Chapwani Island, Tanzania
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The island is situated just over a mile from the coast to the north west of
Stone Town. It can be reached comfortably within 15 minutes from Stone Town by
one of our boats.
Chapwani Island is a coral island nearly a kilometre long and some
100 metres wide. The island is surrounded by small coves, sandy bays and
crystal blue waters, and is perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing and
diving at the many interesting locations near the island.
At the southern tip, a large white sandbank emerges from the sea at low tide.
From here one can bathe at all times, regardless of the tide.
The southern end of the island has a number of small sandy coves but is
covered by thick vegetation. This is the home to a stray colobus monkey whose
presence on the island cannot be explained. Shy and reclusive, he is seen only
occasionally, swinging from one tree to another.
The large herd of some 60 dik-diks, miniature antelope native to Zanzibar,
hide here during the heat of the day in the thick undergrowth, coming out into
the open in the evening. The dikidiks are shy, but they are now used to the
presence of humans on the island and can be seen easily on Chapwani.
Recently, two fish eagles have made their home on the island and can often be
seen fishing off the shore or perched on a large baobab.
One of the trees at the southern end of the island is also home to a large
flock of over 1000 fruit bats. They sleep on the safety of the island during the
day and leave in large swarms at dusk towards the mainland, returning only
shortly before dawn to their resting place.
Along the southwest coast of the island runs the sea wall protecting the
small but fascinating British seamen graveyard. This is a historic monument of
great interest and beauty and the graves, through their inscriptions, tell the
stories of tall ships, battles with Arab dhows during the slave wars and the
sinking of HMS Pegasus, the first shot to be fired in the First World War.
From here, the long sandy beach stretches for over 500 yards all the way to
the northern tip of the island. The sand is fine, white and perfect for swimming
eight out of twelve hours. At low tide, the coral reef surrounding the island is
uncovered, revealing crevices and pools in the coral full of multi-coloured
small shore life. Shoals of flying fish can often be seen off the island and
dolphins regularly pass close by the shore.
In the early morning, a flock of white egrets and other sea birds gather at
the northern tip of the island. An early morning dip in this spot is an
unforgettable experience; the birds dive in the water all around you, totally
oblivious to your presence.
The two little coves at the north of the island provide perfect privacy and
must be one of the most idyllic spots in the whole of Zanzibar to spend a day on
the beach in total isolation.
Moving round the island to the northeastern coast of Chapwani, we come to a
natural pool, emptied at each low tide through a small gap in the coral, but
refilled with fresh sea water with each tide. This is another idyllic spot to
swim and sunbathe.
The trees above the pool are often the resting place of a dozen black heron.
We ask guests not to use this beach when the birds are on the island. We are
trying to do everything to encourage their permanent presence.
The remainder of the northeast coast is lined with rugged coral broken by
only a couple of small isolated coves suitable for swimming only at high tide.
At night the island is superb. The lights of Stonetown sparkle in the
distance and the stars above are breathtaking. Dinner can be organized for you
in an isolated spot on the island.
The Management The partners in Chapwani Island are all of
different nationalities: French, English, Italian and Zanzibari. For all of us
the island is a dream come true. This cultural diversity is reflected in the
style of the island which is truly international.
Boat transfers With a maximum of 20 guests, the island is
highly secluded and tranquil, yet is only 15 minutes via our courtesy boat from
bustling Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. There is a free transfer boat that
leaves the island for Stonetown at 9.00am and returns at 3.30pm. Transfers can
be organized at other times of the day for a cost of US$10.00 per person Pick-up
and return to and from the airport can be arranged at a cost of only US$20.00
per person. We will wait for your flight as long as it takes.
Stone Town This exotic city, a world heritage site, was the
trading centre of east Africa for slaves, ivory and spices in the 18th and 19th
century. It was also the starting point of the great expeditions into the heart
of Africa by the explorers Stanley and Livingstone. The narrow streets lined
with Arabic palaces are still perfumed with the scent of exotic spices and alive
with the cry of the muezzin. Chapwani is a perfect base for discovering the
whole of Zanzibar and spice tours and excursions can be arranged from the
island.
Excursions The most popular excursions are :
- Spice Tour
- Jozhani Forest
- Kizimkazi dolphins
- Mangapwani beach
- East Coast
- Nunghwe
Each room has its own terrace and lounge beds on the beach in front of the
room. The island has no natural water and all the water is brought by a pipe
from the coast to meet the needs of guests. Hot water is available all day long.
Price: $770 USD per week.
Size: 47 Acres
Location: 15 minutes from Stone Town, Tanzania
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