Changuu Island – Also referred to as Prison, Quarantine, or Kibandiko, Changuu Island is one of the breathtaking islands in Zanzibar. This small island is rich in history and beauty, marked by crystal-clear, turquoise waters, tall palm trees, and white-sandy beaches.
It is also known as the untouched Tortoise Sanctuary and a perfect getaway for nature lovers, surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean.
Changuu Island was famous for sheltering rebellious slaves in the 1860s, serving as a quarantine center for yellow fever patients, and functioning as a coral mine.
Location of Changuu Island
Changuu Island is only about 5.6 kilometers away and a 30-minute boat ride northwest of Stone Town on Unguja Island, the largest and most populated island of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
Size of Changuu Island
Changuu Island extends about 800 meters (0.8 kilometers) in length and approximately 230 meters (0.23 kilometers) in width at its broadest area.
History of Changuu Island
The history of Changuu Island is closely connected to the slave trade in East Africa. The name “Changuu” comes from a fish commonly found in the ocean waters around the island.
Initially uninhabited until the 1860s, the island was given by Zanzibar’s first Sultan, Majid bin Said, to two Arab traders as a prison for defiant slaves before they were shipped abroad or sold at the local Slave Trade Market in Stone Town.
In 1893, the island was acquired by Lloyd Mathews, a British naval officer, first minister, and abolitionist, who built a prison complex there.
However, the prison was never used to hold prisoners and instead became a quarantine center for yellow fever patients.
The main prison building served as a hospital and was renamed “Quarantine Island.” The island later became a popular vacation destination.
After years of disuse, the island became a government-owned tourist resort and is now home to several endangered Aldabra giant tortoises, which have existed for centuries.
The origin of the giant tortoises on Changuu Island dates back to the 1900s, when four specimens were gifted to the island by the British Governor of Seychelles.
Over time, the population grew, but by 1955, they were being stolen for food or sold as pets. To restore their numbers, 80 hatchlings were sent from Aldabra Island in Seychelles.
Beautiful Climate of Changuu Island
Like other Zanzibar islands, Changuu experiences two significant rainy seasons: the long rainy season from March to April and the short rainy season in November and December. The rest of the year is mostly dry, with clear skies, high temperatures, and abundant sunshine. There are two main dry seasons: the cooler dry season from June to October and the hot, humid dry season from January to February.
Unique Attractions in Changuu Island
- Giant Tortoises: The Aldabra giant tortoises were introduced to Changuu Island in 1919 as a gift from the British Governor of Seychelles. The tortoise population, initially only four, quickly grew to over 200 by 1955. However, locals began to steal them for food or sale, reducing their numbers. By 1996, only seven remained, prompting the shipment of 80 additional hatchlings to replenish the population. With the help of World Animal Protection, the remaining tortoises were safeguarded. Today, the island is home to a healthy population cared for by a dedicated foundation, and visitors can approach and feed them.
- Old Prison Buildings: Visitors can tour the old prison buildings, originally intended as a prison for slave traders, accompanied by local guides.
- Peacocks: Changuu Island is also home to a number of peacocks.
- Pristine White Sandy Beaches: The beach on Changuu Island is small but beautiful and perfect for swimming at high tide.
Sensational Tourist Activities on Changuu Island
- Snorkeling: Snorkeling is a must-do activity on Changuu Island, allowing visitors to explore deeper water levels and small coral areas offshore.
- Guided Nature Walks: Guided walks lead visitors across a wooden bridge to former prison ruins now covered with overgrown plants.
- Unwinding at the Beach: Visitors can sunbathe on the peaceful, white-sandy beaches, enjoying the beauty of the turquoise waters.
- Day Tours of Stone Town: Day tours to nearby Stone Town are possible and provide magical views of the bustling town from Changuu Island, especially at night.
Best Time to Visit Changuu Island
Changuu Island can be visited year-round, but the best weather for most activities is during the dry months: January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. These months are popular due to low tides and coincide with school holidays in Europe and America, increasing the number of tourists.
Best Places to Stay While Exploring Changuu Island
- Changuu Private Island Paradise: This exclusive retreat, located about 3.5 miles northwest of Stone Town, offers 15 exquisite cottages with verandas, a café, boutique, library, restaurant, and swimming pool.
- Asmini Palace Hotel: Located behind Sultan Palace and just a short walk from Forodhani Garden in Stone Town, this hotel offers a four-star experience with sea views, en-suite bathrooms, satellite TVs, air-conditioning, and a terrace.
- Tausi Palace Hotel: This midrange hotel in Stone Town offers BBQ facilities, sea views, and rooms with private bathrooms and seating areas.
- Maru Maru Hotel: Blending Zanzibari culture with modernity, Maru Maru offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop lounge with views of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean.
- Balcony House Zanzibar: Located in Stone Town, Balcony House offers rooms with shared bathrooms, ceiling fans, wardrobes, mosquito nets, living areas, and balconies.
Other accommodations near Changuu Island include Zenji Hotel, Kisiwa House, Tembo House Hotel, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Mizingani Seafront Hotel, Malindi Guesthouse, Amigos Hotel, Africa House Hotel, and many others.
How to Reach Changuu Island
Changuu Island is approximately 5.6 kilometers from Stone Town, a quick 30-minute boat ride away. Due to its proximity to Stone Town, visits to Changuu Island can be combined with day tours of Stone Town.
In addition to Unguja Island, Zanzibar Archipelago includes other popular islands such as Pemba, Latham, Mafia, Chumbe, Mnemba, Bawe, Kisiwa Mbali, Misali, Jombe, and Chapwani.
