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.