Giant Tortoises
Meet Aldabra giant tortoises, some well over a hundred years old, originally brought from the Seychelles.
Zanzibar Islands
Prison Island (Changuu)
Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island offers giant Aldabra tortoises, a fascinating history and clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
- Location
- 5 km off Stone Town
- Known For
- Giant tortoises
- History
- Prison built in 1893
- Experience
- Half-day boat trip
Discover Prison Island
Tortoises, history and turquoise water.
Prison Island, known locally as Changuu, is a good place for beach lovers, history seekers and anyone who loves swimming, snorkelling or soaking up the sun. It lies a short boat ride from Stone Town.
The island was originally owned by a wealthy Arab who used it as a detention centre for rebellious slaves. A prison was later built in 1893 but never used for that purpose. Today it is a tourist destination for fun and relaxation, famous for the giant tortoises that live there in profusion.
Why Prison Island
A perfect half-day from Stone Town.
Prison Island combines wildlife, history and the sea in a short, easy excursion.
Island History
Explore the old prison buildings and learn about the island's past as a detention site and quarantine station.
Snorkelling
Clear water and coral reefs around the island are ideal for snorkelling.
Easy Access
Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, ideal for a half-day trip.
Location
Where is Prison Island?
Prison Island lies about 5 km northwest of Stone Town in the Zanzibar Channel. Traditional boats depart from the Stone Town beach and reach the island in about 20 to 30 minutes.
The trip is often combined with a sandbank picnic, snorkelling at nearby reefs or a visit to Grave Island (Chapwani).
When to visit
Every season tells a different Prison Island story.
The island can be visited year-round, with calm seas in the dry season.
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 Prison Island?
Most months are suitable for a visit, depending on sea conditions.
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 Prison Island.
A small island with plenty to explore.
InteriorTortoise SanctuaryA protected enclosure where giant tortoises roam and can be fed and photographed.
Island centreThe Old PrisonThe historic buildings built in 1893, never used as a prison but later a quarantine station.
ShorelineBeaches & ReefsSmall beaches and reefs for swimming and snorkelling.
NearbySandbanksSandbanks that appear at low tide, perfect for a picnic stop.
Wildlife
Giant tortoises and island life.
Prison Island is home to a colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, brought to the island from the Seychelles. Some are believed to be well over a hundred years old, and their ages are painted on their shells.
Around the island, reefs shelter colourful fish, starfish and corals, while peacocks and small antelope roam the grounds.
4 animals to look for
Aldabra giant tortoise
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Tortoise sanctuary
The island's stars, some over a century old.
1 / 4
Tropical reef fish
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Reefs around the island
Seen while snorkelling.
2 / 4
Starfish
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Shallow sandbanks
Often seen in the shallows at low tide.
3 / 4
Peacock
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Island grounds
Peacocks roam freely around the buildings.
4 / 4
Meet the Giant Tortoises
Gentle giants of Changuu.
The tortoise sanctuary is the highlight of a visit. Walk among these gentle giants, feed them fresh leaves and learn about the conservation work protecting them.
After meeting the tortoises, relax on the beach or snorkel over the nearby reefs before returning to Stone Town.
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Where to stay nearby
Hotels in Stone Town, a short boat ride from the island.
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 Prison Island.
The island was first used by a wealthy Arab trader to confine rebellious slaves. In 1893, the British built a prison here, but it was never used for prisoners and instead became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
In the 19th century, the British governor of the Seychelles gifted giant tortoises to Zanzibar, and their descendants live on the island today.
How do I get to Prison Island?
By traditional boat from Stone Town, about 20 to 30 minutes.
How long does the trip take?
A half day is usually enough, including snorkelling.
Can I touch the tortoises?
Visitors can usually feed and photograph them under the guidance of staff.
Is there snorkelling?
Yes, the reefs around the island are good for snorkelling.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, a small fee is charged to visit the tortoise sanctuary.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and water.
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