Where to travel right now

Our People

Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.

Chumbe Island

Beach and Island Escapes
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Surrounded by protected coral reefs with staggering diversity, Chumbe Island is at the heart of a beautiful, but fragile ecosystem. Here, environmental sustainability is key, with just seven eco-bungalows providing low-key accommodation on the island.

90% of the island remains covered by endemic trees – forming one of the last surviving tropical dry forests on Zanzibar. This protected reserve provides a habitat for numerous bird species and reptiles, as well as the endangered Ader’s duiker antelope.

Why we like Chumbe Island

Forget infinity pools and private butlers; Chumbe is the antithesis of chic and opulent. But it offers a remarkable desert island experience that is unspoilt by the trappings of modern life – an eco-retreat in its truest form.

Sustainability

Chumbe Island is uniquely focussed on conserving the natural environment, with protected reserves covering both the island’s forests and the surrounding coral reefs. The latter was the first gazetted marine park in Tanzania, showing the island’s longstanding commitment to conservation.

Since it became a protected area, Chumbe has hosted a wealth of research projects and monitoring opportunities for national and international researchers. Long-standing projects include seagrass monitoring, sea surface temperature logging, coral reef monitoring and a study of Ader’s duikers.

Facilities

Chumbe Island’s seven eco-bungalows are cool and comfortable, with steep-sided palm roofs. African artwork and handmade furniture decorate the interior, which is split into two levels. The bedroom sits above a relaxed living area, complete with hammock. The attached bathroom features a composting toilet and solar-powered shower, whilst all water is collected from rainwater.

Activities

Relax on the white coralline beaches or step into the sea and snorkel off the reef that encircles the island – home to 90% of the coral diversity found in the region. On the island, explore marked trails that wind their way through the forest reserve and along the beaches. Visit the historical buildings that dot Chumbe, including a lighthouse and mosque.

Accommodation that we love in Tanzania

The rich beauty of Tanzania is certainly matched by the wealth of extraordinary places to stay – explore them right here.

More luxury accommodation

Tanzania

Breezes Beach Club & Spa

Beach and Island Escapes
£££££

Breezes Beach Club & Spa is set in…

View Property

Tanzania

Xanadu Villas

Beach and Island Escapes
£££££

Xanadu is on the South East side of…

View Property

Tanzania

Matemwe Retreat

Beach and Island Escapes
£££££

Matemwe Retreat is a fantastic addition to Zanzibar,…

View Property

Tanzania

The Palms

Beach and Island Escapes
£££££

The Palms & Spa is a luxury resort…

Exterior View, The Palms, Zanzibar, Tanzania

View Property

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?

Your Wishlist Account

Sign up and take advantage of our Wishlist if you would like to create your own holiday boards. You can click on the heart across our website and curate destinations, holidays, properties and experiences that you would like us to build your future holidays around.

Your Wishlist Account

Account Created

All you need to do now is activate this account by clicking on the link we’ve just sent you via email to the address you’ve just provided or log in below.

Reset your password

Enter your email below.

We've sent you an email to reset your password

you will receive an email from us in the next few minutes. Click in the link in the email to change your password.

if you can't see an email from us in your inbox, please check your junk mail folder as it may have been mistakenly categorised as spam or try a different email address.