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Zanzibar Prison Island Giant Big Tortoise Tour
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Zanzibar Prison Island Giant Big Tortoise Tour

3 hour(s)
English (United Kingdom)
Nungwi, Tanzania

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours

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Explore historic Prison Island ruins with knowledgeable local guide

Meet Aldabra giant tortoises up close and photograph

Spot colorful peacocks roaming freely across the island

Enjoy scenic Indian Ocean views from local boat

Price start from

$ 190

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Discover The Historic Prison Island And Meet The Famous Giant Aldabra Tortoises


Your journey begins with a convenient hotel pick-up, followed by a scenic drive to the historic Forodhani area in Stone Town. From this vibrant waterfront, you will board a local boat for a refreshing twenty-minute ride across the turquoise Indian Ocean to reach Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Upon arrival, a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the fascinating history of this site, which once served as a quarantine station during the colonial era.


As you walk through the historic prison ruins, you will gain insight into Zanzibar’s complex past and the architectural remnants that remain today. The tour provides a relaxed and informative atmosphere, allowing you to absorb the island's unique heritage at your own pace. The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the Aldabra giant tortoise sanctuary, where you can encounter some of the largest and oldest tortoises in the world, with some individuals reaching over one hundred ninety-six years of age.


These impressive creatures, weighing up to two hundred kilograms, offer a unique opportunity for photography and education regarding their conservation journey from the Seychelles to Zanzibar. Beyond the tortoises, the island is home to beautiful peacocks, which are celebrated for their vibrant feathers and symbolic status of royalty and good fortune. You will have the chance to interact with these graceful birds and capture stunning images against the backdrop of the island's lush, tropical landscape and historic structures.


The tour concludes with a peaceful return boat ride, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Zanzibar's natural and historical treasures. This excursion is perfect for those looking to combine wildlife observation with cultural discovery in a short, manageable timeframe. Whether you are interested in the history of the quarantine station or simply want to feed the giant tortoises, this experience offers a perfect blend of education and leisure for visitors of all ages and interests.

What's Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Round-trip boat transfer to Prison Island
  • Professional local tour guide
  • Entrance fee to Prison Island
  • Tortoise conservation visit
  • Bottled drinking water
What's Not Included
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Personal beach items
  • Meals and snacks
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

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Activity Provider: Zanturtle Explore Tours and Safaris

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