Visit oldest animals on the island
ALDABRA GIANT TORTOISES
The Aldabra giant tortoises of Ghanguu Island just off the coast of Zanzibar have become a major tourist attraction of the region.Ghanguu Island also known as Prison Island but never used as a prison is around 800 m (2,600 ft) long and 230 m (750 ft) wide at its broadest point. It is 5.6 km (3.5 mi) northwest of Stone Town and not more than 30 minutes per boat trip away from the mainland.
The island's tortoises originated from the island of Aldabra as a gift of four tortoises in 1919 from the then British governor of Seychelles. The tortoises bred quickly, and their numbers swelled to 200 by 1955 after which it dropped again as they were sold as pets or for food and by 1996 almost went extinct on the island. The Zanzibar government with the aid of the World Animal Protection society stepped in and brought some more hatchlings to the island which resulted in the numbers growing back to well over 100 tortoises. Changuu Island's Aldabra tortoises are the world's second-largest tortoise and are only surpassed by the Galapagos tortoise in size. They can weigh up to 250 kilos and grow to a length of 1.22 meters. Their food consists mainly of vegetation, and they sometimes topple small trees to grab some leaves. They breed easily and produce new litters every year between February and May. The baby tortoises are very vulnerable and must be kept in cages for months to protect them Many of the tortoises are more than a hundred years old with their ages written on their backs. Tourists are allowed to feed them and also scratch their backs which they love. Please enquire at our reception for more information on this day trip.
James M
5. January, 2022.
Absolute Paradise & Friendly Staff
My wife and I stayed at Five Palms Zanzibar on honey moon - we arrived to drinks on arrival, had our bags drop off at our room and when entering our room had a very romantic surprise of flowers on our bed and "Happy Honeymoon" written in palm leaves.
We had an amazing private romantic beach dinner with drinks at the beach bar after making it an unforgettable experience!
The staff are extremely helpful and accommodating which added to our 10 day trip.
The hotel has a private tour guide who is extremely knowledgeable and really goes to extra lengths to make your day trip one to remember.
Great value for money and highly recommendable.
We will be back!
Beatrice S
6. September, 2021.
Nice Hotel
A nice clean modern hotel with friendly staff and child friendly.
The food was prepared quickly and tasty.
We had sea view.
The cocktails were delicious.
Can only recommend the hotel.
There you can enjoy your vacation.
Hope that we can book the hotel again.
Highgrade56
30. August, 2021.
Would recommend to anyone visiting Zanzibar
The hotel has a great position being very close to the beach. The staff is willing to accomodate your every need if you simply tell them what you want. Overall it was a very good experience and I would visit again.
AndreiS.
30. August, 2021.
10 of 10
I start by saying that it is an excellent location, located on the beach! The staff is very friendly and kind, and the atmosphere is even holiday. The rooms are clean and recently renovated! Worth a visit!
Bigklau25
11. August, 2021.
Excellent Beach Hotel with great service!
Excellent hotel, right on the beach! New remodel big rooms, comfortable bed. Pool and beach bar. Good wifi. Good breakfast. The personal is very attentive and always ready to exceed expectations! They can organize different excursions for guests, including Safaris!
Adrian M
11. August, 2021.
Holiday
We stayed at this hotel in August. The bar is very nice directly on the beach.
Attentive staff, clean rooms.
The location is directly on the beach. I recommend this location.The excursions offered by the hotel and the guide is very ok. The guide speaks German and English.