The winding narrow streets in Stone Town, classified as World Cultural Heritage, with ancient buildings, superb balconies, amazing sculptured doors, mosques, ancient palaces, Livingstone’s house, the House of Wonders (the first building with electricity and an elevator in the whole of East Africa)…

Just off Zanzibar, a superlative land of beach of bush with a view of Stone Town: Prison Island meets the Stone Town; Zanzibar will never be the same again.

Prison Island, once a Quarantine Station, is a heaven for rare bird species and Aldabra Giant tortoises, with 27 stunning sea facing beds, a magnificent restoration project done by the owners of these islands, reclaiming a block of 19th century colonial building and adding other new cottages in the local architecture style.
The white sandy beaches of Prison Island, the dense forest and the splendour of the graceful dhows fishing at night draws foreigners and frequent tourists that come on excursion alike to Zanzibar year after year.

In this Paradise Island, 3 ½ miles away from the mainland Zanzibar, the management often recommends to their guests to arrive wearing a swimming costume or a bikini; once you have landed on the island, the dream has just begun.

Facilities

Prison Island is a place for nature lovers.

Home to the undisturbed tortoise sanctuary, surrounded by the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, and with the 19th century’ buildings that have been artfully restored, the island is a natural treasure at which options are many, for activities but, as well to decide to relax: for centuries, Prison Island has been specially recommended for bathing and sun tanning and exposed to cool breeze…

The place is stylish, smart and exclusively elegant; with its delicious fresh water swimming pool and a floodlit tennis court inside the dense forest that covers the heart of the island.

The tropical forest is ideal for nature trails, with different flora and fauna, home of the Giant Aldabra Tortoises, that inhabit the island for the last 80 years, and that make the island one of the most important attractions in Zanzibar.

Worldwide known for its magical balance between nature and culture, the magnificently restored Prison Ruins host the cultural and musical evening events in an incomparable setting.

Activities

Prison Island had been centuries ago a Prison for slave trade; at the end of 19th century, it became the Quarantine Station for Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika territories. Moreover, when there were not quarantined passengers, it was the favourite resort of Zanzibaris to enjoy the sun tan and bathing. Today, the intense history of this quiet island can be seen and enjoyed throughout the many natural and cultural activities and possibilities that the island offers.

If that is your option, relax can be the main activity to do at Prison Island; lie by the pool facing the magical Stone Town of Zanzibar, and let time pass…

Making the best of this natural and cultural paradise, join the nature trails through the dense tropical forest organized by the friendly management of Prison Island, with entertaining lectures on fauna and flora, the Giant Tortoises and the projects for their welfare, as well as an illustrative journey through the history of the islet through its artfully restored buildings.

Explore the clear sea, a thousand species of fish, with sea turtles that swim around just two yards from the shores with incredible corals.

To protect these treasures, collecting shells is forbidden from this forbidden island.

In the incomparable setting of the Prison Ruins, under the clear and unspoiled African skies, enjoy the legendary venues of cultural dances with the most romantic candlelight dinner.

Day trips to Zanzibar Stone Town are the perfect chance to discover the Swahili culture, a happy mix of Africa, and Arabia. Explore the winding narrow streets of Stone Town, classified as World Cultural Heritage, with ancient buildings, superb balconies, amazing sculptured doors, mosques, palaces and Livingstone’s House, among many other remarkable features.

Wine & Dine

The mythical archipelago of Zanzibar has always been priceless for navigators; Persians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Arabs, Indians… Everything began with slaves, ivory and gold trade. All these visitors, for ages, that fell in love with these magical islands, left behind flavours, old recipes, making today Zanzibar the Spices Islands, a mixture of delicious tastes and smells.

Prison Island observes, quietly, from the distance; its outline seen from the hectic Stone Town, but its magic can only be guessed from there. To feel it, you just need to get there, and get soaked by it!
In this Spice Island, the hotel's chef prepares a delicious variety of cuisine incorporating traditional Zanzibari elements as well as the freshest fish and seafood, a choice of settings and flavours to entice the most demanding palate.

Or, if you prefer a pizza: why not? In this cosmopolitan archipelago, enjoy a delicious pizza al fresco overlooking the magnificently restored Prison ruins.
The dinners are just a fiesta to enhance your senses, at the incomparable setting of Mathews’ restaurant, that was completely renovated and keeping the spirit of 19th century. It retained most of its original objects as well as its unique charm, and it incorporates now the most delicious Swahili as well as international recipes.

During the day, spoil yourself lying at the white sandy beach overlooking the Stone Town, or get the best of the sunbath by the swimming pool.
As the sun sets, get ready for the Jailhouse rock, joining the world famous parties of Prison Island, enjoying one (or more) of the endless list of our delicious cocktails.

From the warm welcome on arrival with fresh coconuts, to parties (optional, indeed) that never ended up before dawn, this paradise islet offers you the most diverse leisure possibilities.
The island offers you all; and the choice is all yours.

Accommodation

Prison Island offers two room categories, all in close proximity to the sea.

15 exclusive deluxe cottages are located in the north-west side of the island, discretely distributed along the sea-line, affording maximum privacy and seclusion.

The cottages are built in local materials and topped with traditional thatched roofs, achieving cool atmosphere day and night.

The spacious interiors are elegantly decorated and equipped with mosquito nets and ensuite bathrooms, all with 2 al fresco showers and bathtub.
The private outdoor verandas face out to the sea, maximizing the views and sounds of the Ocean.

In the south-west side of the island, the former Quarantine Area built in 1931 has been converted into 12 elegant standard sea facing rooms that afford the most fantastic views of Stone Town, all of them ensuite with shower equipments and mosquito nets.

Room View