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Zanzibar - Chumbe Island ***
For almost half a century Chumbe Island played an important role in helping sailors navigate their way through the Zanzibar Channel. The island housed the only lighthouse between the mainland and the west coast of Zanzibar and in its day saved many a ship from going aground. The lighthouse, built in 1904, is about 33 metres high and 131 steps take one to the top. The island was gazetted by the Zanzibar Government as a protected area in 1994 (after being used for some years as a military reserve), a move which was no doubt a great step in preserving Zanzibar's beautiful underwater coral gardens. It is now one of the most famous Nature Reserves in East Africa, thanks to the efforts of a few devoted individuals. It is the first marine park in Tanzania, with a fully protected reef sanctuary offering the best snorkelling in all of East Africa. The waters surrounding the island are a home to more than 370 species of fish and 200 species of pristine corals.
The island also has about 40 species of birds. The park boasts of interesting terrestrial and marine trails, which you can explore, accompanied by the park rangers, who are also well-trained local fishermen. Snorkelling at the reef sanctuary is an invigorating experience! The selection of sea creatures that one comes across is unforgettable and breathtaking experience! The park offers training in snorkelling and can also arrange diving trips to adjacent reefs. There is an impressive Visitor Centre with 7 self-contained twin-bedded Eco-bungalows, equipped with solar lighting and heating. These 'locally' constructed bungalows were erected to accommodate those of you who haven't seen enough of the island in a day, and for those of you who find it difficult to depart from the beautiful surroundings. The Park won both, the 1999 "British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award" for the Southern Region (Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent), and also the Global Award. In 2000 the park won the UNEP Global500 Award awarded by the United Nations Environment Program. Chumbe Island Coral Park is a privately managed Nature Reserve, registered with the UN-World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UK) and has been selected as an International Project for the EXPO2000 World Exhibition in Hanover, Germany.
Itinerary - 7 nights
- DAY 1: Fly from Johannesburg to Zanzibar with Air Tanzania. Transfer to Mbweni Ruins by car ad by boat to Chumbe,where you will be staying for 7 nights on a full board basis.
- DAY 8: Transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to Johannesburg.
Prices include:
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), all accommodation and meals as indicated, sodas, water, snacks, boat transfers to the reef for snorkelling, guidance at the reef, use of snorkelling equipment and tuition in snorkelling if required and all airport-hotel transfers.
Prices Do Not include:
Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fees.
Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):
- USD 2211; EUR 1504, ZAR 15 451
International based travel agents, tour operators and residents click here for an accurate online quote.
