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For those who’re planning a visit to Zanzibar in Tanzania, you’ve most likely heard of “Jail Island.” Typically known as “Changuu Island” or “Turtle Island,” it is usually known as the Tortoise Sanctuary.
The title Jail Island in Zanzibar comes from its historical past as a former jail, though it was by no means used for that goal.
Changuu Island will get its title from the abundance of fish within the surrounding waters – Changuu is the Swahili phrase for fish.
Though known as Turtle Island by vacationers, there are no turtles on this specific island; solely tortoises may be discovered right here.
The principle attraction of this island is undoubtedly the Tortoise Sanctuary, the place you may see large Aldabra tortoises within the wild.
With so many alternative names floating round, it’s straightforward to get confused. However don’t fear! We’re right here to information you and offer you all the data it is advisable go to Jail Island in Zanzibar.
Associated learn: Most Popular Day Trips from Zanzibar
Right here is an outline:
The place is Jail Island in Zanzibar?
Positioned within the northwestern a part of Stone City, this web site is barely 5.6 km or 3.5 miles from Stone Town, making it conveniently near town and excellent for a fast go to.
A ship journey to achieve it takes about 25 minutes, however bear in mind that the water can get tough at instances, which might barely lengthen the period of your journey.
Though the island just isn’t very massive, solely 800m lengthy and 220m extensive, it has a wealth of points of interest and experiences to supply.
What to see on Jail Island
There are plenty of tortoises on Jail Island, and they’re undoubtedly the principle attraction.
Some folks could mistakenly name them turtles, however technically they’re tortoises. There are about 100 of them; you may stroll amongst them and even feed them. They’ve lettuce for breakfast proper on the bottom!
For those who’re fortunate, you would possibly even pet these wonderful creatures and take footage.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to keep in mind that as friends of their habitat, we must always respect their house. Don’t attempt to power them to do something or choose 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 this planet; some can weigh as much as 200kg! What makes them actually outstanding is that they’re believed to be among the many longest-living creatures on this planet. The oldest tortoise on Changuu Island is estimated to be a formidable 196 years outdated. You’ll discover that a few of these lovely creatures have numbers on their shells indicating their age.
Initially from the Aldabra Atoll within the Seychelles, 4 of those unbelievable 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 because 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 ‘susceptible,’ pressing motion was required by the authorities, and eighty hatchlings had been relocated to Jail Island to supply shelter for this endangered species. This shift within the island’s goal, from a spot of exile to a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures, was largely because of its geographical isolation, which offered them with a protected haven.
Along with tortoises, Jail Island can also be residence to some peacocks, birds, and small, elusive duikers – tiny antelopes which can be troublesome to identify.
The second most fascinating attraction on the island is undoubtedly the jail ruins. There are benches and a bar the place you may get pleasure from a beer or espresso throughout your go to. Remember that it may be a bit expensive, however having such an incredible view together with your drink would possibly make up for it! The restaurant there may be known as the “Jail Restaurant.”
Apparently sufficient, you may go snorkeling close to Jail Island after your go to. It has grow to be fairly standard with guests in search of extra water actions. Simply ask the captain of your boat journey to take you there, as it will be unattainable to achieve this spot from shore, and the water is extremely clear, providing nice visibility of the marine life inside the reef.
When is the very best time to go to Jail Island?
The perfect time to go to is within the morning for a number of causes.
First, tortoises are keen and able to eat presently. They may 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 usually extra energetic and transfer round a bit extra (although don’t count on them to run in all places). It’s all inside tortoise limits.
To take advantage of your expertise with out feeling uncomfortable because of the warmth, leaving Stone City at 9am is ideal timing. The temperature gained’t be scorching, and also you’ll get to see the turtles at their finest – a win-win state of affairs.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that as a result of the mornings are standard 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.
Nonetheless, should you occur to be strolling alongside one of many two seashores in Stone City, likelihood is that you’ll be approached by people providing non-public 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 may be negotiated and often decreases per particular person when extra folks be a part of the journey. For those who’re on a good price range, it’s potential to affix a bunch and avoid wasting cash.
Nonetheless, warning is suggested as arranging your individual journey could lead to being cheated or ending up on an unsafe vessel.
Unauthorized guides will also be topic to vital fines, which might complicate your trip. To make sure a easy and hassle-free expertise, it’s advisable to guide an organized tour as a substitute.
