Prison Island Tours

Photo by Marcelo Lopes
Photo by Valerie Stern
Photo by Valerie Stern


If your idea of a great vacation means being near the water, make tracks to Prison Island. No matter what you choose to do here, you're unlikely to tire of those pretty views.

After visiting Prison Island, a water-surrounded land mass in Changuu Island, you might be after more things to do. Shangani Beach is nearby and is a favorite with many travelers.

Plan a trip to see Prison Island

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Ycona Luxury Resort
Bawe Island Zanzibar
Upendo Beach Boutique Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Prison Island

Tembo House Hotel

Tembo House Hotel

4 out of 5
Forodhani Street, Zanzibar Town
Tembo House Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel

Maru Maru Hotel

3 out of 5
Gizenga Street, Shangani, Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar
Maru Maru Hotel
Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

5 out of 5
Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort

Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort

3.5 out of 5
Beit Al Ras, Kibweni Street, Zanzibar Town
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort
Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa

Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa

4.5 out of 5
Malawi Road, Zanzibar Town, Mjini Magharibi
Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa
Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique

Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique

4 out of 5
Malindi Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique
Bawe Island Zanzibar

Bawe Island Zanzibar

5 out of 5
Bawe Island, Mjini District, Bawe Island, Mjini Magharibi Region
Bawe Island Zanzibar
Zanzi Resort

Zanzi Resort

5 out of 5
Kama, Zanzibar, Kama
Zanzi Resort
Zanzibar Beach Resort

Zanzibar Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
Mazizini, Zanzibar Town
Zanzibar Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Prison Island

On your visit to Prison Island, Tanzania, enjoy a variety of activities including tours, dolphin watching, and snorkeling. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the tortoise sanctuary, where you can learn about these amazing creatures. Consider taking a guided Prison Island tour from Zanzibar for an enriching experience. For a smooth trip, research Zanzibar travel tips to make the most of your adventure.

Food and drinks

For a taste of local cuisine near Prison Island, visit Jaw's Corner, just 3 miles away, offering a cozy atmosphere for families and couples. Don't miss the Zanzibar Coffee House for rich brews and the Rock Restaurant, perched on a rock, serving fresh seafood in a stunning setting.

Shopping

In Prison Island, you can shop at Darajani Market and Zanzibar Night Market, both located 3 miles away, offering vibrant city vibes and local goods. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting larger markets in Zanzibar City for more extensive shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the lush landscapes at Sea Cliff Golf Course, located 7 miles from Prison Island. Enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning scenery, followed by relaxation in the outdoor spaces. The vibrant atmosphere enhances your wellness journey while providing ample opportunities for recreation and fresh air.

Find the best attractions near Prison Island

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, offers a captivating mix of attractions, including beautiful beaches, rich cultural experiences, and historic sites. Visitors can explore the island’s intriguing history, relax on the sandy shores, or venture to nearby Zanzibar City for more adventures. Whether you're interested in the island's past or simply soaking up the sun, there’s plenty to do and see on this enchanting island getaway.

  • Slave Market: Located just 3 miles from Prison Island, this historic site offers a deep dive into the region's poignant past. The cultural vibes here provide a thought-provoking experience, highlighting the history of the slave trade in Zanzibar.
  • Shangani Beach: A stunning beach also 3 miles away, Shangani Beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. With its vibrant beach vibes, it's an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
  • Forodhani Gardens: This urban park, situated 3 miles from Prison Island, is a family-friendly oasis. With its outdoor city vibes, it's a great place to unwind, enjoy local street food, and take in the lively atmosphere.

Best time to go to Prison Island

Visitor numbers around Prison Island is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Prison Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Prison Island falls in March, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Prison Island falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
February82.6°F (28.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April81.0°F (27.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June78.1°F (25.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July76.8°F (24.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September77.9°F (25.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November80.8°F (27.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Prison Island

To save money on your trip to Prison Island, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, March, and November. Book your hotel about a month in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals on Expedia. Use their search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations, and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities to secure package discounts. Additionally, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive deals and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Always compare room rates and look for great availability to maximize savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Prison Island are January, March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Prison Island is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize your preferences. You can easily sort the results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay on Prison Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.