Prison Island Boat Trip
Changuu Island, Urban/West Region, Zanzibar - Tanzania

Highlights

• You have the opportunity to feed and pet the tortoises
• Visit Lloyd Mathew’s Architecture

Tour Description

Prison Island also known as the Changuu Island lies about 30 minutes by boat from the Zanzibar Island. The prison thereon was never used to house prisoners. The Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar will take you there. The island was once used by an Arab slave trader to contain the more troublesome slaves he had brought from the African mainland to prevent their escape before shipping them to the Arabian purchasers, or for auctioning in Zanzibar slave trade market. The slaves were dumped on the island.

In 1893, Lloyd Mathews built the prison. The prison idea was to send violent criminals from the Tanganyika mainland to the Prison Island. The Prison Island ended up being used as a quarantine center, instead of a prison, for yellow fever epidemics that once raged through the region. Prison Island remained in the ownership of the government which converted the newer quarantine buildings into a guest house.

The old prison still remains standing, providing shelter for some of the giant tortoises which can now only be found on this island, and the cells. After the tour there's a snorkeling option for those who'd like to get wet. All part of the budget by default.

What’s Included

• Service of Informative, friendly and Experienced Professional Tour guide
• Pick-Up and Drop-Off from any place of stay in private car
• All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
• Snorkeling gear (life jacket, mask & flippers)
• VAT (18% charged by the Government)
• Comfortable Private Wooden Dhow
• Transport waiting charge
• All Entrances Fees

What’s Excluded

• Visa fees (US $50 / US $100 for American or Irish Passport holders)
• Drinks & Beverages (Champagne, Spirits, Premium Brands and Cigars)
• Any domestic connection flights on arrival or departure
• Gratuities for Guide / Driver (please tip separately)
• International & Domestic Flights
• Medical Insurance if needed
• Expenses of a personal Nature