Prison Island

Situated 5.6km northwest of Stone Town, Unguja, Prison Island is a small island in the Indian Ocean which can be visited as part of a Zanzibari adventure. The island is also known as Changuu, the Swahili name for a fish which is abundant in the surrounding waters, and its total length is 800m.

Beneath its pristine beauty, Prison Island has a sinister history. Prison Island was uninhabited until the 1860s when the first Sultan of Zanzibar, Majid bin Said, gifted it to 2 Arab slave owners who used the island as a prison for rebellious slaves.

In 1893, British First Minister, Lloyd Matthews, acquired the island and planned to build a prison on this tranquil outpost. Although the building work was completed in 1894, the prison never housed any inmates.

In the 1920s, Prison Island was transformed into a quarantine island that served British territories in East Africa. The prison buildings were converted into a hospital, and patients were monitored for 1-2 weeks before they were permitted to leave.

Prison Island is a tropical paradise which contains an abundance of wildlife and great scenery. Most travellers visit Zanzibar at the end of a safari adventure on mainland Tanzania, and a visit to Prison Island is a great day trip for travellers who want to immerse themselves in Zanzibar’s history.

The 5.6km boat trip from Stone Town to Prison Island takes around 25 minutes, and the return journey costs US$30-40. You can negotiate the price with local boat owners, or you can book through a tour company whose prices will be higher. You must also pay a US$4 entry fee upon your arrival at Prison Island.

The waters around Prison Island are notoriously choppy, so you should avoid this excursion if you are uncomfortable with rough boat journeys.

If you choose to spend a few nights at Prison Island, you will stay at Changuu Island Lodge, the only lodge on the island. Changuu Island Lodge offers 27 rooms which are separated across two locations.

You can choose between 15 cottages in the northwest of the island, and 12 cottages in the southwest of the island which are situated in the former quarantine zone. The accommodation in the northwest of the island is crafted from natural materials and it is a great choice for travellers who value their own space.

The cottages in the southwest of the island have private verandas which offer sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, and they are ideal for travellers who enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean. The lodge has excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar.

Most travellers choose to stay in Stone Town and visit Prison Island as a day trip. Stone Town offers a more extensive range of accommodation, from luxury to budget.