Personal tour to Jail Island in Zanzibar
You may organize private tours to Prison Island for 3 hours.
Throughout this time, you may study in regards to the island’s fascinating historical past and admire its breathtaking surroundings.
Embark on an pleasing 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 title and now serves as a sanctuary.
Price: $50 (Only $33 on Fridays and Saturdays!)
Period: 3 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
The bundle consists of:
- non-public boat transportation
- Entrance price
- Educated native information
- Snorkeling gear
- Refreshing ingesting water
Jail Island tour with lunch on the sandbank
Begin your tour by heading to Jail Island, the place the journey begins.
Discover the gorgeous 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, calm down and unwind on enchanting sandbars as should you had been fortunate sufficient to find them your self.
Price: $94
Period: 6 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
The bundle consists of:
- A scrumptious BBQ lunch
- Handy boat transportation
- Entrance charges are lined for you
- An informative native information to reinforce your expertise
- High-of-the-line snorkeling gear offered in your comfort
- Refreshing ingesting 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 world whereas having fun with a conventional meal.
Start your journey with a personal boat journey to Changuu Island, the place you’ll have the liberty to discover at your individual tempo. Benefit from the chance to immerse your self within the native tradition and stand 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 gorgeous coral reefs. This refreshing exercise enhances your exploration of the island’s peacocks and antelopes.
When you’ve completely explored Changuu Island, make your technique 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.
Be taught 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 Website. Work together with locals as you store for a wide range of items that actually seize the essence of East Africa.
Absorb the attraction of Stone City by exploring fascinating websites such because the Palace Museum, the Home of Surprise (Beit-el-Ajaib) and Freddie Mercury’s childhood residence. 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).
Price: $92
Period: 6 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
Your tour consists of:
- Admission Charges
- Information charges
- Refreshing ingesting water
- Scrumptious lunch
- Comfy 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 essentially the most snug, however they’re ok for the brief journey to Turtle Island.
Getting on and off the boat is simple, as most have a small ladder, and should you’re fortunate, you gained’t even get moist. Nonetheless, folks with bodily disabilities could discover it a bit difficult and require extra time.
As talked about above, the water can get uneven at instances, 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.
Usually, the journey doesn’t take lengthy and is comparatively protected. These captains sail this route a number of instances a day and are very accustomed to it.
A useful suggestion can be to take some footage of your self aboard the boat as you method Stone City or Jail Island.
How a lot does it price, the place to pay and what are the opening hours?
The fee for native guests is 15 USD or 3000 TSH, whereas the entry price for Minai Conservation is 6000 TSH.
There are two fee cubicles which can be straightforward to identify. First you need to pay on the reception desk and you then get your tickets handy 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.
Youngsters as much as the age of eight are admitted freed from cost, whereas these over eight pay the identical value as adults.
Bank cards will not be accepted presently, 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 accommodations on Changuu Island may very well be an fascinating possibility.
You’ll get to get up with none vacationers round and luxuriate in all this distinctive location has to supply.
The Changuu Island Lodge provides facilities like swimming pools and several types of rooms to go well with completely different preferences. The lodge provides 27 room choices divided into two classes.
There are 15 luxurious deluxe cottages discreetly located alongside the ocean line on the northwest facet of the island. These cottages provide 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 night time.
Inside these spacious lodging, you’ll discover elegant decor and en-suite bogs in your consolation.
As well as, every cottage has a personal outside veranda going through the ocean, permitting you to benefit from the ocean’s breathtaking views and soothing sounds totally.
On a unique be aware, there are additionally 12 charming normal rooms positioned in Stone City’s former quarantine space constructed again in 1931. Positioned on the southwest facet of the island, these rooms provide magnificent views of Stone City itself. As with the opposite lodging on the lodge, every room has its personal en-suite toilet.
Switch in Zanzibar
As a substitute of the inconvenience and expense of calling a taxi firstly or finish of your journey, select this handy and quick different. You’ve got two decisions.
You may reap the benefits of a private airport transfer to Stone Town, which is reasonably priced, protected, and comfy.
Alternatively, you may select the non-public switch choice to travel between any point on the island of Zanzibar. Whether or not from the airport to a seaside resort or out of your resort to anyplace else on the island, you may have full freedom to determine the place you need to go.
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