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PRISON ISLAND JOURNEY📍Half Day ▶️ $35
70 km
Changuu Zanzibar Zachodni TZ
See route
About 20 minutes by boat from Forodhani area lies Changuu, also known as Prison Island. This name is misleading; although the once impressive building, erected in 1893 by Lloyd Mathews under orders of the British administrators, was originally intended as a prison, it never housed criminals.
The island was, however, reportedly used by an Arab slave trader to contain the feistier and more troublesome slaves he had brought from the African mainland. Later it became a quarantine station - but mostly it was a conveniently located leisure spot for the wealthier townsfolk.
The old prison's crumbling cells can still be seen today; they provide shelter for the resident peacocks and the giant Aldabra tortoises that the British governor of Seychelles sent as a gift to Sultan Khalifa bin Haroub in 1919. Some of them are almost a hundred years old. The island is also ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach.
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Please ask for the rate if you are a group of more than 10 persons and/or if you would like us to use a dhow boat instead of a motorboat.
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For a much better snorkelling experience at the coral garden of Bawe Island, please add US$ 30 per boat so that we can cover extra fuel and time.
Depending on the tides, start (best) at 7.30 am and the latest at 3 pm (tour duration approx 2 to 3 hours). Including a private guide, a wooden boat with sunscreen, entrance fees at Prison Island tortoise sanctuary, refreshments- such as fresh coconuts, drinking water & seasonal fruits as well as 12% VAT.
BE WELL PREPARED
Please take a beach towel, wear swimwear under your clothes (if wished) and apply a good amount of sun blocker with a high UV rating (reef-friendly sunscreen please) to avoid sunburn.
If possible please bring suitable beach footwear for the boat transfers. It is water entry.
Please wear clothing that can be pulled up above the knee, in case the water is a bit high.
There is an increased entrance fee to Changuu Island-Prison Island, effective from 1st November 2023.
The new fee will be US$ 15 per person for non-residents, the conservation fee of US$ 3 remains the same and is not included in the US$ 15 hence making a total fee of US$ 18 per person.
