Prison Island Travel Guide: Top Sights in Tanzania, Tours & Travel

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Prison Island- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Tanzania; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 3 hours

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, lies just off the coast of Zanzibar and offers a fascinating mix of history, wildlife, and natural beauty. Originally intended as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 1860s, it never fulfilled that role, instead serving as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases and later becoming a sanctuary for the endangered Aldabra giant tortoises. Today, the island is a popular destination for those interested in its storied past and its diverse natural environment. Visitors can explore the ruins of the prison and the old quarantine hospital, while enjoying the stunning turquoise waters that surround the island, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The island is also home to the gentle Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old, roaming freely in a protected area. A short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island offers a peaceful retreat, combining scenic landscapes with a rich historical legacy.

Operators offering tours in Tanzania

Attractions in Zanzibar

Stone Town

Forodhani Gardens

3.4

Jozani

4.8

Paje

4.8

Nungwi Beach

Nakupenda Beach

4.6

Rock Restaurant

Mnemba Atoll

4.8

Reviews of Prison Island

Thabiso Senona

4
Reviewed: 2024-08-11

Great place to visit and learn some of the history in Zanzibar, place is also known as Prison Island. 15 to 25 min boat ride to get there. There is a restaurant for those who want to grab something as well as a bar, even though both are on the pricey side (best bring your refreshments).
Desmond Lobo

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-21

Changu Island, also known as Prison Island is a good tourist attraction. Known primarily for its gigantic land tortoises, it also has a old Prison now converted to a restaurant & museum as also aold quarantine hospital. At one time it was a place for holding slaves before being transferred elsewhere.
Charlotte Chedeville

1
Reviewed: 2024-06-19

We visited the island without much expectation — and indeed there was not much to expect. Absolutely a tourist trap— very little if nothing to see (most of the island is closed to tourists), the place is falling apart, turtles don’t even have greenery to nibble on and they’re wandering around in sad, dirty ponds. I’ve gone to the same island where they brought the turtles from in the Seychelles. Over there there’s lush greens, abundant vegetation and it’s a natural reserve; here you wonder what they do with the entrance fees. We went while the tide was high, so didn’t see much of the beach- which does look amazing on a clear day. Do not recommend unless you have extra time & money.
Lucik L

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-10

If you are in Zanzibar you have to visit this place . The turtles are so cute and you can feed and pet them too 🐢🤩 plus sooo many starfishes 🤩
Ieva Smite

5
Reviewed: 2024-02-20

Small island - big tortoises. It’s worth to go there and peacefully watch them. What I found bit strange and definitely not acceptable for everyone - boats which are used to get to the island were not equipped with life vests. Ride was about 6,5 km long and waives were quite remarkable.