Changuu Island

Also referred as Prison, Quarantine or Kibandiko, Changuu Island is one of the breathtaking Islands in Zanzibar. This small Island is a place of rich history and beauty marked by crystal clear and turquoise waters, tall palm trees as well as white-sandy beaches. It is also known as the untouched Tortoise Sanctuary and a perfect getaway place for nature lovers, fringed by tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean.
Changuu Island was famous for sheltering rebellious slaves in the 1860s, quarantine center for yellow fever patients in addition to functioning as a coral mine
Location of Changuu Island.
Changuu Island is only about 5.6 kilometers and only 30 minutes’ boat ride northwest of Stone Town, in Unguja Island (the largest and most inhabited Island of the Zanzibar Archipelago).
Size of Changuu Island.
The Island of Changuu extends for about 800 meters (0.8 kilometers) long as well as approximately 230 meters (0.23 kilometers) wide at its broadest area.
History of Changuu Island.
The History of Changuu Island is somewhat connected to slave trade history in East Africa. Its “Changuu” name originated from a fish that is common in the Ocean waters around the Island. This Island was originally not occupied until the 1860s when Zanzibar’s first Sultan-Majid bin Said offered it to two Arab Traders to be occupied as Prison for defiant slaves before being shipped abroad or sold to the local Slave Trade Market in Stone Town.
This Island was then acquired in 1893 by Lloyd Mathews, a British naval officer, First Minister and abolitionist, who put up a prison complex at the site. However, prisoners were never accommodated within the Island but rather became a quarantine center for yellow fever patients. The main prison building was only inhabited for about 6 months when it was converted into a hospital and its name was changed to “Quarantine Island”. The remaining time the Island became a renowned vacation destination.
After several years of not being used for its purpose, the Island became a Government-owned tourist Resort and is home to several endangered Aldabra giant Tortoises that have existed for several centuries. The origin of the giant Tortoises in Changuu Island dates back to 1900s and during your visits, you will be amazed by their huge sizes as well as turbulent history they went through. Four specimens of Aldabra giant Tortoises from Aldabra Island were gifted to Changuu Island by then British Governor of Seychelles.
Given their unique appearance and exceptionality, the population of these Tortoises that had tremendously grown over years were being stolen for food or sold as pets by 1955. More 80 hatchlings were sent from Aldabra Island of Seychelles to Changuu Island to increase their numbers.
BEAUTIFUL CLIMATE OF CHANGUU ISLAND.
Changuu Island just like other Zanzibar Islands experiences two significant rainy seasons-long rainy season from March to April while the short rainy season happens in November and December. These months experience low rains each day.
The remaining months experience little or totally no rain with clear skies, high temperatures and sunshine filling the entire Island. There are generally two main dry seasons-the cooler dry season from June to October as well as the humid-hot dry season from January to end of February.
UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS IN CHANGUU ISLAND.
Giant Tortoises.
The Aldabra Giant Tortoises were introduced into Changuu Island in 1919 as a gift by the British Governor of Seychelles from Aldabra Island. From only 4 specimens in 1919, the Tortoises bred quickly and increased to 200 individuals by 1955. Locals from the neighboring communities started stealing them for food or sale as pets, hence rapidly reducing their numbers.
By 1996, there were only 7 Tortoises but more 80 hatchlings were shipped to the Island, hence increasing their numbers. However, more 40 Tortoises disappeared and with the assistance of the World Animal Protection, the remaining Tortoises were protected. By 2000, the Island had 17 adult Tortoises, 50 juveniles and over 90 hatchlings.
The Aldabra Giant Tortoises are now classified as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List and Tortoises of the Island are catered for by a dedicated Foundation. Visitors to the Island can come close and feed them.
Old Prison Buildings.
An old building of a structure that was put up to serve as prison for slave traders still exists at Changuu Island. Visitors can therefore get a chance to tour them in the company of local guides.
Peacocks.
There are also a number of peacocks on Changuu Island.
The pristine white sandy beaches.
The Beach around Changuu Island is small and beautiful at high tide but perfect for swimming.
SENSATIONAL TOURIST ACTIVITIES WITHIN CHANGUU ISLAND.
Snorkeling.
