If you happen to’re planning a visit to Zanzibar in Tanzania, you’ve in all probability heard of “Jail Island.” Generally known as “Changuu Island” or “Turtle Island,” it’s also referred to 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 function.
Changuu Island will get its title 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 may be discovered right here.
The principle attraction of this island is undoubtedly the Tortoise Sanctuary, the place you may see big 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 provide you with all the data it’s essential to go to Jail Island in Zanzibar.
Associated learn: Most Widespread Day Journeys from Zanzibar
Right here is an summary:
The place is Jail Island in Zanzibar?
Situated 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 the town and ideal for a fast go to.
A ship journey to succeed in it takes about 25 minutes, however remember that the water can get tough at instances, which may barely prolong the period of your journey.
Though the island shouldn’t be very massive, solely 800m lengthy and 220m large, it has a wealth of sights and experiences to supply.
What to see on Jail Island
There are numerous tortoises on Jail Island, and they’re positively the primary 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!
If you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly even pet these wonderful creatures and take photos.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to keep in mind that as visitors of their habitat, we should 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 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 Nineteen Sixties attributable to 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 attributable to its geographical isolation, which supplied them with a protected haven.
Along with tortoises, Jail Island can be dwelling to some peacocks, birds, and small, elusive duikers – tiny antelopes which might be troublesome 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 may get pleasure from a beer or espresso throughout your go to. Remember the fact 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’s referred to as the “Jail Restaurant.”
Apparently sufficient, you may go snorkeling close to Jail Island after your go to. It has change into fairly in style with guests on the lookout for extra water actions. Simply ask the captain of your boat journey to take you there, as it might be unattainable 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 one of the 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 at the moment. They are going to 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 sizzling, they are typically extra energetic and transfer round a bit extra (although don’t anticipate them to run in all places). It’s all inside tortoise limits.
To profit from your expertise with out feeling uncomfortable because of the 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 state of affairs.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that as a result of the mornings are in style 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.
The right way to get to Jail Island?
Sadly, there aren’t any public ferries to take you to Jail Island.
Nonetheless, for those who occur to be strolling alongside one of many two seashores in Stone City, chances are high that you can be approached by people providing non-public boat charters. Most of those boats are motorized dhows, that are about 7 meters (22 toes) lengthy and identified for his or her modern hull design. The price of this boat journey may be negotiated and often decreases per individual when extra folks be part of the journey. If you happen to’re on a decent price range, it’s doable to affix a bunch and avoid wasting cash.
Nonetheless, warning is suggested as arranging your personal journey could end in being cheated or ending up on an unsafe vessel.
Unauthorized guides may also 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 an alternative.
Personal tour to Jail Island in Zanzibar
You’ll be able to organize non-public excursions to Jail Island for 3 hours.
Throughout this time, you may be taught concerning the island’s fascinating historical past and admire its breathtaking surroundings.
Embark on an pleasurable journey aboard a standard dhow as you meet your information in Zanzibar or are picked up out of your resort for those who desire.
Expertise the fascinating story of how this small island received its title and now serves as a sanctuary.
Worth: $50 (Solely $33 on Fridays and Saturdays!)
Period: 3 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
E-book the expertise immediately with the tour operator right here
The bundle contains:
- non-public boat transportation
- Entrance charge
- 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 big 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 for those who had been fortunate sufficient to find them your self.
Worth: $94
Period: 6 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
E-book the expertise immediately with the tour operator right here
The bundle contains:
- A scrumptious BBQ lunch
- Handy boat transportation
- Entrance charges are lined for you
- An informative native information to boost your expertise
- High-of-the-line snorkeling tools supplied in your comfort
- Refreshing consuming water obtainable all through the journey
- Tasty snacks to maintain you energized
Zanzibar: Changuu Island and Stone City Tour with Lunch
Embark on a customized day journey to 2 of Zanzibar’s most well-known sights – Changuu Island and Stone City. Immerse your self within the wealthy historical past, tradition and folks of the realm whereas having fun with a standard meal.
Start your journey with a personal boat journey to Changuu Island, the place you’ll have the liberty to discover at your personal tempo. Reap the benefits of 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 looking 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 totally explored Changuu Island, make your strategy 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 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 Marvel (Beit-el-Ajaib) and Freddie Mercury’s childhood dwelling. 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).
Worth: $92
Period: 6 hours
Free cancelation as much as 24 hours earlier than
E-book the expertise immediately with the tour operator right here
Your tour contains:
- Admission Charges
- Information charges
- Refreshing consuming water
- Scrumptious lunch
- Comfy boat switch
- Educated native information
- Snorkeling gear in your enjoyment
Boat and security on water
A lot of the boats obtainable are lengthy motorized boats with a solar shade. They will not be essentially the most snug, however they’re adequate for the brief journey to Turtle Island.
Getting on and off the boat is simple, as most have a small ladder, and for those who’re fortunate, you received’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 for those who desire to put on one.
Basically, the journey doesn’t take lengthy and is comparatively protected. These captains sail this route a number of instances a day and are very aware of it.
A useful suggestion could be to take some photos 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 associated fee for native guests is 15 USD or 3000 TSH, whereas the entry charge for Minai Conservation is 6000 TSH.
There are two fee cubicles which might be simple 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 worth as adults.
Bank cards usually are 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 wish to maximize their expertise right here, spending an evening in one of many resorts on Changuu Island could possibly 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 provides facilities like swimming pools and various kinds of rooms to swimsuit 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 supply the utmost in privateness and seclusion whereas being constructed with native supplies and conventional thatched roofs to create a cushty temperature all through the day and evening.
Inside these spacious lodging, you will see elegant decor and en-suite loos in your consolation.
As well as, every cottage has a personal out of doors veranda dealing with the ocean, permitting you to benefit from the ocean’s breathtaking views and soothing sounds absolutely.
On a special observe, there are additionally 12 charming commonplace rooms situated in Stone City’s former quarantine space constructed again in 1931. Situated on the southwest facet 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 toilet.
Switch in Zanzibar
As an alternative of the inconvenience and expense of calling a taxi originally or finish of your journey, select this handy and quick various. You have got two selections.
You’ll be able to make the most of a non-public airport switch to Stone City, which is reasonably priced, protected, and cozy.
Alternatively, you may select the non-public 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 wherever else on the island, you could have full freedom to determine the place you wish to go.
