Prison Island Zanzibar, also called Changuu Island, is a small coral island off Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania, reached by boat from the waterfront rather than by road. Known for its 1893 prison complex, later quarantine station and colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, it draws travelers for a compact half-day of Swahili-coast history, animal encounters and Indian Ocean swimming.
What to Expect at Prison Island Zanzibar
The island’s principal historic structure is the long, low coral-rag prison building commissioned in 1893 under the British administration of Zanzibar. It was intended to hold prisoners but was instead used as a quarantine station, particularly during outbreaks of yellow fever. Walk through its weathered cells, arched openings and broad veranda, where the rough masonry and sea-facing position make the building as compelling as the story. Changuu’s earlier associations with the slave trade form part of its difficult history; visitors should approach the site as more than a tortoise stop.
The giant tortoises are descendants of Aldabra tortoises reportedly sent from the Seychelles in 1919. They occupy a managed enclosure and range from small juveniles to enormous, deeply ridged adults. Keepers may allow supervised feeding with approved leaves, but never bring food or climb on a tortoise. Beyond the historic compound, a short path leads through scrub and palms to pale coral-sand edges, with clear water inviting a swim or snorkel when sea conditions permit. Most Stone Town trips combine the island with time at the beach rather than a formal museum-style tour.
- 1893 prison building: Explore the coral-rag cells, arched doorways and veranda of the never-fully-used penal complex.
- Aldabra giant tortoises: See the long-lived tortoises descended from animals brought from the Seychelles in 1919.
- Quarantine history: Learn how Changuu was adapted as an isolation station during the British protectorate era.
- Beach and reef water: Bring swimwear, water shoes and snorkel gear for a dip from the island’s rocky-sandy shoreline.
- Stone Town dhow crossing: The open-water ride from the harbor is part of the experience, with views back to the waterfront skyline.
Prison Island Zanzibar at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Changuu Island, R5QQ+VCM, Zanzibar, Tanzania |
| Neighborhood / Area | About 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town, off Zanzibar City |
| Operating Hours | Accessible daily in daylight; boat-trip departure and return times vary with operator, weather and tides. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid island access; boat charters and tours are typically $$, with rates varying by boat, inclusions and group size. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 3 to 4 hours, including the return crossing |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | No road transit or parking on the island; depart by boat from Stone Town’s harbor near the ferry terminal. |
| Official Website & Phone | No dedicated official visitor website or public visitor phone is listed; arrange transport through a licensed Stone Town boat operator. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Set out in the morning, when the sea is often calmer and the tortoise area is less busy. Agree the full price, departure time, return pickup and whether entrance, snorkeling equipment and lunch are included before boarding. Private boats offer flexibility, while shared excursions are generally more economical. Carry cash for small purchases, drinking water, sun protection, a hat and a dry bag; there is little shade on the beach. Conditions can change quickly, so do not rely on a crossing late in the day.
There is no public bus connection to Changuu: travelers use a motorboat or dhow from Stone Town harbor. Boarding commonly involves stepping between a dock and a rocking vessel, and island paths include sand, coral rock and uneven ground; this is not a reliably step-free outing for wheelchair users or visitors with limited balance. Strollers are impractical. Back on Unguja, the House of Wonders and Old Fort are roughly a five-minute walk from the waterfront, while the Old Dispensary is about 10 minutes east along the seafront. Pair the return with Forodhani Gardens at dusk for the Stone Town food stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Prison Island Zanzibar open, and what is the best time to go?
Visits operate in daylight and depend on boats leaving Stone Town, rather than fixed museum-style opening hours. Book a morning departure for cooler walking conditions, more time for swimming and a better chance of avoiding the busiest shared-tour arrivals.
How much does a Prison Island trip cost?
There is a paid island-access charge, and transport is arranged separately or folded into a guided boat excursion. Costs vary substantially by shared versus private boat and by inclusions, so confirm the total before departure; budget at the $$ level for a typical half-day outing.
How much time should I allow for the island?
Allow three to four hours door to door from Stone Town. That gives time for the crossing, prison and tortoise areas, a shoreline walk, and a swim or snorkel without rushing the boat schedule.
Is Prison Island suitable for children and visitors with mobility needs?
Children usually enjoy the tortoises and short boat ride, but they need close supervision around water and must not touch or feed animals without keeper approval. Uneven coral paths, sand and boat transfers make access challenging for wheelchairs, strollers and anyone unable to manage an unsteady step.
When planning your Zanzibar travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Zanzibar, pair this stop with standout local spots including Ycona Luxury Resort, Mtoni Palace Ruins, Meliá Zanzibar, and Old Fort (0.2 km away).
