Zanzibar Prison Island Tour: Tortoise & History Review

Prison Island, very often referred to as Changuu Island, sits a little way off the coast of Stone Town, Zanzibar, and too it’s a spot loaded with things that have happened and an awful lot of super interesting wildlife. So, if you’re thinking about taking a half-day trip there to look at the seriously old tortoises, wander around some places that are quite important historically, and so maybe soak up a little sun, this detailed review is likely something you want to look at. Maybe let’s see what’s so appealing concerning this quite favorite little outing, is that ok?

Booking Your Prison Island Experience

The first thing on your plate, obviously, is making reservations. And I am telling you this straight up, there’s a ton of different tour companies around providing trips to Prison Island. That is because comparing pricing, what folks have said about them and such can certainly affect what you eventually select. Too it’s almost the case that local operators right in Stone Town often provide tours, or you might want to book a thing before you go by going to some online tour spots like Viator or GetYourGuide, depending on which is just a bit more your vibe. Actually, it is beneficial to look at what is contained inside a tour—stuff like the boat journey, entry fees, plus if snorkeling stuff is present—before just settling on something. You could want to also have someone come to get you from your spot of lodging for a bit extra money.

So, it is possible that your booking procedure turns out without major issues, which then means the next phase becomes the very first trip towards that watercraft, often located in or close to Stone Town. Now, as I say that, things may be a bit crazy in that general region! Lots of boats, vendors, people, is that right? Keep your tour people close to you, and so verify the vessel corresponds towards all the stuff you have organized. As a matter of fact, this travel to Prison Island itself is generally very calm, and so lets you view Stone Town disappearing behind you while approaching the ocean’s seemingly endless openness.

Meeting the Gentle Giants: The Tortoises of Prison Island

Without question, the gigantic Aldabra tortoises comprise a truly huge reason many travelers take that travel to Prison Island. That said, once ashore, the initial feeling may possibly prove pretty amazing; you are instantly near this bunch of animals, numerous ones who, literally, exceed a century! In some respects, these amazing creatures came to Zanzibar in the late 1800’s coming from the Seychelles, and so turned this spot as being their forever residence.

So, if you think about it, these are living links towards far away happenings. Typically, you are going to find the chance to come near the tortoises; stroke their robust shells and furthermore have some absolutely neat images. Even though such encounters tend to be a lot of pleasure, always listen towards all rules by the team to ensure these tortoises continue experiencing wellness. By the way, find out their ages through observing the paint mark upon the carapace – truly good way that you know a thing or two regarding which individual’s had a number of birthday celebrations! That is so super! The babies are obviously inside a far safer area. Don’t rush through there, yet; be certain you dedicate a fair amount of moments towards appreciating them and seeing all these ancient beings.

History Woven in Stone: Exploring the Prison Ruins

However, the name itself — “Prison Island”—isn’t anything that should happen just without being known further; this particular island’s history definitely goes rather far. It must be known; despite its name, it by no means operated to be a completely fledged prison facility. Seemingly, it had been constructed through one particular British person round the 1890’s; it had been his intention that that area will likely become a location through which dangerous people went; they were shipped from of the mainland towards it. Anyhow, the structure didn’t serve in that regard; rather, it then turned out to be one yellow fever quarantine location. Too it’s almost the case that those outdated structures, whilst partially demolished these days, do really give off distinct eeriness. One can potentially observe some former cell blocks plus living sectors. In some respects, in case you go somewhat away and picture it inhabited by people, well, it offers an eerie feel to say the least. You understand, some manual can commonly provide info on which occurred in those spots through years passed on to give things some extra significance.

Right nearby such outdated buildings can be found a tiny exhibit describing the history of the isle combined with specific facts associated with specific important function throughout Zanzibar. By the way, consider allocating approximately an hour just a little while researching the past and reflecting the happenings in those environments.

Beyond the Tortoises and Ruins: Island Activities

The excursion has potential to entail far beyond strictly checking out such tortoises plus aged structures. The ocean surrounding such islands can provide a lot of opportunities when it comes to underwater excursions. Typically, one can select somewhere off the coast of that isle for several very exceptional swimming/snorkeling prospects which will mean things get mixed together better. That is to say the reefs have tons of such marine existence with vibrant hues providing underwater photographers or simply people that benefit from taking a look with their face mask just that tiny piece of heaven!

When unwinding can be higher on top, there are, basically, areas on shores that have crystal waters which are just very suited toward bathing or just being. That area tends too can get hot so, I would say, take water, sunglasses plus biodegradable sunscreen.

Planning Your Visit: What to Expect

So, in thinking when it comes to how best that that trip on the Isle should occur without difficulties, below I offer certain useful ideas. Many times, excursions are only approximately half one’s full day. Early trips steer clear of large gatherings which tend get to beaches shortly after 10am nearby and offer a calmer encounter while visiting tortoises before high temps arise midday there.

That area tends too get incredibly hot, so just hydrate all the time. By the way, take environmentally safe suntan lotion given this guards delicate habitats alongside those waters. The soles will require some secure shoes or sandals because paths in those old jail area plus beaches tend being uneven.

Ethical Considerations and Responsible Tourism

That all-around traveler’s expertise, of course, needs one or two ethical decisions. Although that’s correct with basically all traveler events, just being watchful regarding just how you behave could really positively impact such neighborhood alongside environment there as good. A good method is respecting that wildlife by often following those staff tips. Avoid giving things with the tortoise except when they explicitly suggest its good; your own ingredients may truly hurt their well-being there.

Typically, seek those trip companies demonstrating green dedication just by working for nearby towns alongside eco activities at some point of running your visit so your vacation’s beneficial towards a wide audience. Just always pick keepsakes at stores local and take ones own personal rubbish back therefore maintaining isle lovely for most there!

Is the Prison Island Tour Worth It?

If you have some excitement about old places, nature or even need merely something to make for part of a day close to Zanzibar so that is an easy yes, I feel. Although its beaches plus tortoise have appeal from nature aspect too. The whole thing around Zanzibar needs some kind thought before just simply picking as I stated ahead just thus that whatever fits whatever you like works perfect but I suggest giving thought to getting such opportunity sometime there should chance become near around.