Changuu Island, better known as Prison Island, lies about 5–6 km off Stone Town. A prison was built here in the 1890s but never used for convicts; the island later served as a quarantine station. Today it is best known for its colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, descended from animals sent from the Seychelles in the early 20th century.
A visit takes half a day: a boat ride from Stone Town, time with the tortoises in their sanctuary, a look at the old buildings and a swim or snorkel off the beach. Many trips add the nearby Nakupenda sandbank.
Top things to do at Prison Island (Changuu)
Meet the giant tortoises
Some of the tortoises are well over a hundred years old. Keepers let you feed them leaves; the sanctuary has a small entrance fee, usually included in tours.
Snorkel and swim
The reef off the island is decent for snorkelling and the beach is good for a swim before heading back.
Add the Nakupenda sandbank
A strip of pure white sand that emerges at low tide off Stone Town — the perfect place for a barbecue lunch. See the Stone Town, Prison Island and Nakupenda tour.
How to get to Prison Island (Changuu)
- From Stone Town: about 20–30 minutes by boat from the beach near Forodhani.
- From Nungwi: as part of a full-day tour with pickup, combining it with Stone Town.
Insider tips
- Bring cash for the tortoise sanctuary fee if it is not included.
- Do not sit on or lift the tortoises.
- Morning trips have calmer water for snorkelling.
Best tours & tickets for Prison Island (Changuu)
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Prison Island (Changuu) from Nungwi or Kendwa:
Day trip from $42 Zanzibar: Stone Town Tour, Prison Island & Nakupenda with BBQ
Swaps the spice farm for the Nakupenda sandbank, a strip of white sand that appears off Stone Town at low tide. History in the morning, lunch on a sandbar in the afternoon.
- Guided walk through Stone Town
- Tortoises and ruins on Prison Island
- Seafood barbecue on the Nakupenda sandbank
Day trip from $55 Zanzibar: Stone Town, Spice Tour & Prison Island with Lunch
Zanzibar’s three classic sights in one day, with lunch included. It is the most efficient way to see the island’s history from a beach base in the north — choose the pickup option when you book and check that your Nungwi or Kendwa hotel is covered.
- Guided walk through UNESCO-listed Stone Town
- Giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island
- Taste cloves, nutmeg and vanilla at a spice farm
