Chumbe Island Coral Park Chumbe Island Coral Park is a financially self-sustaining private nature reserve run by a limited company. Income is re-invested into park management and education programs operating in the park.

The nature reserve includes:
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

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;

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.

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Spice Plantations

The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town.

A detailed description is given about a variety of spices, and their uses in cooking and cosmetics. Visitors will be fascinated by the sheer number of spices produced and their incredible value for many ailments. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils.

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Prison Island

Once the site of a gaol for misbehaving slaves, the island lies just off the old stone town. It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling, and has a lovely white beach for sun-bathing.

It is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. It also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.

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Jozani Forest

Located in the central east region of Zanzibar island,  Jozani Forest  is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey (pictured below), which is endemic to Zanzibar.

Species including Syke's monkey's, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night - perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?! Jozani has an excellent nature trail and the guides are well trained and informative.
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North Coast

Tours to the unspoilt north coast always end up at Ras Nungwi, a sleepy fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar island. It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction.

 The local villagers have built a turtle sanctuary where injured turtles and other marine animals are nursed back to health before being released back into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
 

Kizimkazi Mosque & Dolphin Tour

Situated on the southern point of the island, Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of bottle-nosed dolphins which can often be sighted following a short boat trip from the village. If you are lucky, you may be able to swim quite close to the dolphins which can be a very rewarding experience. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa.