Prison Island

Zanzibar Excursion

Prison Island

Prison Island, officially known as Changuu Island, lies just 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town and is one of Zanzibar's most popular half-day excursions. The short boat ride across the turquoise channel is itself a pleasure.

The island is home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. These magnificent creatures were gifted to Zanzibar from the Seychelles in 1919 and now roam freely across the island. Visitors can hand-feed and photograph them up close.

The island's colonial history is equally fascinating. It was built as a prison in 1893 by General Lloyd Mathews, First Minister of Zanzibar, but was never actually used as one — it served instead as a quarantine station for yellow fever patients arriving from the mainland. The ruins of the original prison building still stand.

Highlights