The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Prison Island in Zanzibar Archipelago from Stone Town

Are you looking for an exciting day trip from Stone Town in the stunning Zanzibar Archipelago? Then you should definitely consider Prison Island, located a few kilometers off the coast of Stone Town! Here in this definitive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about visiting Prison Island, why it’s such a great option for a day trip, and even how to book the perfect tour.

What is Prison Island?

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island (or Kisinyani in Swahili), is a small island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, just a few kilometers off the coast of Stone Town. It is perhaps best known for its colonial-era prison, built in 1993 for the confinement of criminal and rebellious slaves. Though it was never actually used as a prison, the ruins are still there and are a popular attraction for tourists visiting the island. But Prison Island has much more to offer than its historical ruins – the island is also home to a range of flora and fauna, including tortoises, birds, and wild monkeys, as well as several beautiful beaches.

Why Visit Prison Island from Stone Town?

Prison Island is an ideal day trip from Stone Town, and there are a variety of reasons why it might be the perfect excursion for you! Here are just a few of the top reasons to visit Prison Island on your next trip to Stone Town:

• Explore historical ruins – With its colonial-era prison, Prison Island offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating history of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
• Observe wildlife – The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including tortoises, birds, and wild monkeys – perfect for animal lovers!
• Relax on the beach – The island boasts several beautiful beaches where you can relax and unwind after a busy day exploring the ruins.

How to Get to Prison Island from Stone Town

There are several ways to get to Prison Island from Stone Town, depending on your budget and travel preferences. Perhaps the most popular option is to book a private guided tour, though there are also public transport options available. Here’s a quick overview of the different ways to get to Prison Island:

Booking a Private Tour

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Prison Island is to book yourself on a private tour. Private tours usually last around 4-6 hours and include transportation from Stone Town to Prison Island (usually by boat or minibus) as well as a guided tour of the island’s landmarks and historical ruins and time for relaxation on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. If you decide to book a private tour, make sure you do plenty of research first – there are a number of different operators offering tours of Prison Island from Stone Town, and not all of them are created equal! Do your due diligence by reading reviews and comparing prices before making your final decision. To get started, we recommend this wonderful tour offered by GetYourGuide, which includes round trip transportation from Stone Town, a guided tour of the historical sites, and plenty of relaxations time on one of the beaches.

Public Transport to Changuu Island

If you’re looking for a cheaper option than booking a private tour, you can also opt for public transport from Stone Town to Changuu Island. You’ll need to take a minibus (also referred to as “Daladala” or “Hawajas”) from Stone Town’s main bus station (located near the harbour) all the way to the town of Chibueni. From here, you can take another minibus or hitch a ride in a motorized outrigger canoe which will take you the rest of the way to Prison Island.

What to Do on Prison Island

Once you’ve arrived at Prison Island, there’s plenty to explore! Here are some ideas of what you can do while you’re there:

• Explore colonial architecture – The most obvious activity when visiting Prison Island is exploring the ruins of its old colonial prison. Take your time walking around and exploring this unique historical site!
• Observe wildlife – As mentioned above, the island is home to a variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for tortoises, birds, and wild monkeys!
• Relax on one of the beaches – Prison Island is home to several stunning beaches – perfect for relaxing or swimming in the crystal clear waters! Be sure to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen!
• Go snorkeling or diving – There are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling or diving around Prison Island – just remember to bring your equipment!
• Picnic on the beach – If you’d prefer to stay dry during your visit to Prison Island, then why not pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it on one of the island’s beautiful beaches?

Conclusion

Visiting Prison Island is definitely a must-do when traveling in Zanzibar Archipelago! Whether you book a private tour or opt for public transport, you’re sure to have an amazing experience exploring this unique island with its fascinating history and stunning views. So what are you waiting for? Ready to plan your trip? Book your tour now with GetYourGuide, and get ready for an unforgettable day trip from Stone Town!