face to face with amazing displays of soft and hard corals. Although the Great Barrier Reef of Australia is bigger in size, Chumbe Coral Park ranks right up there with other such famous reefs. Here you can find over 370 species of coral and fish that is endemic to the region.
Chumbe Island Coral Park may not seem like a destination in itself, and that’s probably the reason why so many people miss it on their vacation to Tanzania. It is a very small place that separates mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar Island. It is nothing more than a forested dot on the map. The only people who visit this island are the fishermen and a lighthouse keeper who must because it's their job. But take the time out, and spend some time here. You will realize just what a place Chumbe Island Coral Park really is. You can be forgiven for forgetting about your itinerary and wanting to stay for much longer than you anticipated. Chumbe has mesmerized everybody who has ever visited.
When to Go to Chumbe Island Coral Park
There are no sharks within the reef itself as the water is shallow. So, there is no risk for you. But you would still be advised to take some basic precautions. Do ensure that you have the right snorkeling gear. It is best that you hire a tour operator at Stone Town. The operator will provide you with everything you need for your trip. This includes the snorkeling gear, snacks, water, and meals for your day trip.
Odds n' Ends
The Chumbe Island Coral Park is unique because here you can enjoy both the underwater as well as the above ground attractions. There are nature trails you can explore. You can walk around the island in low tide and explore the rock pools full of starfish, oysters, shellfish and crabs. They get trapped in high tide, and wait for the tide to come in again so that they can swim back to the ocean. There is an exposed sandbar at the north end of the island. The beach here is long and pristine. This is just the perfect place to get that sun-kissed tan. But do ensure that you are back on your feet during the high tide, because the sandbar is completely engulfed by the water then. Head to the southern portion of the island, and you can see small islets. You will find Fish Eagles hovering over the school of fish that populate these waters.
The main attractions of the Chumbe Island Coral Park are of course below the sea. The reef is shallow, and so you can walk to a point to see many of these corals. The water is extremely clear here. The eco-tourism initiatives have ensured that there is no pollution, but take caution not to touch or disturb nature as you explore. The water depth is usually between one and three feet, so you can easily see the corals and fish by snorkeling. In most other places, only divers have access to this. But you can get the same here because of the shallow depth. Swim up to the edge of the reef, and you will enter the breathtaking deeper waters of the Indian Ocean. You will be able to swim with schools of Barracuda, as they glide through the ocean or prey upon smaller fish. If you are extremely lucky, you will also be able to see dolphins here. Each snorkeling expedition will show you something different. Each trip is a discovery into the natural beauties of Tanzania.
Remember, Zanzibar is a Muslim community. So, if you are a woman, you should never take your top off when you are in the island or when you are snorkeling. Be discreet when you are drinking alcohol. Try to cover your arms and legs as well if you can.
The main attractions of the Chumbe Island Coral Park are of course below the sea. The reef is shallow, and so you can walk to a point to see many of these corals. The water is extremely clear here. The eco-tourism initiatives have ensured that there is no pollution, but take caution not to touch or disturb nature as you explore. The water depth is usually between one and three feet, so you can easily see the corals and fish by snorkeling. In most other places, only divers have access to this. But you can get the same here because of the shallow depth. Swim up to the edge of the reef, and you will enter the breathtaking deeper waters of the Indian Ocean. You will be able to swim with schools of Barracuda, as they glide through the ocean or prey upon smaller fish. If you are extremely lucky, you will also be able to see dolphins here. Each snorkeling expedition will show you something different. Each trip is a discovery into the natural beauties of Tanzania.
Remember, Zanzibar is a Muslim community. So, if you are a woman, you should never take your top off when you are in the island or when you are snorkeling. Be discreet when you are drinking alcohol. Try to cover your arms and legs as well if you can.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Experience the crystal clear waters and powder-white sand of the island like never before with Zanzibar Ocean View. 6 miles away
$176272 TZS+
The Zanzibar Beach Resort offers a swimming pool and a fitness centre as well as conference room(s) and a business centre. Zanzibar town centre is ... 6 miles away
+ 23 others. Show all.
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