GUIDE ON CHAPWANI ISLAND IN WESTERN ZANZIBAR

Chapwani Island is a narrow strip of terrestrial land in the Indian Ocean lying on the north of Stone Town off the western island breadth of Zanzibar. This isle is merely a kilometer long and about 100 meters wide, and as you will find out when you visit it on your dream vacation in Africa, it has actually formed as a primordial coral island.

An enchanting home for many unusual creatures, you will delight in the tiny coves and sandbars all around the isle that play hide and seek with the coming and going of the tide. Chapwani plays hosts to a herd of dik-diks numbering over sixty. These shy animals are smallest of all antelopes. You are more likely to view them in the early mornings and evenings because during the day, they remain veiled from the heat of the day in the lush vegetation on the island (read more on when is the best time to travel to Zanzibar).



The southern section houses trees that are the roost of a colony of more than one thousand harmless fruit bats. While on your AfricanMecca barefoot trip on Chapwani Island, you may see them swarming towards the Zanzibar mainland in the evenings looking for meals of fruit and flower nectar. You will also find distinct coves here that are densely covered with trees and plants. Note that Chapwani Island Lodge is the only accommodation on the isle.

Another fascinating locale of this tiny island is the British Seamen’s Cemetery. Legend and the markings on the graves reveal historical incidents involving the battles with the Omani Sultan Kingdom, the sinking of the ship, HMS Pegasus and many more. Beginning at this point, you can follow a soft white sand beach that extends for 450 meters. Spend time swimming for varied hours in the shimmering turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.



When the tide drops, you can view diverse tiny oceanic creatures in the rock pools. Look for flying fish or playful dolphins close to the coast. Make your way to the northern section of the island, and you will meet flocks of white egrets and other aquatic birds fishing in the sea. The two coves here are the perfect areas to spend time in complete tranquility and seclusion while on your Chapwani holiday.

There is yet another spot on the northeast nook. A natural pool that fills and empties with sea water with the movement of the tides through a small break in the coral reef affords an ideal alternate site for swimming in or sunbathing beside. The trees around the area now attract about a dozen black herons, and efforts are being made to limit guest presence around the pool so these magnificent birds can remain here for a more permanent time. African fish eagles are other newcomers on the island, and you are likely to see them perched atop baobab trees.



When touring to Tanzania with AfricanMecca, do take the time to visit Chapwani Island, an entrancing terminus where you can swim, snorkel, dive, sunbathe and go dhow cruising or simply enjoy the complete serenity and peace (read more reasons on why you should visit Zanzibar).