What is Wildlife-based tourism? It is tourism that involves wildlife....
Read MorePrison Island or Changuu Private Island is located in Zanzibar Tanzania. It is a small island covering about 5.6 km. It has overcome its history to become a great tourist destination. It is popular for its giant tortoises. Let’s learn more including how to get to Prison Island Zanzibar.
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Where is Prison Island located? Prison Island is located in Zanzibar Tanzania. It is off the coast of Stone Town. With a boat ride, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the island from Stone Town. Its latitude and longitude coordinates are 6.1195° S and 39.1664° E.
Why visit Prison Island? Tourists enjoy various activities at Prison Island. You can chill on the beautiful white sandy beach. You can enjoy water sports such as snorkeling in blue clear water. The main activity is playing with giant tortoises on the island and taking photos with them.
Which is the best time to visit Prison Island? The best time to visit Prison Island or Changuu Island is during the dry season. The climate is favorable for most activities on the island. It is also the high season for tourism in Zanzibar. You will find tourists from across the world exploring this destination.
How to get to Prison Island Zanzibar? Prison Island is easily accessible. You can take a flight from your home country or any place in East Africa to Zanzibar. From Zanzibar, your tour operator will take care of transfers to the Island. Normally, you will enjoy a drive to Stone Town. From here, you will enjoy a boat ride to Prison Island Zanzibar for about 30 minutes.
History
Prison Island has a fascinating history. The first British Minister of Zanzibar bought Changuu Island to build a prison. This initial plan led to the name “Prison Island”. It was used as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 1860s. Later, the island became a quarantine station for cases of yellow fever. Today, it serves as a holiday destination. It is a popular government tourist resort. During a Changuu Island tour, visitors learn about this history.
Animals
Prison Island is home to giant tortoises. In 1919, Changuu Island received four giant tortoises from Aldabra Island. The British governor of Seychelles sent the animals as a gift to the island. In 1955, the island received 80 hatchlings to increase the number of these endangered animals. Since then, the population of tortoises has rapidly increased on the island. Tourists enjoy playing with these precious animals while on a Changuu Island tour. You are also free to take photos with the tortoises.
Scenery
Prison Island has a beautiful sandy beach. This small beach is a quiet place for relaxing. You can peacefully sunbathe or just chill. Tourists love the white sandy beach. You can also enjoy beach games such as football or volleyball with family or friends. Other tourists choose to have a walk along the beach to enjoy its views.
Along the beach, you will notice blue clear waters and colorful coral rocks. These are perfect for water sports such as snorkeling and swimming. Your tour operator will arrange for snorkeling gear and life jackets.
Climate
Prison Island has two seasons. The wet season is between April to June and November to December. Heavy rains are common in March and April. Rain is common most days during the wet season. But some days have clear skies and may be sunny. The dry season is between January and February and July to October. The dry season is better for most of the tourist activities on the island.
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