PRISON ISLAND

Prison Island also known as the Changuu Island lies just off the Old Stone Town about 30 minutes by boat from stone town. Changuu Island was used as a penitentiary for rebel slaves by the sultans from the 1860s until the end of the slave trade. After which the British began building a prison on the island under the guidance of First Governor, Lloyd Matthews. This was completed in 1894. However, the ‘prison’ was only ever used as a quarantine centre for possible yellow-fever victims. Nowadays the island gives you the chance to escape for some peace and quiet. the island is a home to giant land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles in the 19th Century.

The tour starts from 9:00am-3:30pm, there you will be able to see the Giant tortoises, beautiful marine creatures, coral reef, and it is also a best site for doing Snorkelling. Once on the island, you have the opportunity to feed and pet the tortoises, some of which are over a hundred years old. If you have time, you may also like to take a stroll through the forested interior where you will see a wide variety of birds, colourful peacocks, bats, and beautiful butterflies. Keep your eyes peeled too for the shy and elusive Duikers – an unusual tiny antelope species.

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