Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
British governor, General Lloyd Matthews. There's accommodation at
Changuu Priv-
ate Island Paradise
( 0773-333241;
www.privateislands-zanzibar.com
; s/d half-board
US$310/440; ) , with some rooms in the old converted Quarantine Area, and others in
newly built bungalows on the island's quieter northwest side. Day trips to visit the tortoises
cost about US$30 per person including lunch and island entry fee, but excluding boat trans-
fer costs from Stone Town.
CHUMBE ISLAND CORAL PARK
The uninhabited island of Chumbe, about 12km south of Zanzibar Town, has an
exceptional shallow-water coral reef along its western shore that abounds with
fish life. Since 1994, when the reef was gazetted as Zanzibar's first marine sanc-
tuary, the island has gained widespread acclaim, including from the UN, as the
site of an impressive ecotourism initiative centred on an ecolodge and local en-
vironmental education programs. It's now run as
Chumbe Island Coral Park
(
www.chumbeilsand.com
)
, a private, nonprofit nature reserve that is doing fant-
astic work not only in protecting the reef, but also in community outreach with
local school children.
The fine state of Chumbe's reef is due largely to the fact that from the 1960s
it was part of a military zone and off limits to locals and visitors. In addition to
nearly 200 species of coral, the island's surrounding waters host about 370 spe-
cies of fish and groups of dolphins who pass by to feed on the abundant fish life.
The island also provides a haven for hawksbill turtles, and more than 50 species
of birds have been recorded, including the endangered roseate tern. There are
three historical buildings on Chumbe: a lighthouse and a small mosque dating
from the early 1900s, and the former warden's house.
Chumbe can be visited as a day trip, although staying overnight in one of the
eco-bungalows
( 024-223 1040;
www.chumbeilsand.com
;
s/d full board
US$370/540) is recommended. Each bungalow has its own rainwater collection
system and solar power, and a loft sleeping area that opens to the stars. Advance
bookings are essential. Day visits (also by advance arrangement only) cost
US$100 per person.
BAWI
Tiny Bawi, about 7km west of Zanzibar Town and several kilometres southwest of
Changuu, offers a beach and
snorkelling
. For years marketed as a day out from Stone
