Life sentence at Prison Island, 1893Archipelago of Zanzibar

Welcome to Changuu Private Island Paradise (Prison Island),Zanzibar Archipelago

The Zanzibar archipelago is as mystic, beautiful and serene today as it hasbeen for centuries. Once one of the world’s most important tradinggateways, Zanzibar Island - known as the Spice Island - and its famousStone Town are steeped in history. A cultural fusion of Africa and Arabia,immortalised throughout history as Dr. Livingstone’s expedition base,Vasco da Gama’s port of call having circumnavigated the Cape of GoodHope in 1499, Freddy Mercury’s birthplace and even the subject of NoelCoward’s famous song in the 1930’s.

Zanzibar is the second largest island off the East African coast, roughly thesize of Hertfordshire in the UK, approximately 53 miles long by 21 milesbroad with an area of 640 sq miles. It is situated 6 degrees south of theEquator and is separated from the African mainland by a channel 22 1/2

miles across at its narrowest part. Zanzibar Island is situated some 135miles from Mombasa in Kenya, 45 miles from Dar es Salaam, 1,607 milesfrom Durban (South Africa) and 6,764 miles from London.

Stone Town, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for itsnarrow, winding streets lined with unique, arabesque architecture - manybuildings more than a century old.

Prison Island is simply Paradise on Earth. One of Zanzibar’s best knownattractions, the island lies 3 1/2 miles to the northwest of Zanzibar’s StoneTown, a short 20 minute dhow ride from Stone Town, and like Zanzibarhas a fascinating history. The old prison buildings - which were later usedas a quarantine station - have been meticulously restored by the presentowners to create a modern boutique hotel whilst preserving the historicaltreasures. Things have changed a lot here since the time explorers such asVasco da Gama, Stanley and Livingstone passed through this island.

Prison Island offers luxury and comfort with accommodation in 15 deluxecottages and 12 sea-facing rooms, a private beach, excellent food and wineand all modern amenities. Prison Island even has fresh water pumpeddirectly from Zanzibar! On Prison Island the pristine, white shorelinegives way to dense tropical forest - a haven for rare birds and also home toa colony of over 200 Giant Aldabran tortoises.

Most importantly, Prison Island is a place to relax. Here there are nowatersports, no spa, just stunning sunsets and a place to roam around asyou please. This prison-turned-hotel is a soft cell, a jailhouse that rocks, aplace where you will want to serve a life sentence.

Relax by the freshwater pool and enjoy aspectacular view of Stone Town just 3 1/2 milesaway. The clear Indian Ocean waters arehome to over 1,000 species of fish and seaturtles that swim within a few yards ofChanguu Island’s shore.

Once upon atime in 1893…

Ever fancied a breakfast in prison?

Centuries ago, explorers wrote of themagnificent prison on this shore which,thank heaven, still stands restoredand protected just for you.

Spice of Life

After a day exploring by dhow orwondering through the winding streets ofZanzibar’s Stone Town, let our chefs preparelobster or a fresh catch from the sea -cooked to your taste in Zanzibari style withcinamon, cloves and turmeric.

Cut your ties with the rest of theworld...

Looking over the ocean from thecomfort of your privateverandah, you will feel that youare the only inhabitant of thisisland paradise.

Our beach cottages are nestledamong lush, tropical vegetationteeming with many species ofbirds and all enjoy direct accessto the white, sandy beach. Onlya few miles over the ocean youcan see Zanzibar’s mythicalStone Town - a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site.

Enjoy complete peaceand seclusion...

Uninterruptedocean views

Mathews’ Restaurant is named afterSir Lloyd William Mathews,the firstPrime Minister of Zanzibar in 1891who used this building for rest andrecuperation. The building has beenartfully restored in keeping withthe spirit of the 19th century andis now the main restaurant onPrison Island.

Everywhere on thisisland is five minutesaway on foot; a coolwalk through dense,tropical forest -a well preservedecosystem.

The place to come ifyou want to be closeto nature.

Zanzibar’s vibrant culture

Prison Island is a stunning achievement -a perfect balance between nature andculture.

Restored ruins, nature trails, and a widevariety of endemic flora and faunaincluding the world famous GiantAldabran Tortoises.

