Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island offers a fascinating blend of history, nature, and tropical beauty. Also known as Changuu Island, the island is famous for its historic buildings, clear surrounding waters, and its remarkable population of Aldabra giant tortoises.
Explore the remains of the island’s former quarantine station while learning about its changing role throughout Zanzibar’s history. Then meet the gentle giant tortoises, some of which have lived on the island for decades. Their size, age, and calm nature make this one of the most memorable encounters on the island.
Beyond its history and wildlife, Prison Island is also a beautiful place to slow down. The surrounding turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, offering the chance to discover colourful marine life beneath the surface. Together, the island’s history, wildlife, and tropical setting create an experience that complements any Zanzibar journey.
The Prison Island Experience can be booked as a standalone excursion from Stone Town or combined with a wider Zanzibar beach holiday. The experience is typically reached by a short boat journey from Stone Town and can be tailored around your available time.
Bring swimwear, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a towel if you would like to swim or snorkel. Boat trips and water activities are subject to weather and sea conditions.
For more information and to include Prison Island in your Zanzibar journey, contact our travel experts.









Across Tanzania and Africa, every destination brings its own character to an experience. Discover the places where this journey can unfold, from open savannahs and forests to wetlands and remote wilderness, each offering a unique landscape, atmosphere, and way to experience Africa.
Every experience is unique, and we know you may have questions before your journey begins. From the best time to visit and what to bring, to what to expect along the way, our frequently asked questions provide the essential details you need to feel prepared and confident. Explore the answers below and discover how we make every experience with Back to Eden Adventure seamless, comfortable, and memorable.
Prison Island is reached by boat from Stone Town. The crossing usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
The island is best known for its historic quarantine buildings, beautiful beaches and waters, and its population of Aldabra giant tortoises.
Yes. When sea conditions are suitable, visitors can swim and snorkel in the clear waters surrounding the island.
Most visits take several hours, giving enough time to explore the island, see the giant tortoises, learn about its history, and enjoy the surrounding waters.
Prison Island can be visited throughout the year. The dry seasons from June to October and January to February generally offer favourable conditions for boat trips, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkelling.
Your journey is designed to inspire discovery, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Explore our carefully crafted itineraries or let us create a personalized experience that matches your travel style, interests, and dreams of Tanzania.
There is always more to discover beyond one experience. Explore other ways to experience Tanzania and Africa, from wildlife encounters and nature to culture, adventure, and peaceful moments in the wilderness. Each experience brings a different perspective and another opportunity to make your journey truly memorable.
Hidden within the dramatic landscapes around Lake Natron, the Engare Sero Waterfall offers a refreshing adventure through a beautiful Rift Valley setting. The hike follows a natural river gorge, taking you between volcanic rock formations, lush vegetation, and flowing streams before reaching the cool waters of the waterfall. The journey is as much about the walk as the waterfall itself. Following the river, you move through a landscape that feels surprisingly green against the dry surroundings of Lake Natron. Along the way, the changing scenery and the sound of flowing water create a peaceful contrast to the dramatic volcanic environment. At the waterfall, there is time to cool off, swim, and enjoy the natural surroundings before making your way back. The experience also offers an opportunity to connect with the local Maasai communities who live around Lake Natron. With a local guide leading the way, the hike brings together nature, culture, and adventure in a simple but memorable experience that complements a safari through northern Tanzania.
Rise before the world begins to stir and discover Africa from an extraordinary new perspective. As your hot air balloon gently lifts into the early morning sky, the first light of day begins to reveal the landscape below—golden savannahs, winding rivers, ancient trees, forests, and wildlife moving quietly through the wilderness. From above, the vastness of Africa takes on a whole new beauty, creating a peaceful and unforgettable way to experience the wild. As the balloon drifts naturally with the morning breeze, there are no roads to follow and no engine to disturb the silence. Far below, you may watch elephants moving across the plains, herds gathering in open grasslands, giraffes weaving between trees, or other wildlife beginning their day. With Back to Eden Adventure, the experience is carefully arranged to let you appreciate these moments at a gentle pace, combining breathtaking views with the tranquillity of floating above the wilderness as Africa awakens beneath you. There is something magical about watching the sunrise from the sky, surrounded by open horizons and the sounds of nature far below. Whether you are sharing the experience with someone special, discovering Africa as a solo traveller, or creating a memorable moment with family and friends, a hot air balloon safari can become one of the defining memories of your journey. It is not simply a flight above the landscape—it is a chance to see Africa from a perspective few experiences can offer and to carry that feeling with you long after you return to the ground.
