Changuu Island Prison Island Hotels

Top reasons to visit Prison Island

• Stunning Beaches: Prison Island boasts pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and relaxation.
• Historic Fort: Explore the remnants of the historic prison fort, offering a glimpse into the island's intriguing past.
• Snorkelling Adventures: Discover vibrant marine life through excellent snorkelling opportunities in the surrounding waters.
• Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the culture by exploring the nearby streets of Stone Town and tasting local cuisine.
• Friendly Locals: Enjoy the warm hospitality of the island's residents, enhancing your overall experience.

Find great hotels near Prison Island

Discover a delightful selection of accommodations on Prison Island, perfect for families and business travellers alike. From charming guesthouses to comfortable hotels, you'll find options that cater to your beach vacation desires. Enjoy amenities such as air conditioning and competitive rates, ensuring a pleasant stay for additional guests without breaking the bank. Experience the beauty of Tanzania while enjoying the comforts of home.

• Tembo House Hotel: Nestled only 4.8km from the enchanting Prison Island, Tembo House Hotel is a charming 4-star property that perfectly blends business and leisure. With direct access to the pristine beach, it offers guests the ideal setting for a relaxing seaside escape. The hotel features a comprehensive spa service, including rejuvenating facial treatments and couples’ treatment rooms, ensuring a blissful retreat. The inviting pool area serves as a perfect spot to unwind, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking both relaxation and a vibrant beach vacation experience.
• Park Hyatt Zanzibar: Experience unparalleled luxury at the 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, situated a mere 4.8km away from Prison Island. This eco-certified hotel caters to discerning travellers who value sustainability without compromising on comfort. Guests can indulge in a range of spa services, including invigorating body treatments and exclusive couples’ treatment rooms. The exquisite pool area, complete with a poolside bar, invites relaxation and enjoyment, making this property an exceptional choice for those seeking a lavish and eco-friendly escape.
• VOI Kiwengwa Resort: Located 27.4km from Prison Island, VOI Kiwengwa Resort is a vibrant 4-star resort ideal for adventurous travellers. With direct beach access, this property provides a plethora of recreational activities, including nearby snorkelling, boat tours, and water sports equipment. Perfect for both business and leisure, the resort ensures an exciting stay with its engaging adventure sports offerings, catering to those eager to explore the stunning natural surroundings while enjoying a comfortable beach vacation.

Where to stay near Prison Island

Prison Island, or Changuu Island, beckons with its stunning beaches and rich history. Explore the nearby vibrant streets of Stone Town, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and savour delightful cuisine. For adventure seekers, the crystal-clear waters offer fantastic snorkelling opportunities, while the secluded beaches provide the perfect escape for relaxation. Experience the charm of friendly locals as you bask in the sun and enjoy a memorable beach vacation.

• Zanzibar Town: Situated approximately 6.4km from Prison Island, Zanzibar Town is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and stunning coastal scenery. This destination is popular year-round, with peak visitor numbers occurring in January to February and July. Travellers flock here for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Highlights include a variety of theatres, luxurious resorts, and bustling shopping centres. Within close proximity, you can explore local landmarks such as picturesque beaches, enchanting islands, and lush parks, making it a must-visit for any tourist.
• Stone Town: Located just 4.8km from Prison Island, Stone Town is a historic neighbourhood renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Similar to Zanzibar Town, visitor numbers here remain steady throughout the year, peaking in February and from November to December. Tourists are drawn to Stone Town for its beaches, outdoor activities, and family-friendly experiences. Popular attractions include vibrant theatres, exciting water sports, and lively public markets. The area’s proximity to beautiful beaches, fascinating islands, and serene parks ensures there’s always something to explore.
• Bububu: Approximately 6.4km from Prison Island, Bububu is a charming city that captivates visitors with its cultural experiences and outdoor opportunities. With a steady influx of travellers, peak seasons occur in January to February and October. Bububu is especially appealing for those seeking beach activities, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences. Enjoy a variety of water sports, theatrical performances, and open-air events. Nearby, you can visit stunning beaches, captivating islands, and historic forts that tell the story of this enchanting region.

Things to do near Prison Island

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, offers a range of exciting activities including thrilling tours, dolphin encounters, and vibrant snorkeling experiences. Visitors can engage in action games and explore adventure challenges at the activity centre, making the most of adventure day bundles. This idyllic location promises a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for all holidaymakers.

Shopping

In Prison Island, explore the vibrant Darajani Market, only 4.8km away, offering a bustling atmosphere for local crafts and souvenirs. The Zanzibar Night Market, also 4.8km away, presents a lively shopping experience with a variety of goods and delicious street food.

Recreation

Sea Cliff Golf Course, located 11.3km from Prison Island, offers a splendid outdoor atmosphere perfect for golf enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning views, complemented by the refreshing sea breeze, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation in a picturesque setting.

Adventure

Experience water sports at Kite Centre Zanzibar, located 45.1km from Prison Island. Enjoy thrilling kite surfing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing amidst stunning coastal scenery, perfect for adventure enthusiasts seeking excitement and adrenaline on the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean.

Nightlife

On Prison Island, the nightlife exudes a laid-back charm with captivating beach bonfires and local music echoing through the night. Enjoy fresh seafood at island eateries, and indulge in cocktails at charming bars under the stars, creating an enchanting atmosphere for a memorable evening.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Prison Island

To save on your visit to Prison Island, consider travelling during the cheaper months of April to May or November, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Saturdays typically offer the lowest accommodation prices, while Thursdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter options by budget and location, and check for last-minute deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also lead to significant savings. Don't forget to explore free activities and use public transport for economical travel around the area.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Prison Island are April to May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Prison Island about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Prison Island is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Prison Island is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your selections based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking for Prison Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Prison Island

Prison Island, or Changuu Island, offers a delightful blend of experiences for tourists. Visitors can enjoy the pristine beaches, explore the historic fort, and stroll through the urban park, all while immersing themselves in the local culture. Whether you're seeking an outdoor adventure, a relaxing beach day, or a glimpse into history, the island provides a variety of attractions that cater to diverse interests.

• Forodhani Gardens: Enjoy a relaxing stroll in this vibrant urban park, where families gather to savour local delicacies at the nightly food market. Surrounded by lush greenery and city vibes, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and soak up the local atmosphere.
• Shangani Beach: Experience the serene beauty of Shangani Beach, where golden sands meet azure waters. Ideal for sunbathing and swimming, this beach offers a tranquil escape with a laid-back vibe, perfect for enjoying the sun and sea.
• Old Fort: Immerse yourself in the rich history at the Old Fort, a cultural landmark showcasing the architectural splendour of the past. Explore its ancient walls and learn about the fascinating stories that shaped the region's heritage.

Best time to go to Prison Island

The best time to visit Prison Island is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. March is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	82.6°F (28.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	82.9°F (28.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
May	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	78.1°F (25.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	76.8°F (24.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	77.0°F (25.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	77.9°F (25.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Prison Island

Prison Island, located near Zanzibar, Tanzania, is best accessed via two major airports. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is approximately 12.9km away, with notable hotels like the 5-star Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel, which offers complimentary airport transport, and the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, providing a paid shuttle service. Alternatively, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is around 83.7km from the island. The Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, about 11.3km from DAR, offers convenient shuttle services, as does the Johari Rotana, which is 9.7km away, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination.