Prison Island, Zanzibar Overview

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, Kibandiko, or Quarantine Island, is a famous tourist spot with unique features. It is home to Aldabra giant tortoises and the remains of an old prison and hospital. While it once held slaves and served as a quarantine place, today, visitors can enjoy day trips exploring its history and natural beauty.

A short 5.6km boat ride from Stone Town, taking about 25 minutes, leads to Prison Island. It's approximately 2,600 ft long and 750 ft wide. Besides its historical significance, the island offers activities like snorkelling and is inhabited by a lively peacock colony. Initially used as a prison for enslaved people in the 1860s, the island also functioned as a coral rag mine, adding to its diverse past.

History of the Prison Island

Prison Island, though beautiful, has a troubling history. Uninhabited until the 1860s, it became a prison for rebellious slaves given to two Arab owners by the Sultan of Zanzibar. In 1893, the British intended to build a prison there, but it was never used. By the 1920s, it became a quarantine island for British territories in East Africa, using the old prison buildings as a hospital where patients stayed for 1-2 weeks before leaving.

Accommodation at Prison Island

If you decide to stay overnight on Prison Island, the only place to stay is Changuu Island Lodge, which offers 27 rooms in two locations.

You can choose from 15 cottages in the northwest, made from natural materials and great for those who prefer more privacy. In the southwest, there are 12 cottages with private verandas, perfect for ocean enthusiasts. The lodge features a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar for guests.

While many visitors stay in Stone Town and visit Prison Island for the day, Changuu Island Lodge provides a unique option for a longer stay in a serene setting. Stone Town has a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury to budget, for those who prefer to stay on the main island.

How to Get There

Getting to Prison Island is straightforward without the need for tour packages. As you stroll along Stone Town's beaches, you'll likely be approached quickly by locals offering boat rides to the island. Numerous boats line the coastline, making the trip one of Zanzibar's top experiences.

You can choose between a shared boat (around 10,000 TSh/$4 per person) or a private boat for a slightly higher cost (around 45,000 TSh / $20). It takes approximately 30 minutes each way. The captain typically waits for an hour on the island before bringing you back to Stone Town.