Visit Prison Island in Zanzibar

A little bit of history on Prison Island 

Also known under the Swahili name of "Changuu", this island of 800 meters long by 230 meters wide owes its name "Prison Island" to the fact that it served as a prison for rebel slaves in the 1860 years, then for the prisoners from Tanzania.

Subsequently, the island became a quarantine island where we took them, especially people with yellow fever.

Subsequently, in 1919 the governor english Seychelles a Free to Changuu Island 4 giant tortoises. Gradually, the number of giant tortoises increased enormously and people began to steal these tortoises to sell them. 

The government of Zanzibar has since implemented a protection program for the giant tortoises of Prison Island. Today, there are more than 200 turtles there. Among them, the oldest in the world is 200 years old.

What is the best time to go to Prison Island, Zanzibar?

Prison Island as well as Zanzibar and Tanzania benefit from a equatorial climate very nice, it is possible to visit Prison Island all year round.

Be aware, however, that there is two rainy seasons in Zanzibar. 

• March to May
• October to December

Many people will therefore tend to advise you to avoid these two rainy periods, however, this is also the low season when there will be the fewest people.

Personally, I visited Prison Island in April, in the middle of the rainy season, however, I was fortunate enough to benefit from a magnificent climate during my excursion to Turtle Island.

You should be aware that the weather conditions are very variable in this country, so you can visit Turtle Island any time of the year.

How long is an excursion to Prison Island from Zanzibar?

Turtle Island is located 5,6 km from Stone Town, About 30 minutes by boat. The excursion begins, depending on your preferences, in the morning or afternoon and it will last about half a day, i.e. 3h-4h.

How is the excursion to Turtle Island in Zanzibar?

It is from the port of Stone Town that you will begin your excursion aboard a small boat accommodating 8 to 20 people.

The crossing to reach the island of Changuu lasts about 30 minutes. 

Once there, the excursion is divided into three parts :

• The visit to the giant tortoise sanctuary protected by the government of Zanzibar: this tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. We will explain to you for a few minutes this program of protection of giant turtles with a little history. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to walk in the middle of these magnificent giant turtles.

• Visiting the rest of Prison Island: you will have the opportunity to walk around the island and visit the place that served as a former prison as well as a hospice during the quarantine for the sick. 

• A part of idleness and snorkeling around the turtle island: to finish, you will be able to rest quietly on this beautiful fine sand beach and to bathe you. Also, you can admire the seabed if you have remembered to take your masks and snorkels. It will be possible to be loaned the equipment by the tourist agency through which you will pass. Don't forget to ask them before you go on an excursion.

What is the price of an excursion to Prison Island, Zanzibar?

Le price of the excursion on the island of turtles depends on options that will have been selected as well as your bargaining power.

Indeed, prices can vary de US $ 10 to over US $ 80.

Expect a higher price if you want to include a taxi from your hotel to Stone Town. 

On the other hand, you will pay a lower rate by going to the port of Stone Town on your own (ie, by taking the dala-dala for example).

It should be considered that on average, tourists pay around US $ 30 to make this excursion.

For my part, I paid US $ 10 by choosing to leave in May, during the rainy season and therefore the low period. During this period, as tourists are more discreet, it is easier to negotiate the prices of tourist excursions on the island.

What should you bring on a Zanzibar Turtle Island tour?

During your excursion to Turtle Island in Zanzibar, depending on the weather, it is important tobring the following business :

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cap / hat
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Camera
• Tap shoes or flip flops are enough to walk on the island