Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Prison Island private tour
A melting pot of African, Indian, European and Arabic influences, Stone Town is a fascinating place to explore. Take a tour of this UNESCO-listed site and you'll be regaled with tales of famous residents, polish your haggling skills in the market, then visit the infamous Prison Island – a former slave colony now home to families of the giant tortoise.
Follow your guide on a tour of the Zanzibar capital and you'll stop by must-sees like the old slave market and Forodhani Gardens – a small park that boasts big views over the city. Practice your bargaining skills in Darajani bazaar and hear about famous residents of the city such as Farrokh Bulsara – also known as Freddie Mercury. There's also a pit stop at the Tanzanite Museum, where you'll explore the history of Tanzania's famous Tanzanite gemstone, a unique treasure found only in the country.
With a name like Prison Island, you'll be surprised at what a little slice of heaven this is. Now a conservation site for rare giant tortoises, you can meet the creatures, visit the Prison Island Museum, where you can learn more about its history, and then chill out on the beach and take a dip in the Indian Ocean before catching the boat back to shore.
Main features
Additional features
Do this because
- Learn more about Zanzibar from a UNESCO site, Stone Town
- Explore the Zanzibar capital to see must-visit spots
- Visit the Conservation site for the rare giant tortoise
- Find out about the history of Tanzanite at a local museum
Important to know
Know in advance:
- After booking, you will receive the contact info of the local operator to confirm pick-up time and location
- Wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing that covers your shoulders and legs
- Infants (0-3 years) can join the tour for free
Remember to bring:
- A swimsuit, light clothing, beach towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 48 hours before the experience begins.
What’s included
- Entrance fees
- Water
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation
- Tour guide
What’s not included
- Food and drinks
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Location
Meeting point:
Pick-up from your hotel in Zanzibar between 8.30am and 9.00am. Pick-up is available from the following points: Stone Town hotels and Zanzibar Town; North West Coast hotels and South West Coast hotels (Mangapwani, Fumba); North East Coast hotels (Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Pongwe, Chwaka, Matemwe); North Coast hotels (Nunwi, Kendwa); South Coast hotels and South East Coast hotels (Kizimkazi, Pingwe, Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi, Makunduch).
Provider
Fisherman Tours & Travel Ltd.
You might also like
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and Spice Plantation Tour
Excite your senses with this Zanzibar day trip. Search for the rare, red colobus monkey in the jungles of Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, then turn up the heat with a visit to a spice farm and see how the likes of vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom are grown, tasting as you go.
de, en, fr, pl
People & Culture Tour in Zanzibar with a Local Guide
There's no better way to get to know your holiday destination than by meeting local people. On this cultural tour, you'll travel to a typical village, Muyuni, to learn from the community about Zanzibar's rural traditions before making your way to Paje seaweed centre. Omar, one of our expert local guides, says ‘Community is so important in Zanzibar. You'll understand more about our island once you have explored the village and visited the seaweed centre, which empowers local women and sells great wellness products – use them at home and the scent will remind you of Zanzibar.'First up, we'll make our way to the village of Muyuni on the south coast of Zanzibar. Here you'll set off on a guided tour while getting to know the locals and watching rural life unfold in the community. Then it's time to make your way to the next stop of the day – Paje seaweed centre, a socially responsible business which allows local women to make a living as seaweed farmers, growing and collecting the crop on the splendid nearby beaches.Before you tour the facilities, you'll have free time for lunch, then you'll take a look around the factory where the local seaweed farmers will be at work harvesting and processing. A variety of beauty and wellness products are available for purchase, too. Lastly, it's over to the renowned The Rock Restaurant, famous for its location in the middle of the Indian Ocean where you'll see it from the outside and have the chance to take photos.
de, en, fr, pl
Zanzibar Historic Stone Town & Prison Island Tour
A melting pot of African, Indian, European and Arabic influences, Stone Town is a fascinating place to explore. Take a tour of this UNESCO-listed site and you'll be regaled with tales of famous residents, polish your haggling skills in the market, then visit the infamous Prison Island – a former slave colony now home to families of giant tortoise.Follow your guide on a tour of the Zanzibar capital and you'll stop by must-sees like the old slave market and Forodhani Gardens – a small park that boasts big views over the city. Practice your bargaining skills in Darajani bazaar and hear about famous residents of the city such as Farrokh Bulsara – also known as Freddie Mercury. There's also a pitstop at the Tanzanite museum, where you'll explore the history of Tanzania's famous Tanzanite gemstone, a unique treasure found only in the country.With a name like Prison Island, you'll be surprised at what a little slice of heaven this is. Now a conservation site for rare giant tortoise, you can meet the creatures, chill out on the beach and take a dip in the Indian Ocean. And, before catching the boat back to shore, you'll also have time to visit the island's museum, where you can learn more surrounding its history.
de, en, fr, pl
Zanzibar Seafari Snorkelling Boat Tour
With snorkelling at the famed Mnemba Atoll marine conservation area, this full-day tour is Zanzibar through and through. You'll cruise on a wooden dhow boat to snorkel amongst coral reefs and have a seafood feast for lunch on board.Firstly, you'll go to the dive centre in Kendwa to grab your equipment and be briefed on the day ahead. Then board the dhow boat for a cruise along the northeast coast of Zanzibar to Mnemba Atoll – hopefully you'll spot dolphins along the way. Your first snorkelling session will be at Kitchwani coral reef, a steep reef that seemingly disappears into an abyss.The next will be at the colourful coral gardens, where exotic marine species swim through the seagrass. It's then time for a tasty seafood lunch, with plenty of drinks and fruit to go around. Afterwards, you can chill out by spreading out a towel on-deck as we sail back to port.
en
Deep sea fishing half-day tour in Zanzibar
Enjoy some of Africa's best deep sea fishing grounds in Zanzibar at an internationally renowned site, consistently providing great fishing opportunities.
en
Zanzibar design your day private tour
Choose your itinerary for the day, then let your driver know and discover Zanzibar at your own pace
en
Zanzibar Stone Town and spice plantation private tour
Discover more about the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town and find out why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island
en
Zanzibar Jozani Forest and Prison Island private tour
Discover the only national park on the island, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, on a nature trail then catch the boat over to Prison Island and enjoy some swimming and snorkeling.
en
Zanzibar cave and village adventure private tour
Learn more about Zanzibar culture visiting the Muyuni Village. Discover the traditions, arts and crafts of the locals. End your visit in the mystical Ngonga Cave
en
Zanzibar historic Stone Town private tour
Discover the UNESCO Site of Stone Town with its African, Indian, European and Arabic influence. Learn more about the main bazaar and Forodhani Gardens
en
