Prison Island Tour | Homeland to Giant Tortoises

Prison Island also known as the Changuu Island lies just off the Old Stone Town about 20 minutes to cross the water by small motor boat from stone town. Changuu Island was used as a penitentiary for rebel slaves by the sultans from the 1860s until the end of the slave trade. After which, the British began building a prison on the island under the guidance of First Governor, Lloyd Matthews and the prison was completed in 1894.

The prison was originally intended to house rebellious criminal but no prisoners were housed instead to be quarantine centre for yellow-fever cases and later it became resort. Now the island remains as historical place that gives you the chance to escape for some peace and quiet with great way to see some history and wildlife.

The island is also a home to giant land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles in the late19th Century, now it is more commonly known as a home of Zanzibar’s Giant Aldabra Tortoise colony, some of them are over a hundred years old, the island gives you opportunities to visit tortoise’s park to feed and pet the tortoises.

Tour Higlights

• The island is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkelling, blue crystal water turquoise for swimming and has a lovely white sand beach for sunbathing
• You will have the chance to stroll through the forested interior where you will see a wide variety of birds, colorful peacocks, bats, antelope and beautiful butterflies
• You will interact with Giant old Aldabra tortoises