Stone Town & Prison Island Tour

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Overview

  • Duration:8 hours 0 minutes
  • Tour Type:Top Deals
  • Language:English
A true melting pot of African, Indian, European, and Arabic influences, Stone Town is one of East Africa’s most captivating destinations. On this guided tour of the UNESCO-listed city, wander through narrow streets rich in history while hearing fascinating stories about its famous residents. Visit key landmarks including the former slave market and Forodhani Gardens, which offers sweeping views of the seafront. Test your bargaining skills at Darajani Market and learn about notable figures such as Freddie Mercury. A stop at the Tanzanite Museum reveals the story behind Tanzania’s rare gemstone.

The adventure continues with a boat trip to Prison Island, once a detention center and now a sanctuary for giant tortoises. Explore the small museum, meet these remarkable creatures, relax on the beach, and swim in the warm Indian Ocean before returning by boat.

 

What to remember

Dress code is an important consideration in this predominantly muslim society. Wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothes during this tour

The duration of the tour will vary depending on the location of your hotel, traffic and weather conditions

Bring money for extras or tips
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Highlights

  • 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

Includes/Excludes

  • Entrance fees
  • Water
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Transportation
  • Tour guide
  • Lunch
  • Drinks
  • Towel

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

How do we get to Prison Island?

The island is reached via a traditional motorized wooden boat (dhow) from the Stone Town waterfront. The boat ride takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes each way and offers beautiful views of the Zanzibar coastline.

Can we actually touch and feed the tortoises?

Yes! The Aldabra Giant Tortoises are very friendly and accustomed to humans. You will be provided with some leafy greens to feed them, and you are welcome to take photos with these magnificent creatures under the guidance of your tour leader.

Is there a dress code for the Stone Town portion?

Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim society. While on the boat and at the island, swimwear is fine, but for the Stone Town walking tour, we kindly ask that you dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.

How long does the combined tour take?

The full experience usually lasts between 5 and 6 hours. Typically, we spend about 3 hours in Stone Town and 2 to 3 hours at Prison Island, though the schedule can be adjusted to suit your pace.

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