Information
Landmark: Prison Island (Changuu Island)City: Zanzibar
Country: Tanzania
Continent: Africa
Prison Island (Changuu Island), Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa
Overview
Prison Island, or Changuu Island, sits just 6 km (about a fifteen-minute boat ride) from Stone Town, Zanzibar, offering a mix of history and unspoiled shoreline, as a result crowds flock here for its rare blend of history, roaming wildlife, and sweeping mountain views.The island, rich with history, rare wildlife, and waters so clear you can glimpse the ripples on the sand below, offers visitors a vivid window into Zanzibar’s past and plenty of chances to unwind or venture out, therefore prison Island, also called Changuu Island, sits about 6 km off Stone Town, Zanzibar-a tiny half-square-kilometer stretch of sand and coral that once held history and now shelters giant tortoises.It’s open daily from 8 a.m, therefore to 5 p.m, with adult entry running $10–$20 and lower rates for kids.You can visit any time of year, but June to October offers dry skies and clear water perfect for snorkeling, also prison Island got its name from its early days as a quarantine station, where anyone struck by yellow fever was sent to wait out the fever’s grip behind its high stone walls.In the late 1800s, Zanzibar bustled as a busy trade port, with sailors stepping ashore carrying goods-and sometimes contagious illnesses, also the island was once a area to keep the sick apart, not the prison its name implies.Just so you know, In the early 1900s, though, it did hold rebellious slaves and others detained under the Sultan of Zanzibar’s rule, meanwhile that phase didn’t last long, more or less To be honest, Soon, the island drew travelers instead, lured by its layered history, bright turquoise waters, and roaming wildlife, equally important among its best-known residents are the giant Aldabra tortoises, their domed shells catching the sun like weathered stone.It seems, In the 19th century, settlers brought these tortoises over from the Seychelles, hoping to start a lasting population on the island.safeOn Prison Island, one of the biggest draws is the giant Aldabra tortoise-massive, slow-moving creatures with shells as wide as a table, ranking among the largest tortoises on Earth, after that you can watch these gentle, century-ancient tortoises lumber across the sand, then hand them leafy greens and snap a photo as they blink slowly in the sun, sort of They live in a protected part of the island and are completely at ease around people, along with nearby stands the remains of the vintage prison building, a crumbling landmark that still hints at its storied past.From what I can see, Visitors can wander among the crumbling walls of the vintage structure, uncovering stories of the island’s grim role in Zanzibar’s slave trade and its later use as a quarantine station, as a result inside the empty prison cells, the air feels heavy, hinting at the harshness prisoners once endured.Beyond the ruins, white sand meets clear turquoise water, inviting you to swim, rest, or simply watch the waves curl along the shore, equally important prison Island is famous for its untouched coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling or a lazy swim in the calm, shallow water where sunlight ripples across the sand.As far as I can tell, You might glimpse flashes of bright fish darting past, a sea turtle gliding by, and coral gardens blooming in shades of red and gold, as well as you can join a diving trip if you’re eager to explore the island’s deeper waters, where coral reefs teem with darting fish and swaying sea fans, and you can even make a stop at Prison Island, also known as Changuu.Boat Tours: Most visitors reach Prison Island by hopping on a boat from Stone Town, where the salt air drifts in and the water glints in the sun, alternatively the boat ride to Prison Island takes about 30 minutes, with sweeping views of Zanzibar’s sunlit coastline along the way.You can book a spot on a group tour or hire a private boat, and most trips include a guide who shares stories about the island’s history and wildlife, subsequently regular services run from Stone Town, and some hotels even arrange private charters for their guests.Guided visits usually last two to three hours-enough time to feed giant tortoises crisp lettuce leaves, wander through the weathered prison ruins, relax on the beach, and swim or snorkel in clear, turquoise water, equally important some tours also include nearby sandbanks and snorkeling reefs.Whether you’re sunbathing, exploring, or taking photos of the tortoises against the bright white sand, Prison Island offers plenty to glimpse and do, in addition the island’s rich history-once a quarantine station and later a hub in the slave trade-gives a vivid glimpse into Zanzibar’s past, like the echo of footsteps in an historic stone courtyard.Visitors can explore the island’s spot in the wider history of the Zanzibar Archipelago, then step close enough to hear the slow scrape of a giant Aldabra tortoise’s shell as it moves beside them-a moment many come here for, on top of that with their unhurried pace and calm, watchful eyes, these ancient creatures are unforgettable to notice, moderately Frankly, The island’s soft, white sand and glassy blue water make it an ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon, while swim in the clear water, snorkel among bright fish, or simply soak in the quiet, occasionally Prison Island sits just a short boat ride from Stone Town, so it’s an easy day escape from Zanzibar’s bustling heart, while because it’s just 6 km from Stone Town, you can easily add it to a broader Zanzibar itinerary-spend the morning wandering Stone Town’s spice-scented alleys and historic sites like the House of Wonders, trek through Jozani Forest to spot rare red colobus monkeys, or end the day on Nungwi Beach, where fine white sand meets glass-clear water.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-13