Just outside Moshi, Materuni offers a beautiful glimpse into the landscapes and traditions of northern Tanzania. The journey takes you through the green slopes of the village, where banana trees, coffee plants, farms, and local homes create a peaceful rural setting. Along the way, you have the opportunity to meet local people, learn about village life, and experience the natural beauty that surrounds Materuni before reaching its impressive waterfall. A highlight of the experience is discovering how locally grown coffee is prepared. With the guidance of local hosts, you can learn about the coffee-growing process, from the beans and traditional preparation to roasting and enjoying a freshly prepared cup. The experience is interactive and personal, often accompanied by local stories, music, and the warm hospitality of the community. It offers a genuine opportunity to connect with the people and traditions that give the area its character. The journey continues to Materuni Waterfalls, where a scenic walk through the surrounding landscape leads to the dramatic cascade surrounded by lush vegetation. The sound of falling water and the peaceful atmosphere make it a rewarding place to pause, explore, and take in the scenery. With Back to Eden Adventure, this experience can be arranged as a day trip from Moshi or incorporated naturally into a wider Tanzania safari journey.
Step into the green heart of Zanzibar and discover the natural world of Jozani Forest, the island’s largest remaining natural forest. With Back to Eden Adventure, explore winding forest paths beneath towering trees, surrounded by tropical vegetation, birds, butterflies, and the sounds of life moving through the canopy. The highlight of the experience is the chance to encounter the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, an endangered species found naturally on the island. These distinctive monkeys are known for their reddish-brown backs, white markings, and fascinating social behaviour. As you walk through the forest, your guide will help you spot them among the trees and share stories about their behaviour, habitat, and importance to Zanzibar’s natural heritage. Jozani offers much more than a wildlife walk. Depending on the experience selected, you can explore the surrounding waterways by kayak, offering a peaceful perspective of Zanzibar’s natural landscapes, or take time for bird watching and discover some of the many bird species that inhabit the forest and surrounding wetlands. These activities allow you to experience the area at a slower pace and appreciate the remarkable variety of life beyond the forest floor. Explore different habitats, from dense woodland to mangrove and wetland areas, while learning about native plants, medicinal trees, and the delicate ecosystems that support Zanzibar’s wildlife. For Back to Eden Adventure, a visit to Jozani is about creating meaningful encounters with nature—walking beneath the canopy, paddling through peaceful waters, watching birds in their natural environment, and discovering the unique wildlife of Zanzibar.
Escape to the northern shores of Zanzibar and discover two of the island’s most beautiful coastal destinations. With Back to Eden Adventure, spend a day between Nungwi and Kendwa, where soft white sands, warm turquoise waters, traditional dhow boats, and the rhythm of island life create the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy the Indian Ocean. Begin your escape in Nungwi, a lively coastal village where Zanzibar’s fishing traditions remain part of everyday life. Walk along the shoreline, see local fishermen and traditional dhow boats, explore the village, or simply relax beside the ocean. The area offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and authentic coastal life, giving you a glimpse beyond the beach resorts. Continue to Kendwa, where a wide stretch of white sand meets clear, calm waters. It is a beautiful place to swim, relax, enjoy a refreshing drink, or simply let the day unfold at your own pace. As the afternoon comes to an end, stay by the beach and watch the sun slowly disappear over the Indian Ocean—a simple but unforgettable moment that captures the beauty of Zanzibar. Whether you spend your day swimming, exploring, relaxing, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply walking barefoot along the shore, the Nungwi & Kendwa Beach Escape is about giving yourself time to breathe and enjoy the island. Back to Eden Adventure can shape the experience around your pace, creating a day that feels effortless, personal, and entirely yours.
