Prison Island Zanzibar – A Historical and Natural Haven

Some five kilometers towards the northwest of Stone town, is situated a small island in the Indian Ocean, which has a history that has fascinated many tourists, historians and anyone else who was interested for many many years. Also known as the Changuu Island, this small prison island is a part of the larger, more popular Zanzibar, which is one of the most popular tropical destinations in all of East Africa. Quite known for its population of the Aldabra giant tortoises and built over the ruins of a former prison, this island has intrigued many for a long time!

The History of Prison Island, Zanzibar

Prison Island has quite a fascinating history and people are often attracted to the destination even only because of it. Prison Island, Zanzibar was initially inhabited up until even the 1860s, which was when it was gifted to two slave owners by the first Sultan of the Island. Here it was used as a prison to punish the ‘rebellious slaves’ who usually gave their owners more trouble than the others.

The Zanzibar Prison Island  was then acquired by a British First Minister in 1893, who planned to build a full scale prison on this spot. The project was completed too, but no inmates were housed in this prison.

Finally, as the twentieth century rolled around, in 1920, Prison Island Zanzibar was transformed into what can be termed as a ’quarantine island’, serving the British territories in East Africa. Later, these buildings were converted into hospitals, however, the patients stayed only for a few days, were monitored, and then discharged. 

The Main Attraction at Prison Island: The Tortoise Sanctuary

Despite its rather dark history, the Prison Island that you would visit today is actually very different from what its past indicates. One of the most popular attractions of Prison Island Zanzibar is the Giant Aldabra Tortoise Sanctuary situated there.  

Interestingly, this particular species of the tortoise is not even native to Zanzibar, in fact, it is an endemic species of the Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles. It was actually in the year 1919, that the ruler of Aldabra gifted four tortoises to Zanzibar, and in the initial years, the population of the animal multiplied by many folds, and reached to an impressive 200 around the middle of the twentieth century. However, by the end of the century, human intervention via activities like poaching had reduced the population to only 7, which is indeed a matter of concern.

it was then that efforts were made to protect the animal from becoming endangered or going completely extinct, and all these measures have resulted in the population climbing up again to almost 100 tortoises.

The tortoises at the sanctuary at Zanzibar prison Island are allowed to roam around in a fenced area, and visitors can easily watch them from a small distance, however they can’t pet or feed the tortoises. Additionally, a Prison Island Tour, Zanzibar would reveal to you that there is also an additional shed in the sanctuary which houses the youngest tortoises until they are old enough to fend for themselves. It is then that they are released to go out and roam in the sanctuary. 

Notably, it is not only tortoises that you can see at the Sanctuary, but a few other animals and birds as well, like peacocks and anduikers, a species of Antelopes found in Africa.

Is there a Beach at Prison Island?

Well, there is a small beach present at Prison Island Zanzibar, and it also offers activities like swimming and snorkeling, depending on the direction and duration of the tides. However, it is also important to know that the beach is located on the eastern tip of the island, and this is also an area that gets quite busy in dropping off visitors as part of the boat tours. There are also some other nearby beaches which can be explored in case you are looking for a tropical beach vacation in particular. 

Accommodation options at Prison Island, Zanzibar

Your trip is incomplete without some stunning accommodation options to stay in, so here is some much needed information on where you may stay during your trip to Prison Island, Zanzibar.

Changuu Island Lodge: 

If you’re planning to stay at Prison Island Zanzibar, then you may not have a lot of options, but the accommodation available is quite beautiful, and offers a comfortable stay. The only lodge available at the location, Changuu lodge offers 27 rooms that are set across two different locations. There are about 15 cottages on the northwest side, while 12 cottages on the southwest. Travelers who find their personal space precious may choose to get an accommodation at the northwest end of the location, while ocean lovers, and those who love to sit by the ocean and witness its sounds and beauty all day long, can choose a cottage in the southwest. Both these locations offer all that you may need on your trip from an accommodation, and ensure that your trip is smooth as well as an amazing adventure.

However, if you do not wish to stay at Prison Island, Zanzibar, and would instead prefer to stay in Stone Town and visit the Prison Island briefly, then you may choose one of the accommodations available at Stone Island, which are also stunning options and are equipped with all the required amenities for your perfect trip.

In Conclusion:

We hope this comprehensive guide to what really is Prison Island, Zanzibar has given you a thorough idea of the wonderful location. Don’t wait for too long, book your trip and fly to Tanzania to witness and explore the history and beauty of this wonderful location!