In case you’re planning a visit to Zanzibar in Tanzania, you’ve in all probability heard of “Jail Island.” Typically known as “Changuu Island” or “Turtle Island,” it’s also referred to as the Tortoise Sanctuary.
The identify Jail Island in Zanzibar comes from its historical past as a former jail, though it was by no means used for that function.
Changuu Island will get its identify from the abundance of fish within the surrounding waters – Changuu is the Swahili phrase for fish.
Though referred to as Turtle Island by vacationers, there are no turtles on this explicit island; solely tortoises will be discovered right here.
The principle attraction of this island is undoubtedly the Tortoise Sanctuary, the place you possibly can see large Aldabra tortoises within the wild.
With so many alternative names floating round, it’s simple to get confused. However don’t fear! We’re right here to information you and offer you all the data it’s worthwhile to go to Jail Island in Zanzibar.
Associated learn: Most Fashionable Day Journeys from Zanzibar
Right here is an outline:
The place is Jail Island in Zanzibar?
Positioned within the northwestern a part of Stone City, this website is barely 5.6 km or 3.5 miles from Stone City, making it conveniently near town and excellent for a fast go to.
A ship journey to succeed in it takes about 25 minutes, however bear in mind that the water can get tough at occasions, which may barely lengthen the length of your journey.
Though the island shouldn’t be very massive, solely 800m lengthy and 220m vast, it has a wealth of points of interest and experiences to supply.
What to see on Jail Island
There are a number of tortoises on Jail Island, and they’re positively the principle attraction.
Some folks might mistakenly name them turtles, however technically they’re tortoises. There are about 100 of them; you possibly can stroll amongst them and even feed them. They’ve lettuce for breakfast proper on the bottom!
In case you’re fortunate, you would possibly even pet these superb creatures and take footage.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to keep in mind that as visitors of their habitat, we must always respect their area. Don’t attempt to pressure them to do something or decide them up – the worst factor you are able to do is sit on them!
These Aldabra tortoises are one of many largest tortoise species on the earth; some can weigh as much as 200kg! What makes them actually exceptional is that they’re believed to be among the many longest-living creatures on the earth. The oldest tortoise on Changuu Island is estimated to be a powerful 196 years previous. You’ll discover that a few of these stunning creatures have numbers on their shells indicating their age.
Initially from the Aldabra Atoll within the Seychelles, 4 of those unimaginable tortoises had been generously donated by the Governor of the Seychelles within the 18th century. Their inhabitants grew to round 200 people.
Sadly, their numbers started to say no quickly within the Sixties as a result of poaching. These magnificent creatures had been both stolen for consumption or saved as unique pets. Shockingly, by 1980, there have been solely 100 full-grown people left alive, and sadly, that quantity dropped drastically to simply seven by 1996.
Confronted with such an alarming decline, and with the Aldabra tortoise being listed as ‘weak,’ pressing motion was required by the authorities, and eighty hatchlings had been relocated to Jail Island to offer shelter for this endangered species. This shift within the island’s function, from a spot of exile to a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures, was largely as a result of its geographical isolation, which supplied them with a secure haven.
Along with tortoises, Jail Island can also be house to some peacocks, birds, and small, elusive duikers – tiny antelopes which are tough to identify.
The second most attention-grabbing attraction on the island is undoubtedly the jail ruins. There are benches and a bar the place you possibly can get pleasure from a beer or espresso throughout your go to. Understand that it is likely to be a bit dear, however having such a tremendous view along with your drink would possibly make up for it! The restaurant there’s referred to as the “Jail Restaurant.”
Apparently sufficient, you possibly can go snorkeling close to Jail Island after your go to. It has turn out to be fairly well-liked with guests on the lookout for extra water actions. Simply ask the captain of your boat journey to take you there, as it will be inconceivable to succeed in this spot from shore, and the water is extremely clear, providing nice visibility of the marine life throughout the reef.
