Zanzibar’s Prison Island, located near Stone Town on the coast of Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, has a fascinating and somewhat dark history.
For a long time, the island was used as a detention center for prisoners, and its name “Prison Island” reflects this dark past. In its early days, in the late 19th century, the island was used by colonizers to house rebellious slaves, and later, during British rule, it served as a prison for criminals. In addition to its prison function, it was also a quarantine station for those infected with contagious diseases like bubonic plague.
Among the main attractions of Prison Island are the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, which were introduced to the island in the 19th century. These tortoises, some of which can live for over 100 years, are one of the primary reasons tourists visit the island.
Today, the island is a very popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich biodiversity.
Nakupenda Sandbank, which means “I love you” in Swahili, is an impressive stretch of white sand located in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, near the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Nakupenda is famous for its natural beauty, as it appears and disappears with the tide. During low tide, a stretch of uninhabited sand is revealed, extending over the water and creating a spectacular landscape. Additionally, the calm and tranquility of the place make it an ideal spot for a picnic or a boat excursion.
This sandbank has become one of Zanzibar’s most iconic places, attracting both tourists and locals, and is truly a paradise in the region.
Take a boat trip to Changuu Island, also known as Kibandiko, to visit the prison that was used as a jail for rebellious slaves in 1860. We will visit one of its main attractions, the sanctuary of giant tortoises imported from the Seychelles Islands in the late 19th century.
You will have the option to snorkel in an old coral mine and marvel at its reefs. We will return by boat to Nakupenda Beach, where a beautiful white sandbank and delicious food (fish and tropical fruits) await us.
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