Some of the most memorable moments of a safari happen around a table or beneath an open African sky. Enjoy a beautifully prepared bush breakfast as the first light touches the landscape, pause for a relaxed bush lunch surrounded by nature, or settle into a bush dinner as the day slowly gives way to night. Each meal brings you closer to the landscape, turning time spent eating into another way to experience Africa. With Back to Eden Adventure, safari dining can be thoughtfully arranged to suit the rhythm of your journey. Start the morning with breakfast in the wilderness, enjoy lunch in a peaceful setting during your day of exploration, or end the day with dinner beneath the stars. As the afternoon light begins to soften, a sundowner offers another unforgettable moment—raise a glass as the sun disappears across the horizon, surrounded by the sounds and beauty of the African wilderness. These experiences are about more than food and drinks; they are about atmosphere, connection, and the feeling of being somewhere truly special. Whether watching the sunrise over the savannah during a bush breakfast, enjoying lunch beneath an acacia tree, sharing dinner under the stars, or raising a glass during a spectacular sundowner, every setting adds something unique to your safari. Couples, families, friends, and solo travellers can all enjoy these simple but extraordinary moments that become part of the story of their journey.
Our guests leave with more than memories—they leave with stories to share and moments they will never forget. With 5-star reviews from travellers around the world, we are proud to create journeys filled with genuine care, unforgettable experiences, and the beauty of Tanzania.
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Guide63644279770July 9, 2026Verified
Incredible Safari Back to Eden Aventures did an amazing job organizing an incredible 10 day safari for our family of four. Their communication was timely, clear and fully transparent which made planning effortless. The itinerary was flexible and they added activities based on our preferences without any hassle. Thanks to their thoughtful planning, we thoroughly enjoyed our safari vacation and had an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend Gift and his team.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
hima aJune 25, 2025Verified
Incredible experience with Back to Eden Adventures As the Great Migration season kicks off in June, I'm excited to share my unforgettable Safari experience in Tanzania with Back to Eden Adventures. Their expert guide Hassan took us on thrilling game drives, bringing us face-to-face with incredible wildlife. We savored every moment, eagerly awaiting sightings of lions and cheetahs in action. The highlight of our trip was a luxurious 2-day glamping adventure deep in the middle of forest, with impeccable service from the staff. Special thanks to Laurent and Gift and for their exceptional customer service, which truly made our experience unforgettable. We highly recommend Back to Eden Adventures to anyone planning a Tanzanian adventure.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Fearless15898388495January 18, 2025Verified
7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek We recently completed the 7-day Machame trek with Back To Eden Adventures and it was an absolutely incredible experience. The entire team, from our guides to the porters, were exceptional. The itinerary was well-paced and allowed us to acclimatize properly. We enjoyed stunning views throughout the trek, and the campsites were well-chosen and offered incredible vistas.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
adin43December 4, 2024Verified
Great safari experience! Planned a trip for my parents and another couple, and they had an amazing time! They mentioned Laurent specifically took very good care of them during the whole tour and to their particular needs whether it was the food, their medical conditions etc. I definitely recommend this tour for safari in Serengeti. Reach out to Laurent! He's so easy to get along with and communicate with so that you can plan in advance with him before your trip.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Beatrice BDecember 4, 2024Verified
Amazing Kilimanjaro Experience An amazing experience in the Kilimanjaro! We did the Marangu Route and Back to Eden helped us with every step of the way: prior, during and after. From the logistic team to the porters and guide team, our experience in the mountain was incredible! Totally recommend them for small or large groups.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Voyage61643334116December 4, 2024Verified
Magical African Safari We had an amazing trip with Back to Eden Adventures. Everything was well organised and we didnt face any difficulties during the trip. They understood are requirements and curated a customised itinerary based on our needs. Our tour guide was also great and very helpful. It was a wonderful trip and we had a good time. Thanks to Back to Eden Adventures.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
garybrakaJuly 7, 2024Verified
Sérieux et disponible Organisation top en amont avec beaucoup de disponibilités et de réponses à toutes les questions. Le voyage est cher donc c’est important d’avoir un maximum de réponses pour s’organiser au mieux. La voiture était top et le chauffeur avait réponses à tout. Profitez
Curated Safari Journeys
Discover our collection of carefully crafted safari journeys, created to bring you closer to the beauty of Tanzania. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to peaceful nights in the wilderness, each itinerary combines exceptional experiences, handpicked stays, and the personal touch of Back to Eden Adventures. Let us create a journey that feels truly yours.
Discover our safari articles, travel stories, and helpful guides to inspire your journey through Tanzania. From wildlife and breathtaking destinations to local culture and travel tips, find everything you need to dream, plan, and make the most of your African adventure with Back to Eden Adventures.