When is the perfect time to go to Jail Island?
The best time to go to is within the morning for a number of causes.
First, tortoises are keen and able to eat at the moment. They’ll actively eat meals out of your hand or forage for themselves.
Second, as a result of it’s early within the day and never too scorching, they are typically extra lively and transfer round a bit extra (although don’t count on them to run all over the place). It’s all inside tortoise limits.
To take advantage of your expertise with out feeling uncomfortable as a result of warmth, leaving Stone City at 9am is ideal timing. The temperature received’t be scorching, and also you’ll get to see the turtles at their finest – a win-win scenario.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that as a result of the mornings are well-liked with guests such as you, there could also be some congestion as boats dock and undock. There could also be a brief wait to get on or off the boat, however nothing too lengthy.
Learn how to get to Jail Island?
Sadly, there aren’t any public ferries to take you to Jail Island.
Nevertheless, should you occur to be strolling alongside one of many two seashores in Stone City, likelihood is that you can be approached by people providing personal boat charters. Most of those boats are motorized dhows, that are about 7 meters (22 ft) lengthy and identified for his or her modern hull design. The price of this boat journey will be negotiated and normally decreases per individual when extra folks be a part of the journey. In case you’re on a decent price range, it’s doable to affix a bunch and avoid wasting cash.
Nevertheless, warning is suggested as arranging your personal journey might lead to being cheated or ending up on an unsafe vessel.
Unauthorized guides can be topic to important fines, which may complicate your trip. To make sure a clean and hassle-free expertise, it’s advisable to e book an organized tour as a substitute.
Non-public tour to Jail Island in Zanzibar
You’ll be able to prepare personal excursions to Jail Island for 3 hours.
Throughout this time, you possibly can study concerning the island’s fascinating historical past and admire its breathtaking surroundings.
Embark on an satisfying journey aboard a conventional dhow as you meet your information in Zanzibar or are picked up out of your resort should you want.
Expertise the fascinating story of how this small island received its identify and now serves as a sanctuary.
Value: $50 (Solely $33 on Fridays and Saturdays!)
Length: 3 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
E-book the expertise straight with the tour operator right here
The package deal consists of:
- personal boat transportation
- Entrance payment
- Educated native information
- Snorkeling gear
- Refreshing consuming water
Jail Island tour with lunch on the sandbank
Begin your tour by heading to Jail Island, the place the journey begins.
Discover the beautiful underwater world and meet the magnificent large tortoises that inhabit this island. Swim alongside colourful fish and marvel on the awe-inspiring surroundings that surrounds you.
Later, chill out and unwind on enchanting sandbars as should you had been fortunate sufficient to find them your self.
Value: $94
Length: 6 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
E-book the expertise straight with the tour operator right here
The package deal consists of:
- A scrumptious BBQ lunch
- Handy boat transportation
- Entrance charges are coated for you
- An informative native information to reinforce your expertise
- Prime-of-the-line snorkeling tools supplied in your comfort
- Refreshing consuming water out there all through the journey
- Tasty snacks to maintain you energized
Zanzibar: Changuu Island and Stone City Tour with Lunch
Embark on a personalised day journey to 2 of Zanzibar’s most well-known points of interest – Changuu Island and Stone City. Immerse your self within the wealthy historical past, tradition and folks of the realm whereas having fun with a conventional meal.
Start your journey with a non-public boat journey to Changuu Island, the place you’ll have the liberty to discover at your personal tempo. Benefit from the chance to immerse your self within the native tradition and rise up shut and private with the island’s native turtles.
Cool off out of your adventures by snorkeling the pristine waters in the hunt for vibrant marine life, colourful fish and beautiful coral reefs. This refreshing exercise enhances your exploration of the island’s peacocks and antelopes.
When you’ve completely explored Changuu Island, make your option to Stone City – an East African metropolis steeped in cultural and historic significance. Marvel at its magnificent Nineteenth-century structure, with influences from Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European civilizations.
