In close proximity to Stone Town, there is the legendary Changuu island also known as Prison Island. Early on there was the real prison site where slaves were detained in a sort of quarantine.
Though it was a torturous historical site, today it's a tourist attraction and a refuge for giant sea tortoises. The first animals were given to Zanzibar as a gift from the Seychelles in the late XIX century. It is now as famous as Zanzibar’s Giant Aldabran Tortoise colony. Many tortoises are even over a hundred years old. A tortoise living on Prison Island is thought to be 190 years old and considered one of the oldest known living animals in the world.
Hatching occurs every February. The newborns are kept in a safe place for a month, where they are guarded from predators. When they get bigger and stronger they join the rest of the colony.
Practical info
When is the recommended time to visit Prison Island to see the newborn giant tortoises?
The incubation period for the eggs of the giant tortoises on Prison Island normally occurs from February to August, while the hatching season is from March to April. However, visitors can view the giant tortoises all year round. During these times, the newborn tortoises are kept in a protected part of the island for about a month before they are reintegrated in the main colony. Show more
What is the origin story of the giant tortoise colony living on Prison Island?
While Zanzibar was still under British rule in the late 19th century, the Seychelles gifted giant tortoises to the island. The tortoises found a suitable habitat on the island, and their population exploded, growing into one of the largest colonies in the world. Nowadays, the tortoises are treated as a precious heritage not just of Zanzibar but of Tanzania. Show more
What are the average and maximum sizes attained by the giant tortoises of Prison Island?
The giant tortoises of Prison Island are known to grow up to 120 centimeters long and weigh up to 250 kilograms. Quite a few of the tortoises on the island are actually older and bigger than the average, with some spanning over a meter in length and weighing up to 300 kilograms. Visitors can therefore expect to see some of the largest tortoises on the planet on this island. Show more
What safety measures are in place in relation to protecting the baby tortoises?
After hatching, the young giant tortoises are transferred to a secure location on the island where staff members protect them from potential predators. This protection lasts for the first month of their lives. After this protection period, the young tortoises are reintroduced to the rest of the colony and are free to move around the island. Close monitoring ensures their safety and protection. Show more
Is it possible for tourists to interact with or touch the giant tortoises of Prison Island?
The giant tortoises of Prison Island are a protected species, and visitors are not allowed to touch them or interfere with their habitat. Tourists can come closer to the tortoises and take pictures with them, but only under the supervision of staff that ensures the safety of both the tortoises and the visitors. The tortoises’ welfare is a top priority, and it is important to ensure they remain safe and secure. Show more
