Prison Island Zanzibar
Prison island Zanzibar is a destination which is also known as Changuu island and is found on the island of Zanzibar. The Prison island is found just off the coast of Stone town and was once a detention center for slaves and it was also a place of quarantine. It is about a 5 minutes’ walk across the island to the ruins of the former prison.
This island is part of the 3 islands which are visible from Stone town which is at the heart of Zanzibar and is known for its historic sites. The Stone town is found on the western coast of Zanzibar island.
Attractions on the Prison island include the giant sea tortoises as well as amazing views of the ocean. The island is among the few places where these giant tortoises live and the ages of the tortoises are written on the shells of the tortoises.
History of the Prison Island
The name of the island was got from the prison which was established on the island around 1860 where rebellious slaves were detained. The Prison island was formerly owned by the Arabs and also the British.
Prison island was also a quarantine place for people with yellow fever, lepers and those with Tb cases. The first British minister of Zanzibar purchased the island with an intention of establishing a prison.
The tortoises on the prison island were introduced around 1919 by a British governor of Seychelles as a gift. The gift included 4 Aldabra tortoises from the island of Aldabra and they are considered an endangered species.
With time the number of giant tortoises on the Prison Island increased and they became an attraction on the island. A tour on the island is a good way to experience the history of the island and its beauty as well as a way to enjoy a tour of the Stone town.
Best time to visit Prison island
The Prison island experiences rainy season and the dry season and the best time for visiting the island is during the months of June to October and also from December to February.
Half day excursions from the Stone town to the Prison island are part of the experiences to enjoy during a trip to Changuu island. Other activities can also be combined with a trip to the Prison island. Activities which are carried out on Prison Island include the following;
Sunbathing
During trips to the Prison island, tourists enjoy relaxing along the white sand beaches and taking in the beautiful scenery. The island is quiet and peaceful providing the right environment to enjoy sunbathing.
Swimming
Swimming is another experience which you can enjoy in the clear waters of the Indian ocean.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is another activity to do while on a trip to the Prison island where you will experience the coral life.
You will enjoy a boat ride on the ocean to the deeper waters where you will enjoy snorkeling. During snorkeling on Prison island, a variety of marine life can be spotted such as starfish, and many other colorful fish species.
Snorkeling equipment is provided during the trip on Prison island which can be done as a private trip or as a group tour.
Beach walks
Beach walks can also be carried out while exploring the Prison island and they involve taking a stroll along the white sand beaches.
Walks on the Prison island can also be carried out in the forest area where various wildlife species can be spotted as well as peacocks and butterflies. Duikers can also be spotted on the island once in a while.
The self-walking tours on Prison island can take about 1 hour and can also be done along the wooden bridge with views of the rest of the island.
Seeing giant tortoises
When you meet the giant tortoises on the Prison island, you get to feed them and pet the tortoises which is an exciting experience.
Information about the giant tortoises on the Prison island is provided at the information center which is adjacent to the sanctuary. The giant tortoises are over 100 years old and are among the world’s longest lived animals.
Collecting of shells from the island is however not accepted as a way of protecting the treasures of the island. Baby tortoises on the island are kept in a nursery and they are of different ages and can also be seen during a strip to the island.
How to get to Prison island
From stone town prison island can be accessed by boat and the boat ride can take about 20 to 30 minutes. The Prison island is found northwest of Stone town and is about 5 kilometers from the town.
Other places to visit around Zanzibar island include the white sand beaches located on different parts of the island like Nungwi beach, Paje beach, Kendwa beach, Jozani forest reserve, Forodhani market, Jambiani beach, visiting the house of wonders, spice plantations, visiting the old fort, Mnemba island, the palace museum among other places.
Zanzibar island is also known for its spice tours which involve visits to the spice plantations where vanilla, cloves, nutmeg among other spices are grown. The spice tours are also a unique experience where you get to know about the different spices grown on the island and their uses.
Visit the Prison island of Zanzibar and enjoy seeing the giant tortoises and enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and also engaging in various activities during your trip to the island.
