The Sanctuary of History: Escape the bustling mainland and set sail across the translucent waters of the Indian Ocean to Changuu Island, universally known as Prison Island. Located just 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) off the coast of Stone Town, this historic island offers a fascinating blend of somber history, pristine coastal nature, and an incredible wildlife encounter found nowhere else in East Africa.
Originally designated in 1893 by a British First Minister to hold rebellious prisoners, the island transformed into a yellow fever quarantine station instead. Today, the ruins of the prison stand surrounded by a vibrant, lush forest inhabited by a famous colony of majestic, ancient Aldabra Giant Tortoises—a gift from the British Governor of Seychelles in 1919. It is the perfect, half-day aquatic adventure for families, history buffs, and wildlife enthusiasts looking to experience Zanzibar’s island heritage.
- Tour Code: ZNZ-PRISON-01
- Duration: Half-Day Excursion (Approx. 3 to 4 hours total turn-around time).
- Start/End: Forodhani Seafront Beach or Stone Town Serena Hotel Beach. (Resort transfers from Nungwi, Paje, or Kiwengwa to the Stone Town boat dock can be pre-arranged).
- Maximum Altitude: Sea level (Flat island footpaths and sandy beaches).
- Altitude Acclimatization Note: No altitude risks. Ocean breezes keep the island cooler than Stone Town, but high sun exposure requires proper UV protection.
- Climate & Weather: Tropical and maritime. Temperatures range from 27°C to 31°C (80°F – 88°F). The open boat ride can be windy with occasional sea spray.
- Tour Style: Private Motorized Dhow Excursion (Led by an experienced local captain and island guide).
- Activity Level: Easy (Short boat boarding steps and gentle walking on flat garden paths).
- Price Range: $35 – $65 USD per person (Price drops significantly as more passengers share the private dhow boat boat; excludes mainland resort taxi transfers).
-
Private Motorized Dhow Excursion, Private vehicle
-
Zanzibar
-
All over the year
-
Cultural & Historical Walking Tour
-
Hot local lunch meals during the day trip
-
English, Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Russian
-
Easy to Moderate
-
2-30
-
1
-
95
🧭 The Island Experience
A trip to Changuu Island balances an educational walk through Zanzibar’s colonial past with absolute marine relaxation.
Highlights
- Feed the Century-Old Giants: Walk inside the dedicated conservation sanctuary to stand face-to-face with the massive Aldabra giant tortoises. Some of the oldest residents are over 150 years old—you can feed them fresh cabbage leaves and scratch their long, leathery necks.
- Explore the Quarantine Ruins: Wander through the dark stone archways, cells, and courtyard of the old 19th-century prison complex, now partially reclaimed by nature and roots, and see the old quarantine quarantine buildings.
- Snorkel the Pristine Reef: Dive into the crystalline waters surrounding the island’s sandbar. The fringing coral reef is packed with colorful marine life, including starfish, parrotfish, clownfish, and sea anemones.
- The Peacock Woods: Walk down the shaded nature paths slicing through the island’s center to spot beautiful peacocks displaying their feathers and tiny suni antelopes hiding in the brush.