Study extra about Stone City by visiting notable landmarks such because the Outdated Slave Market and the Metropolis Market after studying about its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Work together with locals as you store for a wide range of items that really seize the essence of East Africa.
Take in the allure of Stone City by exploring fascinating websites such because the Palace Museum, the Home of Marvel (Beit-el-Ajaib) and Freddie Mercury’s childhood house. To finish this enriching expertise, take a second to go to the Pure Historical past Museum (Nyumba ya sanaa) and the Peace Memorial (Mnara wa amani).
Value: $92
Length: 6 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
E-book the expertise straight with the tour operator right here
Your tour consists of:
- Admission Charges
- Information charges
- Refreshing consuming water
- Scrumptious lunch
- Snug boat switch
- Educated native information
- Snorkeling gear in your enjoyment
Boat and security on water
Many of the boats out there are lengthy motorized boats with a solar shade. They is probably not probably the most comfy, however they’re ok for the brief journey to Turtle Island.
Getting on and off the boat is straightforward, as most have a small ladder, and should you’re fortunate, you received’t even get moist. Nevertheless, folks with bodily disabilities might discover it a bit difficult and require extra time.
As talked about above, the water can get uneven at occasions, inflicting some bouncing. It’s essential to notice that life jackets are required on all boats, so please inform the captain should you want to put on one.
Basically, the journey doesn’t take lengthy and is comparatively secure. These captains sail this route a number of occasions a day and are very acquainted with it.
A useful suggestion could be to take some footage of your self aboard the boat as you strategy Stone City or Jail Island.
How a lot does it value, the place to pay and what are the opening hours?
The fee for native guests is 15 USD or 3000 TSH, whereas the entry payment for Minai Conservation is 6000 TSH.
There are two cost cubicles which are simple to identify. First it’s important to pay on the reception desk and then you definately get your tickets at hand over to the ticket collector, which is about 10 meters away. It’s important to have these tickets as they permit entry to the turtle sanctuary.
Kids as much as the age of eight are admitted freed from cost, whereas these over eight pay the identical worth as adults.
Bank cards should not accepted at the moment, however there are rumors that they are going to be within the close to future.
Hours of operation begin at 9:00 am and finish at 5:30 pm.
Staying in a single day on Changuu Island
For individuals who need to maximize their expertise right here, spending an evening in one of many lodges on Changuu Island might be an attention-grabbing choice.
You’ll get to get up with none vacationers round and luxuriate in all this distinctive location has to supply.
The Changuu Island Lodge presents facilities like swimming pools and various kinds of rooms to go well with totally different preferences. The lodge presents 27 room choices divided into two classes.
There are 15 luxurious deluxe cottages discreetly located alongside the ocean line on the northwest aspect of the island. These cottages supply the utmost in privateness and seclusion whereas being constructed with native supplies and conventional thatched roofs to create a snug temperature all through the day and evening.
Inside these spacious lodging, you’ll find elegant decor and en-suite loos in your consolation.
As well as, every cottage has a non-public outside veranda dealing with the ocean, permitting you to benefit from the ocean’s breathtaking views and soothing sounds totally.
On a unique notice, there are additionally 12 charming commonplace rooms positioned in Stone City’s former quarantine space constructed again in 1931. Positioned on the southwest aspect of the island, these rooms supply magnificent views of Stone City itself. As with the opposite lodging on the lodge, every room has its personal en-suite lavatory.
Switch in Zanzibar
As an alternative of the inconvenience and expense of calling a taxi at first or finish of your journey, select this handy and quick different. You will have two selections.
You’ll be able to make the most of a personal airport switch to Stone City, which is inexpensive, secure, and cozy.
Alternatively, you possibly can select the personal switch choice to journey between any level on the island of Zanzibar. Whether or not from the airport to a seashore resort or out of your resort to anyplace else on the island, you’ve got full freedom to resolve the place you need to go.
