Changuu Island

Travel Guide

A wooden pier leading to a beach with a clear sky.
A person in a bikini standing in clear turquoise water with a view of the ocean and clouds in the sky.
Two starfish on a rocky seabed.
A coastal scene with clear turquoise waters, wooden boats, and a beach in the background.
A bird perched on a tree branch with a nest.
TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar

TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar

5 out of 5
Kiwengwa Kiwengwa
$227 nightly
The price is $271 total per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
$271 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Kiwengwa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (298 reviews)
"I’d like to raise a complaint about the way I was treated at reception. I went to ask what time our confirmed airport transfer would leave tomorrow, as no timing had been provided. The female receptionist laughed at me before saying, “Sorry, what’s your flight time?” I found her reaction very rude ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel

Tembo House Hotel

4 out of 5
Forodhani Street Zanzibar Town
$117 nightly
The price is $145 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$145 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"An excellent place to stay. Clean and comfortable with three swimming pools and a game room that had ping pong and foosball. Unfortunately, there can be some noise from a nearby hotel with live music, but it doesn't seem to last very late. The timbo hotel itself was quiet. The buffet breakfast was ..."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Tembo House Hotel
Spice Palace Hotel

Spice Palace Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Soko Muhogo Street Zanzibar Town Mjini Magharibi Region
$60 nightly
The price is $76 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$76 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Jaw's Corner and The Ancient Door of ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (166 reviews)
"I would highly recommend this hotel in Stone Town. It is a wonderful place to stay with very friendly staff and functional facilities. The breakfast is also decent too! Oh and the proximity to the ferry and most places. Nice gem."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

Spice Palace Hotel
See all 726 properties in Changuu Island
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.
Antonio Garden Hotel

Antonio Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Kajificheni St Zanzibar Town
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Hamamni Persian Baths and Jaw's ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (80 reviews)
"The hotel is in a very convenient location. It is a short walk to the Forodhani Gardens and the former Slave Market. There are several restaurants closeby especially a very popular one Lukmaan. The area around the hotel is bustling in the day and quiet at night. A taxi cannot drive up to this property ..."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Antonio Garden Hotel
ZAURA ZANZIBAR

ZAURA ZANZIBAR

3.5 out of 5
Stone Town, Kahawa House Zanzibar Town Zanzibar
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mbweni ...
7.6/10 Good! (4 reviews)
"Eccellent staff and very clean rooms!"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2026

ZAURA ZANZIBAR
Luxury Lions Villas Zanzibar - with Private Cook&Infinity Pools

Luxury Lions Villas Zanzibar - with Private Cook&Infinity Pools

4 out of 5
Kumba Urembo, 4 Kiwengwa Zanzibar
Book a stay at this beach villa in Kiwengwa. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Kiwengwa Beach and Pongwe Beach are located ...
Luxury Lions Villas Zanzibar - with Private Cook&Infinity Pools
See all properties in Changuu Island
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.

Stay near popular Changuu Island attractions

Prison Island

8.6/10 (258 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Prison Island, a lovely green space in Changuu Island. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
See properties

Things to do

Stone Town Guided Tour: Culture, Slave Market & Spice Market

Stone Town Guided Tour: Culture, Slave Market & Spice Market

$19
per adult
Stone Town Guided Tour: Culture, Slave Market & Spice Market
Prison Island: Private Half-Day Tour

Prison Island: Private Half-Day Tour

$50
per adult
Prison Island: Private Half-Day Tour
Zanzibar: Stone Town, Spice tour & Prison Island with Lunch

Zanzibar: Stone Town, Spice tour & Prison Island with Lunch

$55
per adult
Zanzibar: Stone Town, Spice tour & Prison Island with Lunch
Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar

Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar

$20
per adult
Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar
Zanzibar: Stone Town 3-Hour Walking Tour

Zanzibar: Stone Town 3-Hour Walking Tour

$27
per adult
Zanzibar: Stone Town 3-Hour Walking Tour
Zanzibar: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with Lunch

Zanzibar: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with Lunch

$55
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Zanzibar: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with Lunch
See all activities in Changuu Island

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Changuu Island?
The best time to visit Changuu Island is from June through September, when the weather offers comfortable conditions for exploring. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
What is Changuu Island known for?
Changuu Island, known as 'Changa Island', is home to Prison Island, a site with historical significance. This coastal island in Tanzania, situated in the Indian Ocean, provides travelers with a chance to explore its past.
What is a good itinerary length for Changuu Island?
A good itinerary length for Changuu Island is one day to explore Prison Island, see the giant tortoises, and peacocks. An extended stay of two to three days allows travelers to combine this with exploring nearby Stone Town, making for a more comprehensive trip in the area. See Changuu Island Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Changuu Island?
Changuu Island offers unique natural encounters and easy access to nearby cultural and scenic spots:

  • Visit Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, for its natural setting.
  • Observe the giant tortoises and peacocks that reside on Prison Island.
  • Explore Stone Town, a historic area on Zanzibar, often included in island tours.
  • Discover Nakupenda Sandbank, a beautiful natural formation, typically part of boat excursions.
  • Journey to Zanzibar on a day trip by ferry, often including lunch.

Can I book a refundable hotel in Changuu Island?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Changuu Island by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Changuu Island with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Changuu Island trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Changuu Island?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Changuu Island can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Changuu Island trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Changuu Island trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Changuu Island trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Changuu Island trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Changuu Island?
If it's your first trip to Changuu Island, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Changuu Island hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Changuu Island hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Changuu Island

A traditional wooden boat on clear turquoise water.

Jambiani

A wooden pier leading to overwater bungalows with turquoise water.

Nungwi

A clear blue sea, a rocky coastline, and a clear sky.

Matemwe

A tropical island with a white sandy beach, clear turquoise waters, and a thatched-roof structure.

Kiwengwa

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