The Chumbe Reef Sanctuary: the first declared Marine Protected Area of Tanzania, one of the world's most beautiful coral gardens and the best preserved shallow reef on the East African Coast.
The sanctuary has more than 200 species of pristine stone corals, more than 400 species of fish and regularly visiting turtles and dolphins. This spectacular reef can be observed by snorkeling under the guidance of trained Park Rangers. Snorkeling equipment is available on the island. (Please note that scuba diving on Chumbe is prohibited, unless for research purposes; however scuba excursions can be arranged for clients).
The Chumbe Forest Reserve:
A coral rag forest with a unique flora and wildlife including numerous reptiles, birds, crabs and the rare nocturnal Coconut Crab. The island is formed from fossilised coral and throughout the trail it is possible to see the patterns of the coral and the remains of giant clams thousands of years old. The Forest Nature Trails are also visited under the guidance of trained Park Rangers.
The historic buildings:
Built by the British in 1904; these include the lighthouse, which offers breath-taking views of the Island and of Zanzibar, and the mosque that was built with an elaborate design and is still in use by the Chumbe team.
There is nearly 400 species of fish in total; groupers, angelfish, butterfly fish, triggerfish, boxfish, sweetlips, unicornfish, trumpetfish, lionfish, moorish idols, to name just a few. All of these sites can be seen by snorkelling through this pristine shallow coral refuge and although scuba diving within the Chumbe reef sanctuary is not permitted (except for research and filming activities), it is still possible to enjoy diving on the nearby reefs.
The exceptionally shy Ader’s Duikers, the rarest antelope in the world. Under threat of extinction in its endemic Zanzibar, where less than 500 individuals remain; CHICOP and the Zanzibar Forestry Department, managed the translocation as part of a program to protect this species, making Chumbe home to the only Ader’s duiker sanctuary.
Observe the rare giant Coconut Crabs. They can grow up to 45 cm in diameter! These magnificent invertebrates roam about at night and are able to climb palm trees to reach the coconuts.
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