Prison Island Tours and Activities

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


Popular places to visit


Top Prison Island Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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

Prison Island offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including guided tours that delve into its fascinating history. You can enjoy snorkeling in vibrant spots, explore unique attractions, and even participate in an escape game for some added fun. Don't miss the chance to see dolphins while enjoying the stunning coastal views on a Zanzibar tour. It's a perfect destination for adventure and relaxation alike!

Shopping

In Prison Island, visit Darajani Market, a vibrant public market only 4.8km away, brimming with local goods. Also, check out Zanzibar Night Market, just 4.8km from the island, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with delicious street food and unique souvenirs.

Recreation

At Sea Cliff Golf Course, located 11.3km from Prison Island, you can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes. The outdoor sports vibes create a refreshing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and wellness after a day of exploring the island's beauty.

Adventure

Kite Centre Zanzibar offers thrilling water sports located 45.1km from Prison Island. Experience the excitement of kite surfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding in stunning turquoise waters, surrounded by vibrant marine life. It's perfect for adventure seekers looking to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and exhilarating activities.

Nightlife

On Prison Island, the nightlife is vibrant, with beachside bars offering refreshing cocktails and local music. The atmosphere is lively, perfect for mingling with fellow travellers. Enjoy sunset views while dining at charming eateries before heading to dance spots featuring a mix of African beats and international tunes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Prison Island

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, offers a captivating blend of cultural experiences, stunning beaches, and historic sites. Visitors can explore the island's famous fort, enjoy the picturesque beach, and take in the scenic beauty of the urban park. Additionally, with various sights near Prison Island and its proximity to Zanzibar, there's plenty to discover for those seeking outdoor adventures and unique attractions.

  • Shangani Beach: Located 4.8km from Prison Island, Shangani Beach offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. With its soft sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun.
  • Forodhani Gardens: Just 4.8km away, Forodhani Gardens is an urban oasis ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy leisurely strolls, local street food, and vibrant cultural events in this picturesque park.
  • Chapwani Island: Only 3.2km from Prison Island, Chapwani Island is a hidden gem. With its pristine beaches and lush landscapes, it’s perfect for exploring, snorkelling, and enjoying tranquil moments in nature.

Best time to go to Prison Island

The best time to visit Prison Island is dependant 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 (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February82.6°F (28.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
March82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April81.0°F (27.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
May79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June78.1°F (25.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly 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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Prison Island

To save on your trip to Prison Island, consider visiting during the cheaper months of April to May or November, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Saturdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainable stays. Look out for package deals that combine flights and activities, and take advantage of last-minute deals for potential savings. Don't forget to check for Expedia coupons for extra discounts!

  • 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: Book your hotel around Prison Island about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, choose your preferred location, and more. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the ability to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you’ll find a range of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your accommodation on Prison Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia