Zanzibar Historic Stone Town & Prison Island Tour
Excursions & day trips

Zanzibar Historic Stone Town & Prison Island Tour

3.7/5
Great
Based on 14 reviews
from
$100.00
Free cancellation
Language: German, English, French, Polish
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 8 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Historical tour of Stone Town, with must-see sights
  • Shop for bargains at Darajani bazaar
  • Learn about the history of Tanzanite at a local museum
  • Meet a giant tortoise and relax on the beach at Prison Island
What to expect

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.

Read more
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Entrance fees
  • check Water
What to remember
  • Dress code is an important consideration in this predominately Muslim society
  • Wear loose fitting, non-transparent clothes during this tour
  • Bring towel, sunblock and a hat
  • Wear comfortable shoes but also bring flip-flops or sandals for beach time
Read more
Provider
MUSEMENT SPA
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Great

3.7/5

Based on 14 reviews from verified customers

14%
50%
29%
0%
7%

Review categories

Safety

4/5

Staff

4/5

Service

4/5

Value for money

3.6/5

  • Porter

    From United States of America - September 2025

    Traveled with family

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Bad

    Overall rated

    1/5

    This is the worst trip I have ever been on, no beach stay, the prison island was boring not about prison life etc. and to top it off a walk around a s ...

  • Keith the tortoise

    From United States of America - September 2025

    Traveled with family

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    The day was too long. It said 8 hrs but ended up as 10.5. Guide repeated himself so much and was very difficult to understand. Should allow for toile ...

  • Tracy

    From United Kingdom - February 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    3/5

    I think there should have been a full itinerary explained at the beginning There was lots of walking in very hot sun And we had to ask when could we ...

  • Creeky

    From United States of America - September 2024

    Traveled with a group of friends

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

  • Jan

    From United States of America - September 2023

    Solo traveler

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Was told it would be okay as j have some walking difficulties phoned and asked before I booked. Could not complete walk around stone town and had to ...

  • Palmighty

    From United Kingdom - August 2023

    Traveled with family

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Great experience and would recommend however if you would like free time to take in what you would like from shops etc I would recommend you book priv ...

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