Prison Island Tour - Half day Excursion

Prison Island, also known as Changuu island or Quarantine island, located in the Zanzibar Archipelago. In 1893 the former British prime minister of Zanzibar purchased the island and built a prison complex on it. But - it never served to its intended use! It was used as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases. Today is the building a ruin, but it serves as a lovely guesthouse for tourists, where you'll be able to relax a bit and enjoy magnificent views after visiting the giant tortoises' reserve, where you will admire, pet, and even feed these magnificent, ancient, peaceful creatures. But - they are not locals! Four specimens of Aldabra giant tortoises were a gift from the governor of Seychelles in 1919.

   HIGHLIGHTS

 •     Visit Lloyd Mathew's Architecture

•     You have the opportunity to feed and pet the tortoises

•     Relax on the white sands of the Prison Island

•     Swim from a clean beach with clear water

•     Choice of morning or afternoon departure

DESCRIPTION 

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the boarding spot to Prison Island.

Prison Island or Changuu Island is the middle island of the three visible from the Stone Town. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get there by boat. The prison which was never used on this island was built in 1893, but was later used as a Quarantine Hospital.

Apart from the Prison ruins you will also see the enormous giant tortoises which are the main attraction of the island. The tortoises were brought on the island from Seychelles by Sultan Said Majid in the 1820’s.They are not indigenous and are magisterial creatures, weighing in at an average of 200 kg some are as old as over 100 years (4 turtles are 150 years). You can feed them at a fee paid at the Island, but watch out for their snapping beaks.

Other marine life is also reasonably rich and Changuu provides good snorkelling. It is by no means the most extensive or varied snorkeling spot off the coast of Zanzibar, but being so close to Stone Town and so easily accessible makes it ideal for those who want to see ‘under the sea’ a little while on a city break. The island’s restaurant, Matthews, is good and well-renowned. This is especially so considering the restaurant’s charming atmosphere and good sea view. You will then be dropped off at the hotel after the excursion

 MEETING POINT

In front of the Old Fort in Stone Town, Mizingani Road, Zanzibar. One of the representatives will be waiting for you, alternatively, our driver/guide will meet and pick you up from your hotel 

   WHAT TO BRING

·         Water-resistant bag for cameras and other valuables

·         Bring Beach towels – the hotel to provide 

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

·      Not suitable for wheelchair user

    The tour is on a private basis

·      Pregnant women

·      Snorkeling gear will be available

·      Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical