Prison Island, Zanzibar

Prison Island, Zanzibar  

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Prison Island also called Changuu Island, Quarantine Island, or Kibandiko in Swahili, is a small island in Tanzania's Zanzibar Channel. It’s located about 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) northwest of Stone Town. The island is roughly 800 meters (2,600 feet) long and 230 meters (750 feet) wide at its widest point. In the 1860s, it was used as a holding area for enslaved people and as a site for coral mining.

In 1893, Lloyd Mathews, a British official in Zanzibar, bought the island and built a prison there. However, the prison was never used to hold prisoners. Instead, the facility served as a quarantine station for yellow fever patients. The quarantine station was used only part of the year, and during the rest of the time, the island became a popular getaway spot.

Today, Changuu Island is a tourist destination owned by the government. It’s known for its population of Aldabra giant tortoises, which were a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles. These tortoises are now a rare species and one of the main reasons people visit the island.

Zanzibar's Giant Tortoises

The giant tortoises on Prison Island (Changuu Island) originate from the Aldabra Atoll, which is part of the Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. These Aldabra giant tortoises were gifted to Zanzibar by the British governor of Seychelles in the late 19th century. Today, they are one of the main attractions on the island and are part of a conservation effort to protect this endangered species.

A giant tortoise on Prison Island

Understanding the behaviour  of Aldabra Giant Tortoises

Aldabra giant tortoises, like those on Prison Island, have unique behaviors that make them fascinating creatures. They are social animals, often seen gathering in groups to rest or stay cool in the shade. Despite their size, they are gentle and even enjoy interacting with people, especially when being fed leafy greens. To regulate their body temperature, they spend time basking in the sun and cooling off in shaded spots or mud baths, which also protect their skin and keep parasites away. These tortoises are known for their curious nature and will often stretch their long necks when exploring or during feeding. Their slow and steady movements help them navigate their surroundings, and they can climb over small obstacles with ease. For food, they graze on grasses, leaves, and fruits and will even stand on their hind legs to reach higher plants. These tortoises have excellent memory and can recognize familiar faces or routines over time. Known for their incredibly long lifespan, often exceeding 100 years, they are a symbol of endurance. Whether sunbathing, foraging, or socializing, Aldabra giant tortoises display a range of behaviors that show their adaptability and charm.

A giant tortoise enjoy interacting with people

Aldabra giant tortoises are famous for their impressive lifespans, typically living between 100 and 170 years, with some living even longer. One notable example is Adwaita, a tortoise from the Alipore Zoological Gardens in Kolkata, India, who passed away in 2006. Her age was estimated to be between 150 and 250 years, but these figures can't be confirmed due to the shorter lifespans of those who recorded them. Currently, a male Aldabra giant tortoise named Jonathan resides on Saint Helena Island. Believed to have been born in 1832, he is nearly 200 years old. If accurate, this makes him not only the oldest living land tortoise but also potentially the oldest land animal on Earth. While the exact ages of the tortoises on Prison Island aren’t precisely known, staff claim that several are over 100 years old. This species is also called the Seychelles Giant Tortoise, a name that highlights its origins. Aldabra, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean and part of the Seychelles, is their natural habitat. These islands are home to the unique and massive population of these remarkable animals.

    The Island's History as a Prison and Quarantine Station

Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, has a fascinating and unique history. Located just off the coast of Zanzibar, this small island once played a significant role in the region’s history. In the 1860s, it was used as a place to hold enslaved people before they were transported elsewhere. The island's role as a prison, however, didn’t last long.

In 1893, the British official, Lloyd Mathews, purchased Changuu Island and had plans to build a prison there. However, no prisoners were ever kept on the island. Instead, it became a quarantine station to isolate people with yellow fever. During this time, it was only used for part of the year, as the quarantine station operated in the warmer months. For the rest of the year, the island was a popular place for relaxation and a getaway destination.

Prison wall from the outside

The island’s use as a quarantine station is part of its lesser-known history, as most people today associate it with its prison-like past. The quarantine station aimed to prevent the spread of yellow fever, which was a major concern during that time. Today, the island is mainly known for its beautiful surroundings and giant Aldabra tortoises that live there, but the memories of its prison and quarantine roles still remain.

While the island is now a popular tourist destination, its past serves as a reminder of how history and health concerns shaped the island’s use. Visitors can learn about this fascinating history and enjoy the natural beauty of Changuu Island, a place that once served as a prison, a quarantine station, and now a peaceful retreat.

Things to Do in Changuu Island

1- Chill at the beach: the sandy beach on the island is a perfect place to relax, enjoy the tranquility, and have a sunbath.  

2- Snorkeling: it is an activity that you should not miss. The boat will take off shore to enjoy the deeper water level with a small area of coral.  

3- A walk: having a walk to look back at Changuu Island at the end of the wooden bridge is charming and rewarding.

Book Your Trip to Changuu Island Today

Whether you’re looking to explore the rich history, meet the giant tortoises, or simply relax in paradise, Changuu Island has something for everyone. Book your trip today and experience this unique gem of Zanzibar!