These boats will take you from Stone Town, Zanzibar to Changuu Island.
Located just a short distance off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Changuu Island is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. Not only is the island itself a stunning destination, with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, but it is also home to a fascinating tortoise sanctuary that is well worth a visit. If you find yourself in Zanzibar, you should add Changuu Island to your itinerary!
History
One of the most interesting things about Changuu Island is its rich history. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years and was once an important trading center for the ancient Swahili civilization. Today, it is home to a small but thriving community of fishermen and farmers who have maintained many of their traditional ways of life.
This small coral island measures about 5 hectares (12 acres) in size. The island is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, which make it a popular tourist destination. However, the island, also known as Prison Island, also has a dark history.
Why It's Called "Prison Island"
In the 19th century, Changuu Island was used as a quarantine station for imported slaves. The slaves were brought to the island to be checked for diseases before they were allowed to be sold in the market. The island was also used as a prison for rebellious slaves. It was believed that the isolation of the island would help to deter other slaves from rebelling.
In 1893, the British government purchased the island and transformed it into a prison. The prison was used to hold prisoners from mainland Tanzania, who were convicted of crimes such as theft, murder, and rebellion. The prison was known for its harsh conditions, and many prisoners died while serving their sentences.
After the British left Zanzibar in the 1960s, the prison was abandoned and the island was left to decay. In the 1990s, the island was turned into a marine park and a tourist attraction. Today, visitors can tour the island and learn about its history, as well as visit the marine park and see the giant tortoises that call the island home.
Tortoise Sanctuary
One of the highlights of a visit to Changuu Island is the tortoise sanctuary. Located on the north end of the island, the sanctuary is home to a large population of endangered tortoises, as well as a variety of other animals, including monkeys, lizards, and birds. The sanctuary is run by a local conservation organization and aims to protect and preserve these amazing animals.
The tortoise sanctuary on the island was established in the 1990s, after the island was turned into a marine park and a tourist attraction. The sanctuary is home to a variety of giant tortoises, including Aldabra giant tortoises, which are native to the Seychelles islands. These tortoises can grow up to 4 feet in length and can live for more than 150 years. The oldest living Aldabra tortoise can be found on Changuu Island and is 196 years old! The sanctuary is home to more than 50 tortoises, which roam freely around the island. Visitors can also interact with the tortoises and even feed them.
Visitors to the sanctuary can take a guided tour and learn about the different species of tortoises living there. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, as well as learn about their habits and behaviors. The tour also includes a visit to the sanctuary’s hatchery, where you can see baby tortoises hatching and learn about the organization’s efforts to breed and release these animals back into the wild.
The Beach at Changuu Island
In addition to the tortoise sanctuary, Changuu Island offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. The island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling and diving, and there are several companies that offer guided tours and equipment rentals. You can also take a walk along the island’s sandy beaches and explore the local village, where you’ll find a variety of small shops and local markets.
The island is also home to a marine park. Visitors to the island can take a boat tour of the marine park and see the diverse marine life that lives in the waters around the island. The park is home to a variety of colorful fish, including angel fish, triggerfish, and parrot fish. Visitors can also see other marine animals, such as octopuses and sea urchins.
How to Get There
Getting to Changuu Island is relatively easy and can be done in a single day. Once in Zanzibar, you’ll need to make your way to Stone Town, which is located on the western coast of the island. If you take a ferry to Zanzibar, you will be dropped off in Stone Town.
From Stone Town, you’ll need to find a boat to take you to Changuu Island. There are several companies that offer boat trips to the island, and you can easily find one by asking around or checking online. The boat trip takes about 20-30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean along the way.
The round-trip boat ride will cost about $30-$40 USD. The entry fee for Changuu Island is 25,000 Tanzanian Shillings (about $10.70 USD). This fee helps to support the conservation efforts of the island and is collected by the Zanzibar government. While visiting Changuu Island may be slightly more expensive than other attractions in Zanzibar, it is well worth the visit!
