Embark on a full-day trip to Prison Island, Nakupenda Beach, and the Giant Tortoise Sanctuary. Enjoy a boat ride to Prison Island, where you can see the giant tortoises and explore the ruins of the former prison. Then, head to Nakupenda Beach for a swim and a delicious seafood lunch.
After a pickup at your hotel, you’ll start this fun day with a visit to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island or Quarantine Island. In 1893, the former British prime minister of Zanzibar purchased the island and built a prison complex on it, but it never served its intended use. It was used as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
Today the building is a ruin, but it serves as a guesthouse for tourists. Visit the giant tortoises’ reserve, where you will admire, pet, and even feed these magnificent, ancient, peaceful creatures. In 1919, four Aldabra giant tortoises, a gift from the governor of Seychelles, were brought here.
They find Prison Island a great environment and bred freely. Today, many tortoises are welcoming you, and the first settlers are still among them. There is also a nursery for baby tortoises, where you can see baby tortoises of different ages.
After your visit to the island, board a boat for a 30-minute ride to Nakupenda Beach. Nakupenda means “I Love You,” and you will feel loved there – gentle sand spilling over your feet while walking, mellow waves caressing your body, and super-friendly personnel tending your needs.
Swim, sunbathe, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. After a dive, enjoy a sumptuous beach lunch, including grilled shrimps, squid, octopus, lobster, and langoustine – depending on the daily catch.