Zanzibar /
PRISON ISLAND TOUR
Duration: Half day
See the giant land tortoises of Prison Island, with time to swim and sunbathe. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island has a beautiful beach, clean water, and fascinating history.
5 kilometres from Stonetown lies the beautiful Prison Island, also known locally as Changu island. The prison, which is now owned by a hotel, was constructed in 1893 to house violent prisoners from the mainland.
However, the prison was instead used as a quarantine facility during the yellow fever epidemics that once swept the region. The old prison remains standing, providing shelter for giant land tortoises, which can now only be found on this island.
You will get the opportunity to visit the tortoise sanctuary, which contains a large colony of giant tortoise from the Seychelles. These friendly reptiles have been on the island since the late 19th century and have an average weight of 200 kg. Many of them are over 150 years old! You are welcomed to feed, gently touch and take photos of the tortoises. The island is also a home to a colony of beautiful peacocks which are seen wandering around the grounds.
For the remainder of the tour, you can choose to enjoy a swim around the shores of Prison Island, have some lunch at the restaurant or just lie back and relax under the warm glow of the sun, until you are ready to head back to Stone Town.
Note: This tour is always private, for you and your group only.
*Our prices are quoted in US Dollars but we are happy to accept payment in other currencies.
What is included?
Private boat transfer from Stone Town to Prison Island
A tour guide
Entrance fee to the tortoise sanctuary
Soft drinks and fresh fruits
What to expect
Please allow a half-day for this tour, departing in the morning and returning to Stone Town around lunch time. Our guide will escort you from your hotel to the beach where you will climb aboard a small traditional motor boat. After a beautiful boat ride over to Prison Island 30 minutes away, the boat will anchor and your guide will take you for a stroll around to share the interesting history of the island with you. After this you are free to enjoy walking around with some of the world’s largest land tortoises, feeding them and learning about their conservation. Enjoy some time swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on the beach and boardwalk before heading back to the mainland, enjoying some soft drinks on the boat. If you prefer to stay for lunch on the island, there is a restaurant serving hot food. We recommend you bring an additional large bottle water to keep well hydrated, swimwear, sun hat, sun cream, t-shirt and towel. Come prepared to wade through shallow water as you embark and disembark the boat.
Extra information
Please be aware that, in Tanzania, a tip is expected after your participation in a tourist activity. If you are happy with your tour, the recommended amount for a guide is 20 USD a day. A great way to do this is by dividing the tip between all your group members. Thank you!
Can we combine our tour?
When your tour ends, how about heading to Zanzibar’s national park for the Jozani forest walking tour, or head back to Stone Town for some lunch, then enjoy a Historical Stone Town tour in the afternoon.
