PRISON ISLAND
- Country: Tanzania
- Location: Zanzibar
- Language Spoken: Swahili
- Area (Km): 0.8km length and 0.23km wide
- Visa Requirement: yes
Prison Island, officially known as Changuu Island, is a small island located just northwest of Stone Town on Zanzibar's main island. Despite its name, the prison complex built there was never actually used for its intended purpose. The island is now a popular tourist destination, famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises and rich history.
Prison Island, officially known as Changuu Island, is a small island located just northwest of Stone Town on Zanzibar's main island. Despite its name, the prison complex built there was never actually used for its intended purpose. The island is now a popular tourist destination, famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises and rich history.
- Slave detention: Before the British protectorate, the island was used by Arab owners in the 1860s to detain enslaved people who were deemed rebellious or difficult.
- Prison that never was: In 1893, the British First Minister of Zanzibar, Lloyd Mathews, bought the island and built a prison complex. However, it was never used to house prisoners.
- Quarantine station: Instead of a prison, the island served as a quarantine station for yellow fever victims and other contagious diseases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1923, it was formally renamed Quarantine Island.
- Tourist resort: After losing its function as a quarantine station, the island was converted into a tourist resort. Today, some of the old buildings have been renovated, and the ruins provide a glimpse into the island's past.
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