The Charm Of Changuu- Prison Island By Jerry Wanga At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Changuu Private Island Paradise, also known as Prison Island is an exquisite paradise with a private white sandy beach, dense forest, unspoiled placid waters and coral reef. This paradise in eastern Tanzania is also a haven for rare bird species and a unique group of permanent residents since 1919 known as the Aldabra Giant tortoises. This endangered species were a gift from the Seychelles government and have grown from an initial group of 4 to over 100. Some of the tortoises are believed to be over 100 years old.

Changuu Island lies 8 kilometres to the northwest of Stone Town or Zanzibar town and is about 800m by 400m at the broadest part. This Five Star island' resort in the heart of the Indian Ocean is a quick 20 -30 minutes sail on a traditional dhow (fishing boat) The Island is perimetered with a beautiful coral reef which is like a fantasy to anyone who enjoys snorkelling. The lovely white beach is ideal for sunbathing or whiling the glorious sunset away.

As most pristine places the history of the Changuu Island is fascinating. In the 1860s, the desolate island was given to two Arabs by the Sultan Seyyid Majid. They used it as a detention centre for rebel slaves. In 1893, after Zanzibar became a British Protectorate, General Sir Lloyd William Mathews (who was a First Minister), bought Changuu Island for the Zanzibar Government from its former Arab owners with the objective of building a prison. The island was sold by the Arabs especially because slave trade had been abolished. A prison to serve the stone town was built on the island but it was instead used as a quarantine station for the whole East Africa region. By 1894 construction of the prison was completed and the island became known as Prison Island.

Zanzibar being the most utilised port town at that time, the authorities were concerned about the threat of epidemics brought by passengers and cargo from across the seas and so the island was designated as a quarantine island. Due to the monsoons and seasonal arrival of vessels only between December and March, the island was usually free of quarantined persons. And so during these periods, Changuu was one of the preferred leisure resorts for Zanzibaris and European residents. These visitors used to stay in a bungalow, built in the late 1890s, locally known as European Bungalow. The bungalow has been artfully restored and converted into Mathews Restaurant. Previously the only available fresh water was rain water stored in underground tanks but recently a pipeline from Zanzibar mainland delivers fresh water to the island. The Mathews' Restaurant (named after Sir General Lloyd Mathews) has capacity for 50 covers and features fine International Cuisine. Its wide terrace overlooks the enticing swimming pool and enjoys a refreshing sea breeze. More so, a dip in a natural lagoon in the western side of the island, where Sea Turtles can often be seen is also available.

In 1931 a new Quarantine Area with new buildings was erected in the south-west of the island, which gave the Quarantine Station a capacity to accommodate 904 people. After the island lost is role as a Quarantine Station, due to lack of use, the buildings started to ruin. Today, the remains of these semi-collapsed buildings have been adroitly converted into 12 exquisite sea-view rooms with a lovely bar known as the fisherman’s cove. Candlelight dinners in the square facing the restored ruins are one of the most romantic experiences in Changuu Private Island Paradise and the sight of graceful dhows fishing at night provokes ones imagination back to the ancient days when the dhows were the cornerstone of Zanzibar and indeed the Indian Ocean.

The Prison Ruins have been restored to their original fashion and have been adapted to new uses. The Prison Fort is currently the main cultural area of the island. Leisure facilities in the Prison Fort include an exclusive boutique, a library, a Restaurant and a bar. In its north-west side, Changuu Private Island Paradise also has 15 fashionable deluxe rooms spaced along the sea-line and roofed with traditional makuti intended to ensure a cool atmosphere day and night. Ensuite bathrooms are provided with a huge bath-tub and shower. The private outdoor verandas face out to the sea, maximizing the views and sounds of the Ocean. The island is a superb scenario for any photographer or for anyone willing just to relax and enjoy the peacefulness that this beautiful island has to offer. For some sweat generating activity there is a floodlight tennis court in the bush in case the self walking safari that covers the island in 15minutes is too light an activity.

Changuu Private Island Paradise pleasantly merges the display and restoration of the history of the islet with its adaptation to modern necessities and facilities. Many would not mind being imprisoned in the luxuries of modern day Changuu-prison island.

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