Prison Island (Changuu)

Prison Island is Changuu Island, a small island reached by boat from Stone Town. Its main visitor experiences are the giant tortoise sanctuary, historic buildings, coastal views and optional water activities when conditions permit.

Yes. Changuu is the island’s local name, while Prison Island is the name commonly used for the visitor excursion. Your booking should clearly identify Changuu so it is not confused with another island trip.

It lies offshore from Stone Town on the western side of Unguja, Zanzibar’s main island. Visitors normally reach it on a short boat crossing from the Stone Town waterfront.

The name comes from the prison complex built there during the colonial period. That complex later served as a quarantine station rather than operating as the intended prison. A guide can explain the site’s wider connections to Zanzibar’s history, including the era of slavery.

The sanctuary keeps giant Aldabra tortoises. They are terrestrial tortoises, not sea turtles. Observe them with the sanctuary team and follow the current rules for approaching or photographing the animals.

Giant tortoises are exceptionally long-lived, and the island is known for animals described as more than a century old. Ask the keepers about individual animals; do not assume that every tortoise is the same age or that every displayed age has been independently verified.

Only do so if the keepers specifically allow it and explain the correct approach. Use approved food and never bring snacks for the animals. Do not climb on, lift, chase or crowd a tortoise, and supervise children throughout the visit.

Take an arranged boat from the agreed Stone Town departure point. TanzaLux can help coordinate your island visit with a hotel transfer where required. Confirm the meeting point, return journey, life jackets and all inclusions before departure.

The crossing commonly takes around 20–30 minutes each way. This is an estimate, not a fixed timetable: the boat, wind, waves and landing conditions can change the journey time.

A relaxed excursion from Stone Town often takes approximately 3–4 hours including both boat rides. Add hotel transfers and extra time for swimming, snorkelling or a combination with Stone Town or Nakupenda.

June to October is a popular, generally drier period, while January and February are also attractive for warm Zanzibar holidays. Trips can operate in other months when conditions allow. Check the marine forecast and follow the skipper’s decision on the day.

A morning visit can provide more flexibility for a later Stone Town walk or hotel transfer and may avoid some busy periods. Afternoon visits can also work. The suitable time depends on the tides, marine conditions, boat arrangements and your wider itinerary.

Swimming may be possible when the tide, current and local conditions are suitable. Ask your guide where it is permitted and safe that day, avoid boat channels and supervise children. Water activities are optional and should not be promised in poor conditions.

No. Snorkelling depends on the booked itinerary, equipment and sea conditions. Confirm whether gear, a guided water session and any additional boat positioning are included. Visibility and marine-life sightings are variable.

Families can enjoy the tortoises and history walk, provided children are closely supervised around animals, the shoreline and boat landings. Request correctly fitting children’s life jackets in advance, plan shade and water breaks, and discuss the crossing with the team if a child is uncomfortable on boats.

Discuss the exact boarding and landing arrangements before booking. Boats, tide-dependent access, steps and uneven surfaces may require assistance or make a visit unsuitable for some travellers. Accessibility should be confirmed for the individual guest rather than assumed.

Bring drinking water, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable footwear and a waterproof pouch for your phone or camera. Add swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to enter the water. Carry the payment method agreed for any charges excluded from your booking.

The total depends on the group size, boat arrangement, hotel transfer, guide, current entrance charges and optional activities or meals. Ask TanzaLux for an itemised quote for your dates. Avoid relying on an old online entrance fee or assuming every advertised price includes the same services.

Yes, subject to time and conditions. Nakupenda is a separate tidal sandbank, so its visit needs additional boat time and tide planning. A Stone Town heritage walk is another useful combination. Confirm the route, meals, entrance charges and return time for the full day.

An overnight stay is not required for the usual excursion. Most visitors go from Stone Town and return the same day. If you want any accommodation or hospitality service on the island, ask for current availability and arrangements rather than assuming it forms part of a standard day trip.