Also known as Kibaniko, Prison Island, Turtle Island or Quarantine Island, Changuu Island lies approximately 6 km northwest of Stone Town, off the west coast of Zanzibar. This small coral outcrop condenses centuries of charged history—slavery, imprisonment, quarantine—into just a few hectares, and today hosts a colony of giant tortoises imported from the Seychelles, as well as free-roaming peacocks.

Why visit Changuu Island

Changuu's main appeal lies in the collision between distinctive colonial history and a protected animal sanctuary. In half a day, you can explore prison cells built in the late 19th century, observe giant tortoises up close—some over a century old—and enjoy a coral beach and reef accessible by snorkeling. Its immediate proximity to Stone Town makes it a logical excursion for anyone with a spare day in the archipelago.

Island history

The island remained uninhabited until the 1860s. The Sultan of Zanzibar then ceded it to two foreigners, who used it to detain rebellious enslaved people before reselling them at Zanzibar's market. Under British protectorate rule, Prime Minister Lloyd Mathews purchased Changuu from its Arab owners to establish a penitentiary complex. The buildings were completed in 1894, but in reality held very few prisoners.

The island was then converted into a quarantine site for British territories in East Africa, particularly to isolate cases of yellow fever and protect Stone Town from epidemics. Left empty most of the year, it gradually transformed into a retreat for Europeans and local notables.

In 1919, the British governor of the Seychelles gifted the island four giant tortoises. The population has multiplied over the decades. Facing poaching—with animals stolen and resold on the mainland—Tanzanian authorities established a protection program. Today, approximately 200 tortoises inhabit the island, with one reported to exceed a century in age.

What to see and do

• The giant tortoise sanctuary: an open-air enclosure where you can walk among the animals. Panels trace the Seychellois origins of the colony and protection measures.
• The former prison: the cells built in 1894 are open to visitors. Several now serve as shaded refuge for the tortoises.
• Converted colonial buildings: a private hotel occupies the northeast section of the island, with around fifteen vacation homes, a tennis court, swimming pool, library and restaurant housed in a former European bungalow.
• The beach and reef: the western coast offers a strip of coral sand and a shallow reef accessible with mask and snorkel, frequented by parrotfish, sea urchins and starfish.
• Free-roaming peacocks that wander the island's trails.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow 3 to 5 hours on the island, including the boat crossing.
• Entrance fee: a modest entry fee is collected upon arrival for the tortoise sanctuary, payable in cash (USD or Tanzanian shillings). The boat excursion is charged separately.
• What to bring: swimming costume, towel, sunscreen, hat, water, snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel), flip-flops, camera.
• On site: a beach restaurant allows you to have lunch; options are limited, so bring snacks if needed.

When to go

Zanzibar is worth visiting year-round, but Changuu is best suited to the dry season. The months of June to October offer calm seas, good underwater visibility and little rain. The period of December to February is also favorable, warmer and sunnier, falling between the two rainy seasons. Avoid the long rains of April and May, when the crossing can be rough and snorkeling disappointing.

How to get there

The island is reached exclusively by boat from the port of Stone Town. The motorboat crossing takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Departures are organized by local operators and hotels, usually in the morning, with return in late afternoon. It is also possible to negotiate directly at the port with boat captains, checking for the presence of life jackets. The excursion is frequently combined with a guided visit of Stone Town the same day.

Nearby attractions

• Stone Town: Unesco-listed historic center and departure point for the excursion.
• Boma Natural History Museum: to extend your discovery of regional wildlife.
• Amboni Caves: on the mainland, a major geological site in northern Tanzanie.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

Changuu Island fits naturally into an itinerary combining Stone Town, the beaches of northern or eastern Zanzibar, and a safari on the mainland. To build a tailor-made itinerary, explore our Tanzanie travel suggestions.