Chapwani Island

Chapwani is a small private island of situated to the north-west of Zanzibar town, reachable by
a comfortable 25 minutes boat ride.  Surrounded by a beautiful coral reef and immersed in crystal blue waters, filled with starfish and multi-coloured corals with an amazing beach and the evening horizon lit up by a tropical sunset.

Ten cozy rooms are furnished in the local style, each one with a sea view.  Share this exclusive resort with only a few other guests and take advantage of an exclusive, personalised service in a real oasis of peace and tranquility. A natural background for those who want a romantic getaway, pure relaxation and an unspoilt environment, Chapwani island offers a complete break away from timetables and daily life.

In the rooms you won’t find either telephones or televisions: just enjoy the natural sounds in peace of this rare tropical scenery. Each room in Chapwani evokes the Zanzibarian elegant but casual style: high pointed roofs with wood beams, ceiling fan and brightly coloured materials. The ten rooms are laid out in 5 bandas overlooking the sea; each one has a canopy bed with mosquito net and a terrace overlooking the beach.

The restaurant has a cozy environment overlooking the sea, situated in the centre of the resort and built in typical local style with wood and makuti. The cooking specialities are based on fish with a selection of recipes depending on the catch of the day, prepared by the cooks of the island who have a professional background, overseen by an Italian chef.

The meals, on special occasions, can also be personalised and served exclusively at the edge of the pool or on the terrace of the bungalows, where the panorama and flavours harmoniously combine to make an unforgettable experience.

The bar zone is situated in the area adjacent to the restaurant with comfortable sofas with brightly coloured cushions. During the day you can taste thirst-quenching tropical cocktails made with fresh fruit and at sunset enjoy aperitifs along with the warm light coming from the laterns which create a relaxing atmosphere, creating some very unforgettable charming moments.

The swimming pool is filled with sea salt water so as to not disturb the ecosystem of the island. Situated in a splendid palm grove overlooking the sea, the pool gives you the possibility to dive in even during low tide and to relax whilst enjoying a sea breeze. 

15 minutes by boat from Zanzibar Town, Chapwani is a small private paradise, where the flexibility and politeness of the staff means that guests will have an unforgettable stay. For any travelling, guests may use the island´s free service – there is a boat every morning at 10.00 which leaves the island for Zanzibar Town and comes back at 13.30. If guests prefer to be more free and autonomous, Chapwani can organise transport at other times during the day, at a small fee.

Chapwani has at its disposal a typical local boat, built by the local Zanzibar shipwrights, which will take guests out on fantastic excursions to discover the wonderful deep seas, the sandbanks with their packed sea bird colonies and little islands adjacent to Chapwani, like Prison Island.

Spending a wonderful day with local fishermen very rarely disappoints and is within the reach of anyone, since it is not very difficult technically and regular catches by fishing line, in true tradition of over centuries, is almost guaranteed.

Snorkelling is like deciding to enter another world; the coral reef, a natural wonder to be protected and preserved, forms an eco-system that must be explored even with just a mask, flippers and tube, which are provided free of charge. The underwater world is within the reach of everyone, whether beginners or experts. The unique marine species, the bright colours of the reef, the total silence of the deep seas are among the fascinating attractions of the immersion places in Zanzibar.

For the more expert, Chapwani Island proposes an arrangement with special fees, with a local diving school which will take you to discover the crystal blue waters of Zanzibar.