Zanzibar's tortoise island escape

Changuu Island

6 nearby safarisBest: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep…

The destination

About Changuu Island

Changuu, better known as Prison Island, lies a short dhow ride northwest of Stone Town. The prison built in 1893 never held a convict; it served as a quarantine station, and today its weathered walls share the island with a sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises, some well over a century old. Visitors feed and walk among the gentle giants, then snorkel the coral shallows or simply enjoy the sandbank views back toward Stone Town's skyline. It is the classic half-day trip from Zanzibar's old town.

Best time to visit

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Jan Feb

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Changuu Island in context

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Nearby journeys

Safaris in Tanzania

No packaged tour stops here yet. These get you closest, or we can build a custom route through Changuu Island.

From $1,705

6 days

Featured

6-Day Tanzania Low Season Safari

Same camps and guides as the peak season, with far fewer vehicles at the sightings. Low-season rates for November 2026 and May 2027, from US$1,705 per person. A full day of game driving in Tarangire, including a hot lunch in the park. Two nights in Central Serengeti, with a full day on the Seronera plains. A morning on the Ngorongoro Crater floor, with lunch by the lake. Your own Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, on-board Wi-Fi and a private guide. Met at Kilimanjaro Airport, with your first night in Arusha included

12-Day Signature Great Migration River Crossing Photographic Safari

Four nights in Northern Serengeti, so the safari never depends on one afternoon at the Mara River. A scheduled flight straight to Kogatende, saving a full day of overland transfer. A maximum of four photographers per private vehicle, for real shooting space. Three nights in Central Serengeti for leopard, lion and cheetah photography. A full day inside Ngorongoro Crater, descending early into soft light. A final Arusha night to back up files and repack equipment before flying home

Arusha | Serengeti National Park | Central Serengeti | Ngorongoro Crater

12-Day Signature Great Migration Calving Photographic Safari

Four nights on the Ndutu calving plains, not a single overnight stop. A maximum of four photographers per private vehicle, for real access to the windows and pop-up roof. A full day inside Ngorongoro Crater, descending early while the light is still soft. Three nights in Central Serengeti for leopard, lion and cheetah photography. A scheduled Seronera to Arusha flight, so the last day is spent shooting rather than driving. Vehicle refrigerator, charging points and Wi-Fi where network coverage permits

Arusha | Ngorongoro Crater | Ndutu Area | Central Serengeti

5-Day Tanzania Low Season Safari

Same camps and guides as the peak season, with far fewer vehicles at the sightings. Low-season rates for November 2026 and May 2027, from US$1,620 per person. A full day of game driving in Tarangire. Two nights in Central Serengeti, with a full day on the Seronera plains. A morning on the Ngorongoro Crater floor, with lunch by the lake. Your own Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, on-board Wi-Fi and a private guide. Starts from your hotel in Arusha, so it fits after a Kilimanjaro climb or a night in town