Tanzania · Up-Close Animal Experiences

2-Hour Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar with Giant Tortoises

2 Hours Round trip from Stone Town Zanzibar TZ Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Stroll around the beautiful island and learn about its interesting past
02 Get up close with an almost 200-year-old giant tortoise on the island
03 Swim or snorkel in the clean waters of the Indian Ocean
04 Discover Changuu Island, known locally as Prison Island in Zanzibar

Head to the mystical Prison Island of Zanzibar, known locally as Changuu Island, to meet the island's most famous inhabitant - a 192-year-old tortoise - and learn about the fascinating history of this place. Stroll around the island, discover its past as a prison and quarantine station, and get up close with its friendly giant tortoises. You will also have the option to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

Head to the mystical Prison Island of Zanzibar, known locally as Changuu Island, to meet the island's most famous inhabitant - a 192-year-old tortoise - and learn about the fascinating history of this place.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Zanzibar, Changuu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Explore Prison Island and Meet the Giant Tortoises

Get picked up from your hotel and visit Lloyd Mathews' architecture with your Zanzibar tour guide. In 1893, Lloyd Mathews built this prison to send violent criminals from the Tanganyika mainland to Prison Island. However, Prison Island ended up being used as a quarantine centre instead of a prison for yellow fever epidemics that once raged through the region. The island remained in government ownership, and the newer quarantine buildings were later converted into a guest house.
See the giant tortoises. The old prison still remains standing, providing shelter for some giant tortoises that can now only be found in the cells of this island.
After the tour, there is a snorkelling option for those who are interested.
Drop off at your hotel.

The route