Hello, guys! I’m taking you on a little trip to Zanzibar! We are taking a boat across the sea to discover Changuu Island also known as Prison Island.
A bit of history
It became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
Today the Island is a popular holiday destination and a giant Tortoise sanctuary, located only 30 min away from the mainland.
We set foot on this beautiful wooden pontoon and went straight to see the tortoises (after a couple of pictures of course đ ).
The Tortoises
Hundred of pictures later đ we finally got to the main entrance. It cost US$4 to see the Aldabra giant tortoises. They are vulnerable species, so a dedicated foundation is looking at their welfare.
Those are the youngest separated from the adults
The oldest ones have their age written in blue on their shells this one below is 31 years old
The staff gives you some leaves to feed the Tortoise at the entrance
The old prison
A couple of selfies later, we went to visit the old prison. Some cells can be visited, and we actually change our clothes to bikini in one of them, turned into a restroom
As you can see the old prison is still standing facing the sea
Aiysha says the traders shipped the slaves from here to their horrible fate. That beautiful place has such a dark story for the people who were held there.
Another view of the gate
The cool stuff
And last but not least! Our well-deserved beach treats đ We went early in the morning so we had the beach to ourselves.
People started coming around 10 am
Our Gladiator boat waiting for us to go back to the mainland
This is the end (#adelevoice ) of our little getaway to Prison Island. I hope you enjoyed it!
You have some general info about Zanzibar on my introduction post Here
I went with my dear friend Aiysha from http://www.inzanzibarbyaiysha.com/ who’s one of the few female guides there.
You can also find her on IG
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Wow! Is this the prison with the best view ever?! The water looks so nice. It’s worth starting the day earlier than others just to have the beach just for yourself. I went to Zanzibar about three years ago but didn’t have time to visit this island. It was after climbing Kilimanjaro, I spent one day just resting!
I didn’t have time to go to the Kilimanjaro, I hope to get back explore soon
Wow! It’s rather haunting to think that a tourist attraction, especially such a beautiful one, was once a place for imprisoning enslaved people. If I ever go, I would definitely be interested in learning some of their stories, if known.
Yes, Zanzibar was once a slave market. So you’ll have along with the beautiful beaches, the slavery history
That water looks so blue! This looks like a really cool getaway!
It was really a great trip!
Your photos are amazing. I would love to visit an island like this.
Thanks for passing by đ
I totally led out an audible “EEEEE” when I got to the first tortoise pic! I would have never left them. They’re so cute! This sounds like a way fun day trip.
I love the beach, I think Prison Island is so perfect. nice shot!
Cool stuff! Lovely photos đđ» one of the coolest things about Zanzibar – according to me đ- is that Freddie Mercury was born here â€ïž
A Prison Land? What a unique name! Itâs interesting to know about the history of this place. Iâm glad that they keep the name to remind about the orginial of the island. Also, I totally agree that the island looks like paradise â€
Thanks for sharing this , Zanzibar is so beautiful yet unknown. I really like the fact that a place that used to have a prison has created a sanctuary that looks after tortoisesâ welfare. There are some positive actions going on.
would love to see tortoises in real life like this. lovely post. thanks
What a gorgeous place Ayana. The water color is breathtaking! I love those huge tortoises too. 31 years old is like being a young kid for these guys, as they can be 150 years old, or even older. Amazing.
Ryan