Chapwani Island

Chapwani is a private island situated just over a mile off the west coast of Zanzibar – about 15 minutes by boat from Stone Town.

The island itself is just under a kilometre long and only 100 metres wide. Surrounded by small coves, sandy bays and crystal blue waters, it is perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing and diving. At low tide a large white sand bank at the southern tip of the island emerges from the sea and makes for an ideal sunbathing spot.

There are only 10 rooms on Chapwani Island – each is simply furnished with a four poster bed, en suite bathroom, mosquito net, ceiling fan, wardrobe and traditional Zanzibari writing desk. In the evenings a banana leaf shutter can be used to close the room from the light outside whilst letting through a fresh breeze. All the rooms have a terrace and lounge beds on the beach in front of the room.

The restaurant at the water's edge provides a unique blend of Oriental, African and European cuisine using local ingredients fresh from the market in Stone Town.