The Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island is a 20-minute boat transit away from Stone Town. Under British authority, the prison constructed by Lloyd Mathew was mostly used by Arab Slave Traders for retaining and punishing the most problematic slaves before auctioning them at the Stone Town slave market. It was later used as a quarantine facility for yellow fever patients from Tanganyika, Zanzibar, and Kenya. Before transfer to Spice plantations of Zanzibar, take a moment to enjoy a close experience with huge Aldabra tortoises, which are thought to have been introduced to the island in the 19th century.

Discover the origin of the term ‘Spice Island’ on your next adventure to the spice plantation. Learn about, taste, and smell various fruits, spices, and plants. You will be surprised to discover that none of the spices you see here are native to the island. Cloves, for example, were introduced to the island in the early 1800s and said to have thrived in the tropical temperature and fertile soil of both Unguja and Pemba, making Zanzibar the world’s largest producer. Other spices you’ll find here are cinnamon, pepper, cumin, cardamon, and others.

As your day trip comes to a close, you’ll get the opportunity to sample a delectable dish cooked with these spices.