Tanzania · City Tours

5-Hour Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Giant Tortoises

5 Hours Round trip from Zanzibar Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Dive into the history of Stone Town
  • 02 Sail to Prison Island, home to giant tortoises and pristine waters for relaxation
  • 03 Relish a delicious lunch with local flavours, plus fresh fruits and water
  • 04 Explore Stone Town's winding streets, bustling markets, and picturesque squares

Step into the captivating past of Stone Town and discover the serene allure of Prison Island on this immersive guided tour from Zanzibar. Wander through Stone Town's winding streets, bustling markets, and picturesque squares while learning about the Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences that shaped its culture and architecture. Then sail to Prison Island, where crystal-clear waters, sandy shores, colourful marine life, and giant tortoises await. Along the way, enjoy a delectable lunch with local flavours, as well as fresh fruits and bottled water.

Step into the captivating past of Stone Town and discover the serene allure of Prison Island on this immersive guided tour from Zanzibar.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Zanzibar, Changuu
Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Stone Town History and Prison Island Escape

Morning:

  • Pickup from your hotel in Zanzibar to begin the day.
  • Meet your expert guide, who will give you an overview of the day's adventure.
  • Explore Stone Town's historical treasures as you wander through its winding streets, discover ancient buildings with rich stories, immerse yourself in bustling markets and picturesque squares, and learn about the fusion of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences in the city's culture and architecture.

Lunchtime:

  • Enjoy a delectable lunch filled with local flavours and savour the unique tastes of Zanzibar.

Afternoon:

  • Depart for Prison Island by boat and take in the stunning coastal scenery during the journey.

Prison Island Exploration:

  • Arrive at the tranquil paradise of Prison Island.
  • Spend time relaxing on the sandy shores.
  • Swim and snorkel among colourful marine life (optional).
  • Visit the giant tortoises that inhabit the island.
  • Recharge with a refreshing selection of fresh fruits and stay hydrated with bottled water.

Late Afternoon:

  • Board the boat for your return trip to Stone Town.

Evening:

  • Reflect on your enriching day as you head back to Stone Town.
  • Enjoy the serenity of the sea breeze during the boat ride.
  • Witness a breathtaking sunset if timing allows.
  • Return to your hotel, where you can unwind and reminisce about the captivating experiences of the day.
Stone Town winding streets, Prison Island sandy shores, crystal-clear waters and giant tortoises

Where this trip takes you

Stone Town winding streets, Prison Island sandy shores, crystal-clear waters and giant tortoises

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Zanzibar 2 cities · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Knowledgeable Zanzibar guide
  • Boat transportation to Prison Island
  • Hotel pickup and return
  • Entry ticket to Anglican Church and Freddy Mercury House
  • Lunch
  • Fresh fruits
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities (tips for the guide and any additional service staff)
  • Personal purchases or expenses

What to bring

  • Comfortable clothing
  • Camera for photos

Know before you go

  • Dress comfortably: wear suitable clothing and shoes for exploring Stone Town and Prison Island.
  • Dietary requests: share any dietary preferences or restrictions in advance. Our tour includes local cuisine, but we can accommodate special requests.
  • Limited availability: book early, as this tour has limited spots and can fill up quickly.
  • Health and activity: be prepared for walking in Stone Town and potential swimming/snorkelling. Ensure your health and fitness are suitable for these activities.
  • Full-day: plan for a full-day tour.
  • Travelling with kids: if you bring children, let us know their ages for appropriate arrangements.
  • Dining flexibility: you can choose to dine at your hotel if you prefer not to have our included local cuisine. Please inform us when booking.
  • We aim to make your Stone Town Historical & Prison Island Tour tailored to your preferences. Reach out with questions or special requests during booking.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tour start
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began, in Zanzibar.

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Starting from

USD 100 /person
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