Prison Island
Prison Island : also known as Changuu Island or Kibandiko in Swahili, is a small, historically rich island near Zanzibar, Tanzania. It’s a popular day-trip destination from Stone Town, famous for its giant tortoises, clear waters, and intriguing history.
History :
- Late 1800s : The island was purchased by a British Arabist, Sir Lloyd Mathews, who initially intended to build a prison. Instead, it became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
- Early 1900s : The island was used to quarantine people with infectious diseases, especially during outbreaks.
- Giant Tortoises : In 1919, the British governor of Seychelles gifted Aldabra giant tortoises to Changuu Island. Today, they are the island’s main attraction, with some over 100 years old.
- Explore old quarantine buildings, a former British governor’s house, and the remains of the planned prison.
