In eco-bandas perfectly blended with the surrounding nature and situated between the beach and the forest. This Zanzibar hotel has seven stunning eco-buildings each incorporating state-of-the-art eco-architecture and using local materials with coconut palm thatch. They are especially pioneering because they are all ecologically self-sustaining with zero impact on the environment.

Each has solar-powered lighting, private bathroom, cold and (solar-heated) hot water showers fed from a unique rainwater catchment system, compost toilets and greywater filtration through specialised garden areas. On Chumbe you can live in simple luxury on this paradise island in the knowledge that you are in no way damaging the environment of this spectacular nature reserve.

The historic lighthouse keeper's house built by the British in 1904 has been adapted to be the Park HQ with a restaurant for visitors and a classroom for local school children. This magnificently designed building is also equipped with eco-technology.

The restaurant has dining terraces overlooking the sea, and serves delicious local Zanzibari cuisine, which combines influences of Arabic, Indian and African dishes using fresh fish, octopus and seafood, beef and chicken, tropical vegetables, fruits and spices.

The bungalows are cleverly designed to provide privacy and a sense of freedom of living in the open. Guests find these bungalows romantic (honeymooners love them), but any person with a passion for natural beauty will find the bungalows absolutely captivating.

All bungalows include:

Double or twin beds in the sleeping area under the palmthatched roof, self-contained bathrooms with hot and cold shower, large living rooms, equipped with handmade furniture and decorated with African art and colourful fabrics (and very comfortable hammocks). There are only seven bungalows, however the island never gets crowded, even when it's fully booked.