Prison Island Tour To See Giant Tortoises

Embark on a captivating half-day boat journey to Prison Island, situated just 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town. This island, nestled among the enchanting ones in Zanzibar, boasts a rich history dating back to the 19th century when the Sultanate of Oman asserted control over Zanzibar. In 1890, an intriguing chapter unfolded as Sir Lloyd Mathew, the British First Prime Minister in Zanzibar, acquired the island with the intention of constructing a prison for dissidents. Surprisingly, Prison Island never served its intended purpose but instead became a refuge, transforming into a hospital during a yellow fever pandemic. Notably, this island is renowned as the abode of the Aldabra Giant Tortoises, the world's second-largest species, originally hailing from Seychelles. Additionally, the island is a sanctuary for diverse bird species, including peacocks, doves, and crows, while charming small antelopes known as Dik-dik roam freely. Divided into two facets, the island beckons exploration on both the Prison side and the tortoise side, allowing you ample opportunities to capture captivating moments through your lens.