A private island surrounded by coral reefs and crystal clear water
Visit the unspoilt, tropical beauty of Chapwani Island
Location: Chapwani Island is a tranquil, privately owned island just under 1km long, located a short 15-minute boat ride from Stone Town. With tropical woodland, quiet sandbanks and Indian Ocean views in every direction, it’s an ideal place to escape the busy mainland without going far.
Rooms: The lodge offers just 10 charming beach-facing bandas and one beautiful villa, creating a warm, personal atmosphere. All rooms have four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms and shaded terraces. At night, banana leaf shutters keep the ambience breezy and comfortable. The Sunset Villa is perfect for couples or families, with two bathrooms, a private plunge pool and direct beach access.
Amenities: Dining is simple, sociable and delicious, with fresh seafood and Zanzibari flavours served in a relaxed, open-air beachfront setting. The island spa offers massages with ocean views, ideal for winding down after a day in the sun.
Activities: There’s excellent snorkelling and swimming just off the beach, or take the short boat ride to Stone Town for sightseeing. More experienced divers can join One Ocean dive centre nearby. On the island, nature lovers can spot dik diks, fruit bats and the elusive Giant Crab – all part of the island’s protected ecosystem.
Sustainability: Chapwani Island operates with a strong conservation ethos, protecting both land and marine wildlife, including the rare Giant Crab. Its small footprint and low-impact approach offer a simple, nature-connected escape that doesn’t compromise on charm or comfort.
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Best places to stay in Zanzibar Beaches
Zanzibar Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zanzibar
Find out the best time to visit Zanzibar with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
February
February is dry season in Zanzibar, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks and exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish, with water clarity of 25 meters.
March
In March Zanzibar experiences a period of long rains - showers become more frequent and it can be very wet from the middle of March.
April
The long rains make April a mixed month to travel, as beaches along the Indian Coastline become very hot and wet. Activities like scuba diving take a turn, with water clarity decreasing due to the weather. We would recommend not travelling during this time.
May
Temperatures during May are high, with strong winds and continual rainfall. If you travel during this time you won't witness the best of Zanzibar.
June
June, the wet season is finally over, temperatures are cooler making it a beautiful time to lounge on the beach or explore the culturally rich Stone Town. Sporadic rainfall may occur across the month.
July
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during July with clarity levels increasing.
August
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather over this period with little wind and low rainfall. Diving is good during August with clarity levels increasing as long as the weather remains temperate.
September
Dry season is in full swing, with consistent weather, the added bonus of September is the possibility of whale watching.
October
October is the ideal month for exploring coral reefs and exotic marine life, with water clarity of 25 meters or more it is perfect for any water lovers. The weather remains temperate, with little wind and rainfall.
November
November brings the arrival of the summer rains and winds, but if you're a keen fisherman, billfish season kicks off. Otherwise, it is the best time to swim with the mighty whale shark and to go coral reef diving.
December
The wet season continues in Zanzibar during December. However, it is the best time to swim with whale sharks. Diving is not at its best but visibility is good for exploring the isles corals reefs and exotic fish.
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Alistair
Ottilie
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