Snorkeling is one of the interesting and adventurous activities in Changuu Island. This is definitely a must-do activity and the boat will take you offshore as you start your adventure to relish the deeper water levels with a small area of coral.
Guided nature walks.
Visitors to Changuu Island can participate in guided nature walks and these include the majestic and rewarding walks through the wooden bridge. Just few minutes’ walk across the Island of Changuu leads tourists to the former prison ruins with overgrown plants on the stone walls.
Unwinding at the pristine beach.
Visitors to Changuu Island can also unwind or sunbathe at the white-sandy beaches while relishing the beauty of the turquoise waters. The small and peaceful sandy beach on Changuu Island is serene and quiet, with no one to bother your relaxation and sunbathing experience.
Day tours of Stone Town.
Day tours to the nearby Stone Town are possible for visitors exploring Changuu Island. Just the views of bustling Stone Town from the Island of Changuu is magical especially at night.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CHANGUU ISLAND.
Changuu Island can be explored all year round but the perfect weather for most activities is drier season-months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December. During these months, low tides are experienced hence perfect for activities such as beach walks.
This season also syncs with festive or school holiday season in Europe and America hence experiences increased number of tourists, since most people wish to spend the cold months within warmer places of East Africa.
BEST PLACES TO STAY WHILE EXPLORING CHANGUU ISLAND.
Changuu Private Island Paradise.
This is a small Paradise featuring a small beach surrounded by turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and is about 3.5 miles northwest of Stone Town. There are currently 15 exquisite cottages set up within the northwest of the private Island with large verandas, Café, Boutique and Library. On-site is a beautiful restaurant (Mathews) from a restored building of the late 1890s and an irresistible swimming pool for relaxation.
Asmini Palace Hotel.
Asmini Palace Hotel is strategically located behind Sultan Palace and only 3 minutes’ walk from Forodhani Garden, Shia Conservatory and House of Wonders in Stone Town and offers visitors a four-star experience.
Visitors here are treated to the jaw-dropping sea views from their Hotel rooms in addition of being guaranteed of hospitality by hotel staff. Rooms feature tea/coffee making facilities, en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs and showers, satellite TVs, air-conditioning, terraces overlooking the city and meals are served from the hotel’s A-la Carte Restaurant.
Tausi Palace Hotel.
Tausi Palace is a midrange Hotel in Stone Town, about 300 meters from Zanzibar Curio shop and offers barbeque as well as awe-inspiring sea views. It has single, twin, double and family rooms with some featuring private bathrooms with bathtubs, seating area for unwinding as well as spacious restaurant and fully-stocked bar for relaxation.
Maru Maru Hotel.
If you are looking for a place that blends Zanzibari culture with modernity, then Maru Maru Hotel is the perfect place for you. It offers different categories of spacious rooms-family, King and Twin rooms offering luxury and comfort with a touch of Zanzibar culture spiced with modern amenities. This Hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, a rooftop Lounge bar with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean and stone Town.
Balcony House Zanzibar.
Visitors interested in exploring Changuu Island can also stay at Balcony House in Stone Town. Rooms here are equipped with two shared bathrooms, ceiling fan, wardrobe, mosquito net, living area, shared balconies, dining room, kitchenette and free internet connection while others are air-conditioned.
Other fantastic accommodation facilities within or around Changuu Island include Zenji Hotel, Kisiwa House, Tembo House Hotel, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Mizingani Seafront Hotel, Malindi Guesthouse, Amigos Hotel, Malindi Boutique, Africa House Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Beyt Al Salaam, Jafferji House and Spa, Zanzibar Serena Inn, Al-Minar Hotel, Chapwani Private Island, Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort, Hotel Verde Zanzibar, Dhow Palace Hotel, Bawe Tropical Island, Zanzibar Palace Hotel and many others.
HOW TO REACH CHANGUU ISLAND?
Changuu Island is about 5.6 kilometers from Stone Town and just a 30-minute boat ride from this historical Town, you will already be at the Island. Given its closeness to Stone Town, tours of Changuu Island can be combined with day tours of Stone Town.
Besides Unguja Island, Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of other small and large Islands but the most popular ones are Pemba, Latham, Mafia, Unguja, Chumbe, Mnemba, Bawe, Kisiwa Mbali, Misali, Jombe and Chapwani Islands.