Historic Cemetery
A well-kept cemetery of British naval personnel, offering a glimpse into colonial history.
Zanzibar Islands
Grave Island (Chapwani)
A tiny, peaceful island off Stone Town with a historic naval cemetery, quiet beaches and clear water, one of Zanzibar's less visited treasures.
- Location
- Off Stone Town
- Known For
- Historic cemetery
- Character
- Quiet & less visited
- Experience
- Island excursion
Discover Grave Island
A peaceful escape near Stone Town.
Chapwani, known as Grave Island, is one of the unusual and less visited destinations of Zanzibar, rich in plants, wildlife and the history of the sultans. It lies just off Stone Town and is often combined with Prison Island on a full-day excursion.
The island takes its name from the cemetery of British sailors and marines who died in the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today it offers quiet beaches and calm water, a world away from the bustle of Stone Town.
Why Grave Island
History and tranquillity.
Grave Island is ideal for travellers who want peace, history and beautiful sea views.
Quiet Beaches
Small, peaceful beaches with clear water for swimming.
Less Visited
One of Zanzibar's quieter destinations, away from the crowds.
Combined Excursions
Easily combined with Prison Island, Maharubi Palace and Mtoni Palace.
Location
Where is Grave Island?
Chapwani lies just north of Stone Town in the Zanzibar Channel, a short boat ride from the Stone Town beach.
It is often visited on a full-day excursion that includes Changuu (Prison) Island, Chapwani (Grave) Island, Maharubi Palace and Mtoni Palace.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Grave Island story.
The island can be visited year-round, best in calm seas.
Dry Season
Sunny, dry weather and calm seas, the most popular time to visit.
Hot & Dry
Hot and sunny, with clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Short Rains
Brief showers and quieter sites.
Long Rains
The wettest months; visits are still possible between showers.
What is the best month to visit Grave Island?
Calm seas in the dry months make boat trips most comfortable.
Hot and sunny, ideal for island trips.
The hottest month, with calm, clear seas.
Long rains begin mid-month.
The wettest month; visit between showers.
Rains ease late in the month.
Dry season begins with pleasant breezes.
The coolest month, sunny and comfortable.
Dry and sunny, perfect for excursions.
Excellent weather and clear water.
Warm and dry, great for boat trips.
Short rains bring brief showers.
Hot and sunny, with festive-season visitors.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Grave Island.
A small island with history and beaches.
InteriorNaval CemeteryThe resting place of British sailors and marines from the colonial era.
ShorelineBeachesQuiet beaches with calm water for swimming.
NearbyPrison IslandHome of the giant tortoises, often combined with a visit.
MainlandMaharubi & Mtoni PalacesHistoric sultans' palaces on the coast north of Stone Town.
Grave Island & the Sultans' Palaces
A full day of hidden Zanzibar history.
A full-day excursion takes you to Changuu (Prison) Island, Chapwani (Grave) Island, Maharubi Palace and Mtoni Palace, places that are less visited but hold a wealth of history.
Explore the ruins of the sultans' palaces and the quiet naval cemetery, then relax on the beach before returning to Stone Town.
Safaris to 中文
Zanzibar excursions
Zanzibar itineraries that include Grave Island and nearby historic sites.
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6-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Zanzibar
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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11-Day Zanzibar Island Package
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Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 5 days
5-Day Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
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Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 6 days
6-Day Exceptional Zanzibar Tour
Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 11 days
11-Day Wildlife Safari plus Zanzibar Beach Vacation
Ngorongoro · Serengeti · Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania & Kenya · 12 days
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania: The Essence of East Africa Expedition
Amboseli · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Stay in 中文
Where to stay nearby
Hotels in Stone Town, close to the boat departures.
Silver tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaHorizon Palace HotelA relaxed city hotel in the heart of Stone Town, offering comfortable rooms, rooftop views and easy access to Zanzibar'sStone Town hotelView lodge
Gold tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaTembo Palace HotelA charming Swahili-style hotel on the Stone Town seafront, steps from the Old Fort and House of Wonders, with three poolBeachfront Swahili hotelView lodge
Platinum tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaZanzibar Serena HotelA classic five-star hotel on the Stone Town waterfront, with ocean views, a seafront pool and sunsets over the Zanzibar 5-star seafront hotelView lodge
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The story behind Grave Island.
The cemetery on Chapwani holds the graves of British sailors and marines, including those killed during operations against the slave trade and in the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896, the shortest war in recorded history.
The island was used by the British during the colonial period and is now a peaceful spot visited by those interested in Zanzibar's history.
How do I get to Grave Island?
By boat from Stone Town, a short trip across the channel.
Why is it called Grave Island?
Because of the historic cemetery of British naval personnel on the island.
Can I combine it with Prison Island?
Yes, the two islands are often visited together.
Is there swimming?
Yes, there are quiet beaches with calm water.
How long does a visit take?
A couple of hours, or a full day combined with other historic sites.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, it is a calm and peaceful destination.
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