— km²
Size
24-32°C
Temperature
Sea level
Altitude
Tropical island with a warm, humid climate
Climate
A small coral island 20 minutes by boat from Stone Town, home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises and a shallow reef for snorkelling.
Changuu, known as Prison Island, was built as a place to hold rebellious slaves and later used as a quarantine station. It was never used as a prison in the end, but the name stuck. Today it is best known for its giant tortoises, brought from the Seychelles, some of them believed to be more than a hundred years old.
A short boat ride from Stone Town brings you to the island for the tortoise sanctuary, the old buildings, and a swim or snorkel on the small reef. It is a half day trip and combines well with a sunset dhow cruise.
Things to See & Do
Getting There
Boat
About 20 minutes by motorised boat from the Stone Town seafront. Boats depend on the tide.
Wildlife you can see here
All 3 speciesFish
Clownfish (Anemonefish)
Amphiprion spp.
The small orange fish that lives among the tentacles of sea anemones.
Prison Island (Changuu), Mnemba Atoll +3 more
Tortoises
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Aldabrachelys gigantea
A giant tortoise from the Seychelles, kept on Prison Island since the 1800s.
Prison Island (Changuu)
Turtles
Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
A large, gentle turtle that grazes on seagrass and nests on quiet beaches.
Mafia Island, Mnemba Atoll +3 more
Best Time to Visit
FAQs
Can we touch the tortoises?
Gentle contact is allowed at the sanctuary while the keepers supervise. Please never sit on them.
Safaris Visiting Prison Island (Changuu)
Add Kilwa Kisiwani to Your Safari
The route is ours to design — you just pick the places that call you.
Prefer to talk? Call +255 754 123 456