Overview: Prison Island Tour
Changuu Island is more commonly known these days as Prison Island, a reflection of its use in the 19th century. In 1860 the island was given to two Arabs who used it as a base to hold ‘difficult’ slaves before they were sold in the slave market in Stone Town, or sent abroad. Thirty years later, when it came under British ownership, the plan was to use it as an official prison for the African mainland, but although a prison was built, it never fulfilled its purpose. The island later had a brief spell as a quarantine station for yellow fever, before being opened up to tourists.
What to expect on a visit to Prison Island
The 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town soon leaves behind the narrow streets of the old city, bringing you to the shores of one of Africa’s more notorious islands.Once on Changuu Island, your guide will explain the colourful history of the area, including the prison building – which still stands. Today the island is home to some of Zanzibar’s oldest residents – descendants of the Aldabra giant tortoises that were a gift to the people of Zanzibar from the Seychelles government; some of them are rumoured to have reached over a hundred years old. Look a little harder and you may also spot butterflies, bats and even the very shy duiker.
The island is fringed with coral reefs and your guide will make sure you have snorkelling equipment so you can potter around in the shallows, marvelling at the colourful marine life, or simply soak up the sun on the soft sands surrounding the island.
Please note: Expert Africa only books excursions as a part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary.
- Start location
- Any of Expert Africa's hotels in Stone Town
- End location
- Back at your hotel
- Meals included
- No meals are included
- Duration
- Half-day
- Maximum group size
- Depends on the size of the boat
Photo gallery
What to look forward to.
Ideas for holidays which can include Prison Island Tour
Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made holiday to Zanzibar.
Other excursions in Zanzibar
Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Zanzibar to include in your holiday.
Zanzibar fact file
Useful information to help you prepare for your trip in Zanzibar
LGBT travel in Zanzibar
Attitudes, the law & our experiences
Flights to Zanzibar
How to get there & reach local destinations
Tipping in Zanzibar
Expectations, guidelines & tipping etiquette
Zanzibar general info
Essential travel information
Weather & climate
The best time to visit Zanzibar