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Chapwani 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. It is a coral island nearly a kilometer long and some 100 meters wide. Small coves, sandy bays surround the island, and crystal blue turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling, windsurfing and diving at the many interesting locations near the island.
At the Southern tip of the island, the hotel jetty runs into the sea. Beyond, a large white sandbank emerges from the sea at low tide. From here, one can bathe at all times 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 no one can explain. Shy and reclusive, he is only occasionally seen swinging from one tree to another.
The large herd of some 60 dik-diks, miniature antelope, and native to Zanzibar, hide here during the heat of the day in the thick undergrowth, to emerge in the evening in the open. They are also shy but are now used to the presence of humans on the island, and can be seen easily seen on Chapwani Island.
Recently, 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 fruit bats (over 1,000); they sleep in 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 South West Coast of the island runs the sea wall protecting the small but fascinating British Seamen's 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 and white, and perfect for swimming for some eight hours out of twelve. At low tide, the coral reef surrounding the island is uncovered, revealing crevices and pools in the coral full of multi-colored 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 North Eastern Coast of Chapwani, one comes 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. The managements requests guests not to use this beach when the birds are on the island; they are trying to do everything to encourage their permanent presence.
The remainder of the North East Coast is lined with rugged coral broken by only a couple of small isolated coves suitable for swimming only at high tide.
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