Discover the real magic of Zanzibar, dive into Chapwani Private Island tranquility.
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.
It 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 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, 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.
Over the last months, 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 fruit bats (over 1,000), these 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 dows 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-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 North Eastern 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 North East 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 organised
for you in an isolated spot on the island.
