Stone Town, Spice Farm and Prison Island Discovery
After being picked up from your hotel, you will first enjoy a walking tour of Stone Town, then visit an organic spice farm, and finally explore the historic Prison Island - all in one full-day guided tour of Zanzibar. Meander through a labyrinth of chaotic alleyways between towering limestone houses and interact with Aldabra tortoises.
Stone Town walking tour
Start your day with a walking tour of Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar City, where you will explore historical sites including the slave markets, bustling daily markets, and charming narrow streets, with time to enjoy shopping later on.
The historic capital city of Zanzibar is Stone Town, renowned for its rich cultural heritage dating back to the 19th century. Reflecting a blend of Arabian, Indian, Persian, and European influences, Zanzibar was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Relive the grandeur of this port city as you stroll through the twisting streets and see former palaces, the Sultan's Palace, and Arab mansions. You will also gain insight into the tragic history of the slave trade.
Spice farm tour
After your walking tour, you will be driven to the plantation, where you will learn why Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island." The Spice Tour is a highlight among excursions on Zanzibar, often dubbed the Spice Island for its renown as a global leader in producing spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
More than just a visit, you will also smell, touch, and even taste some of the crops grown on this island, and discover what the spices were originally used for. Spices and herbs were introduced to Zanzibar by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, who brought them from their colonies in South America and India.
Embark on a guided walking tour of a spice farm, where you will witness firsthand the cultivation of spices, herbs, and fruits. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the cultivation methods and various uses of these crops.
During the tour, immerse yourself in the aromas and flavours of spices, herbs, and tropical fruits such as coconuts, papaya, chilli, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, cardamom, cassava, cloves, and lemongrass.
Following the tour, savour a traditional Swahili lunch at the farm, where you can truly appreciate the diverse culinary uses of spices.
Prison Island
Finally, take a boat ride offshore to Prison Island, also called 'changuu' in Swahili. It is home to large land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles. You will also learn about the island's historic use as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 1860s.
The Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary is a significant draw for tourists, boasting a 200-year-old resident as its oldest. These non-indigenous, majestic creatures weigh an average of 200 kg and can live for over 100 years.
You will then take a boat ride back to Stone Town. After this memorable day, our driver will drop you off at your hotel.
