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Prison Island
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is one of the most popular excursion destinations from Stone Town. Originally planned as a prison for rebellious slaves, it was never actually used for that purpose; instead, it served as a quarantine station for yellow fever patients. Today, the old prison buildings have been converted into a hotel and restaurant. The island's main attraction is the sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises. These impressive creatures, some of which are over 150 years old, were originally brought to the island as a gift from the Seychelles in the 19th century. Visitors can feed and photograph the tortoises. Beyond its history, the island features a small white beach and excellent snorkeling opportunities in the clear waters surrounding the reef. The restaurant on the island serves international and local dishes in a historic setting. Access is via a quick 20-minute boat ride from the Stone Town waterfront. A visit is first-rate as a half-day trip. The best time to go is in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. It is a fascinating place that perfectly combines nature and history.
- Location: Tanzania
- Top sights: Sea Water Lagoon · Island Prison
- Nearby: Zanzibar City (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 118 | 89 | 163 | 279 | 171 | 28 | 21 | 27 | 41 | 111 | 164 | 141 |
Geography
Facts
- Was never actually used as a prison for inmates.
- Home to giant tortoises that are over 100 years old.
- Located only 5.6 km from Stone Town's shore.
- Once served as a quarantine station for East Africa.
- The tortoises were originally a gift from the Seychelles.
- Offers great snorkeling on the northwest side.
- The main prison building now houses a restaurant.
- Perfect for a half-day excursion from the main island.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Prison Island (2)
Frequently asked questions
Prison Island: where is it located?
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Prison Island: why is it worth visiting?
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