Changuu Island

Address: Changuu (Prison) Island, off Stone Town, Zanzibar (Unguja), Tanzania

Hours: Day trips typically operate during daylight hours; island facilities close at dusk

Admission: Entry fees historically charged for prison-island tours; conservation-related fees may apply

Changuu, commonly called Prison Island or Quarantine Island, is a small island off the coast of Stone Town, Unguja (Zanzibar), known for its population of Aldabra giant tortoises and a colonial-era stone building.

The island’s attractions are the tortoise enclosure where visitors can see and sometimes feed the animals, and the ruins and grounds of the old quarantine/prison facility. Visits are typically short excursions from Stone Town.

In the 19th century the island was developed for quarantine and detention purposes under colonial administration; the stone building remains a visible reminder of that period, while more recent decades have focused on conservation and tourism.

Changuu lies a short boat ride offshore from Stone Town on Zanzibar’s main island of Unguja and is a routine half-day trip for visitors staying in the historic town.

• Boat trip time: A short motorboat ride of roughly 20-30 minutes from Stone Town is the usual way tourists reach the island.
• Tortoises: Home to several Aldabra giant tortoises brought to the island in the 20th century; the animals are the island’s primary wildlife attraction.

What to See#

• Tortoise enclosure: A fenced enclosure where several Aldabra giant tortoises are kept for public viewing and limited interaction.
• Old prison and quarantine building: A ruined 19th-century stone building constructed as part of a quarantine/prison complex, now a historical feature on the island.

Boat charters and scheduled trips to Changuu Island depart from Stone Town waterfront (Forodhani). The crossing is short-typically 15-30 minutes in calm conditions-using licensed boats. Arrange departure times through reputable operators in Stone Town.

• Boat operators vary-use licensed services from Stone Town to ensure safe transfer and to visit the conservation areas.
• Look for the giant tortoises that live on Changuu (Prison) Island; approach quietly to avoid startling them.
• Combine the island trip with a Stone Town walking tour to better understand the colonial and prison history.