Changuu Island Excursion
Escape the bustle of the mainland and sail toward Changuu Island. This historic island is universally known as Prison Island, offering a quiet escape. Additionally, the journey promises a calm contrast to crowded city streets. Guided or self-directed trips offer insightful perspectives on heritage and seascapes.
Located just 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) off Stone Town, it blends somber history with coastal nature. It’s a unique Prison Island (Changuu) Day Trip that also features a remarkable wildlife encounter. Visitors can explore historic sites and enjoy pristine coastal scenery.
Originally designated in 1893 by a British First Minister to hold rebellious prisoners. The island then became a yellow fever quarantine station.
Today, the ruins lie among a vibrant, lush forest hosting a famous tortoise colony. The gift from the British Governor of Seychelles in 1919 is nearby. Prison Island (Changuu) Day Trip offers history with wildlife. It makes a compact half-day excursion for families and travelers.
- 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).
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Private Motorized Dhow Excursion, Private vehicle
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Zanzibar
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All over the year
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Cultural & Historical Walking Tour
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Hot local lunch meals during the day trip
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English, Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Russian
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Easy to Moderate
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2-30
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1
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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.