Lying on the beach, you can seeZanzibar’s famous Stone Town - aUNESCO World Heritage Site - and a daytrip to Stone Town is a must. Enjoy thewinding, narrow streets of Stone Townwith ancient buildings, superb balconies,amazing sculptured doors, mosques,ancient palaces, Livingstone’s house andthe House of Wonders - the first buildingwith electricity and an elevator in thewhole of East Africa.

Stone Town meets Prison Island -Zanzibar will never be the same again.

Location

Prison Island lies in the Indian Oceanoff the west coast of Zanzibar. It is 3 1/2

miles to the northwest of ZanzibarTown, a long, narrow islandapproximately 1/2 mile long by 250yards wide at the widest point.

Getting there

You don’t need a pirate map to findPrison Island. Prison Island is accessedfrom Zanzibar Stone Town. From hereyou are transported to Prison Island ona comfortable 20 minute ride bywooden dhow (boat).

Accommodation

Changuu Private Island Paradise(Prison Island) offers two roomcategories both with uninterruptedocean views.

15 exclusive deluxe cottages are locatedon the north-west side of the island,discretely distributed along the sea-line,affording total privacy and seclusion.The cottages are built using localmaterials and finished with traditionalthatched roofs, ensuring a coolenvironment day and night. Spaciousinteriors are elegantly decorated andequipped with mosquito nets and largeensuite bathrooms, all with both ashower and bathtub. The privateoutdoor verandahs face out to the sea,maximizing the sights and sounds ofthe Indian Ocean.

On the south-west side of the island,the former Quarantine Area built in 1931has been converted into 12 elegantstandard rooms that afford splendidviews of Stone Town and the IndianOcean. All rooms are ensuite withshower fittings and mosquito nets.

Swimming

Our large freeform pool seems to fallinto the ocean below. From yoursunbed, you can forget about yourworries and lie back with a coolcocktail gazing over the ocean whereyou can see Zanzibar’s Stone Town.Time passes effortlessly here.Alternatively, if you would like to swimwith sea turtles, you can take a dip inthe natural sea water lagoon on thewestern side of the island.

Or just wade out from the pristinewhite beach and enjoy the warmtropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

Activities

Day trips to Zanzibar Stone Town arethe perfect chance to discover theSwahili culture - a happy mix of Africaand Arabia. Explore the windingnarrow streets, ancient buildings,unique balconies, amazing sculptureddoors, mosques, palaces and DavidLivingstone’s House. Stone Town issteeped in history and is classified as aUNESCO World Heritage Site.

Contact details

Changuu Private Island Paradise(Prison Island) - ZanzibarP.O. Box 3604 – ZanzibarTanzania (East Africa)Tel. +255 786301662/3E-mail: info.changuu@privateislands-zanzibar.comwww.privateislands-zanzibar.com

Central Reservations Office(Arusha - Tanzania)Tel. +255 272544595Fax +255 272548633E-mail:sales@hotelsandlodges-tanzania.comreservations.changuu@privateislands-zanzibar.com

Restaurants and Bars

On our own little Spice Island, our Chefprepares a delicious variety of cuisineincorporating traditional Zanzibarielements with the freshest fish andseafood. Here you will find a choice ofsettings and flavours to entice the mostdiscerning palate.

During the day, guests have a choiceof meals and snacks which can beenjoyed in several venues. Enjoy adelicious pizza al fresco overlookingthe magnificently restored Prisonruins, or enjoy a healthy salad bythe pool.

Dinner on Changuu is a cultural aswell as a culinary feast. Mathews’Restaurant is a unique and fascinatingsetting - the original building wascompletely restored and renovatedmaintaining the spirit of the 19thcentury. It has retained many of itsoriginal objects as well as its uniquecharm, and it offers the mostdelicious Swahili and internationaldishes.

Historically, Prison Island was famousfor its lavish parties for society’s eliteand the tradition is continued today.Enjoy the beautiful tropical sunset witha delicious cocktail, or enjoy drinks andmusic outside the old prison. This is oneJailhouse that rocks!

From the moment you are welcomed onto Prison Island with fresh coconutsand a warm smile until the time youleave, you can be as active or as idle asyou wish. After all, that is whatholidays are all about.

Tennis

Situated in a clearing in the densetropical forest, Prison Island offers afully equipped floodlit tennis court.

Fact File

“karma, yoga andtranquility insidethe prison, inconfinement.”

www.privateislands-zanzibar.com