Prison Island & Giant Tortoises: Guided Tour with a Local
Meet your local guide in Stone Town and enjoy a scenic boat ride to Prison Island. Discover the island's history and learn about its historical buildings and connection to Zanzibar's past. Meet the famous giant Aldabra tortoises and learn about their origins, behaviour, and conservation. Explore the island, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and hear fascinating local stories from your guide before returning by boat to Stone Town.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Cape town fish market forodhan gaden
- Meet your local guide outside Cape Town Fish Market restaurant near Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town, Zanzibar. guide will be waiting for you and will ask for your name before starting the boat trip to Prison Island
From meeting to prison island
We will meet at the agreed meeting point in Stone Town, where I will welcome you and introduce myself as your local guide. Before departure, I will explain the plan for our tour and share some interesting information about Zanzibar's history and culture.
We will then walk to the boat departure point and board a traditional motorboat for a scenic ride to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. During the boat journey, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and the coastline of Stone Town.
Prison building
Welcome to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. This island has an interesting history. In the late 19th century, the island was associated with plans for a prison, but it was never used as a functioning prison for criminals as originally intended. The island was also used as a quarantine station for people suffering from infectious disease.
Giant Aldabra tortoises
Prison Island is famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises. These tortoises originally come from Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. Some were brought to Zanzibar in the late 19th century.
These tortoises can live for more than 100 years, and some can weigh over 200 kilograms. They move slowly and feed mainly on leaves, grasses, and other vegetation.
During your visit, you can observe these amazing animals, learn about their lives, and take photographs. They are one of the main attractions of Prison Island and an important part of its wildlife heritage.
Prison restaurant
Prison Island also has a restaurant where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments or a meal while taking in the beautiful island surroundings.
The restaurant offers visitors an opportunity to rest after exploring the historic buildings and seeing the giant tortoises. Depending on the menu and availability, visitors may enjoy local dishes, seafood, drinks, and other refreshments.
Ending Point
Cape town fish market forodhan
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
*local professional tour guide
*Private boat go and back
*Water during the tour
*- Prison Island entrance fee and marine conservation fee and included in the tour price
*Tips for the guide are optional
*Snorkeling gear $3
Tour Important Information
* Please arrive at the meeting point on time.
*Boat transportation to Prison Island is included.
*Prison Island entrance fees are included
*The entrance fees are included
*Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
*Please inform your guide in advance if you have any special needs.
Important message from the supplier
I am generally flexible with my availability and can accommodate tours in the morning, afternoon, or evening, depending on the booking. Please feel free to contact me with your preferred date and time, and I will do my best to accommodate your schedule.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Mbwana H.
My name is Mbwana, a local tour guide from Zanzibar, Tanzania.
I am passionate about sharing the beauty, history, culture, and everyday life of Zanzibar with travelers from around the world. As a local guide, I enjoy showing visitors both the famous highlights and the authentic side of the island.
I offer personalized experiences including Stone Town walking tours, Prison Island visits, spice tours, beach experiences, and other Zanzibar adventures. I always aim to make my tours friendly, informative, relaxed, and enjoyable.
Whether you are interested in Zanzibar’s history, culture, local traditions, beautiful beaches, or simply want to explore the island with a friendly local, I would be happy to be your guide.
Welcome to Zanzibar — I look forward to showing you my beautiful island!
$90/ per person
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