Prison Island (Changu Island) – Giant Tortoises & Zanzibar History

Prison Island, also called Changu Island, lies about twenty minutes by boat from Stone Town. It owes its name to the prison the Sultan of Zanzibar planned there in the late nineteenth century, before it became a quarantine station for Indian Ocean shipping. The historic buildings are still standing today.

This private excursion comes with a French-speaking guide, who takes you through the island's history and its main sites along the way.

Above all the island is home to a sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises, brought from the Seychelles to Zanzibar in the early twentieth century. Some are over a century old and weigh more than 200 kilos. The visit lets you watch them up close while taking in the history and the remains of the old quarantine station.

A path also loops around the islet in about thirty minutes, through tropical vegetation, beaches and historic buildings. A private outing, ideal for discovering Prison Island at your own pace with a French-speaking guide.