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

Zanzibar Historic Stone Town & Prison Island Tour

4/5
Great
Based on 12 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.

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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

4/5

Based on 12 reviews from verified customers

17%
58%
25%
0%
0%

Review categories

Safety

4/5

Staff

4/5

Service

4/5

Value for money

3.8/5

  • 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 ...

  • Marie

    From United States of America - June 2023

    Traveled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    3/5

    The giant tortoise on prison island was the highlight of the day. Everything else was a waste of time and our money.

  • Tafia

    From United Kingdom - November 2022

    Traveled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Flow of the tour was poorly thought out. Stone town should gave been first then Prison Island as this was the most logical way to do it.

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