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Zanzibar historic Stone Town and Prison Island private tour

4.5/5
25 reviews

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

Free cancellation
Place: Zanzibar
Duration: from 6 hours to 8 hours
Language:English
Mobile voucher accepted

Additional features

Instant confirmation
Entrance fees included
Guided tour
Private Tour
E-Voucher
Hotel pick up
Transport included

Why you’ll love this…

  • 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.


What people say about this experience

4.5/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 25 reviews


Review categories

Safety

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.6/5

Service

4.6/5


64%
32%
4%
0%
0%

Sort by:

  • H

    Honest

    Travelled as a couple


    15 February 2025
    5

    United States of America

    Guide was brilliant thoroughly enjoyed- very informative Prison Island wasn’t as good as expected- history was interesting but thought the tortoise population care wise could have been better- too many tourists tripping over them for a cheap photo opportunity

  • I

    Iris T.

    Solo traveller


    6 November 2025
    4.2

    United States of America

    Am Fahrer gibt es überhaupt nichts auszusetzen, vom Guide hätte ich mir ein bisschen mehr Infos zur Historie gewünscht. Vielleicht liegt das aber auch daran, dass ich als Deutsche die Tour mit einem englischen Guide gebucht habe

  • J

    Joni S

    Travelled with family


    25 February 2025
    5

    United States of America

    Absolutely great guide, Saleh! Thank you! Br Joni, Maria ja Kaisla S.

  • C

    Chn

    Travelled as a couple


    6 February 2025
    4.6

    Finland

  • Q

    Qas

    Travelled as a couple


    11 October 2024
    5

    United Kingdom

    We booked a stone town and prison island private tour. It was amazing to the the beautiful historic town of stone town and to also see the prison island and learn about the history of it as well as then seeing the giant aldabra tortoises. Our amazing guide was Walid and he was the friendliest most hospitable guy you can ever wish for. He answered all of our questions, it was clear that he was very knowledgable about the history and facts of the town and zanzibar. We learnt so much from him.

  • P

    Pip

    Travelled with family


    4 September 2024
    5

    United States of America

    Really great full day of sight seeing. Wandering round Stone Town and going through the market was great to see. The trip to Prison Island was quite choppy but only for 30 minutes so not too bad. The tortoises are the main attraction on the Island, there isn't much prison left. Lunch was nice.....although there was only one option of location offered. Seeing the history of the town was very humbling and something the.kids will remember. All in all a long and hot great day!