Thing to do
Forodhani Gardens Night Food Market
Seafront park in front of the Old Fort that fills with grills and food stalls after sunset, serving Zanzibar pizza, urojo, seafood skewers and fresh sugarcane…
Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Small island about 5.6 km off Stone Town, reached by a short boat ride, known for its Aldabra giant tortoises and an unused 1890s prison.
At a glance
- Type
- Island boat trip and giant tortoise sanctuary
- Area
- Changuu Island, Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Good to know
- Boat access
- Giant tortoises
- Historic buildings
- Restaurant
Why we recommend it
Changuu Island, better known as Prison Island, lies about 5.6 km north-west of Stone Town and is the most popular half-day boat trip from the old town. Despite the name, it never held a single convict. In the 1860s it was used by two Arab owners to confine enslaved people, then in 1893 Lloyd Mathews, Zanzibar's British First Minister, bought the island to build a prison. The buildings were finished in 1894 but never used for that purpose, and the island became a quarantine station, mainly for yellow fever, officially renamed Quarantine Island in 1923.
Most people come for the giant tortoises. In 1919 the British governor of the Seychelles sent four Aldabra giant tortoises to the island, and the population grew to around 200 by 1955 before theft reduced their numbers sharply. A protective compound now shelters them, and visitors can watch and feed them under supervision. ZanTours describes some of the tortoises as more than 200 years old. Visitors can also see the old prison cells, and the former European bungalow is now a restaurant named after Mathews.
The island is government-owned and charges an entry fee, payable in addition to the boat. Part of it is run as a private hotel, so some areas are reserved for guests. Ask your operator how much time is allowed on the island and whether a beach stop is included, as itineraries vary with tide and weather.
Getting there is straightforward. Tour operators including ZanTours and Fisherman Tours run trips, and ZanTours describes the boat ride from Stone Town as about 30 minutes. Agree in advance whether the price includes the island entry fee and drinks, and check the condition of the boat and life jackets. Take sun protection and water, as there is little shade on the crossing. Allow around half a day in total; Fisherman Tours lists its trip at five hours including transfers.
The trip suits families, couples and anyone wanting a break from the lanes of Stone Town. Feeding and touching the tortoises is supervised, but follow the keepers' instructions and do not ride or lift them. Combine the island with a sunset on the Stone Town waterfront when you return.
Prison Island (Changuu Island) FAQs
Why is it called Prison Island?
A prison was built there in 1893 and 1894, but it was never used to hold prisoners.
How far is Prison Island from Stone Town?
About 5.6 km north-west; ZanTours describes the boat ride as about 30 minutes.
What is there to see?
Aldabra giant tortoises in a protective compound, the old prison buildings and cells, and a restaurant in the former European bungalow.
Where did the tortoises come from?
Four Aldabra giant tortoises were sent from the Seychelles in 1919.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. The island charges an entry fee in addition to the boat trip; check whether your tour includes it.
How long does the trip take?
Around half a day; Fisherman Tours lists five hours.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children usually enjoy the tortoises, but supervise them on the boat and around the animals.