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Zanzibar Historic Stone Town & Prison Island Tour

3.8/5
14 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 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.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Zanzibar
Duration: more than 8 hours
Language:German, English, French, Polish
Mobile voucher accepted

Additional features

Entrance Fees Included
Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
e-Voucher
Hotel pick up

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

Important to know

  • 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

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.


What’s included

  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Water

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.


Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

MUSEMENT SPA


What people say about this experience

3.8/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 14 reviews


Review categories

Service

4.1/5

Value for money

3.6/5

Safety

4.1/5

Staff

4.1/5


14%
57%
21%
0%
7%

Sort by:

  • A

    Alison

    Traveled with a group of friends


    September 24, 2025
    4.2

    United States of America

    It is a fascinating tour with lots to see and learn about. I would like to point out a few negatives although it shouldn't put anyone off doing the tour. Time was definitely a big issue. It felt very rushed with no time for shopping or swimming. It is a lot of walking but at least its flat. Getting on and off the boat for Prison Island was interesting and you do get your feet wet. Just to finish this review I woul like to say the guide Siaid was very good and knowledgeable.

  • P

    Porter

    Traveled with family


    September 10, 2025
    1

    United States of America

    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 smelly market see fish and meat hanging up covered in flies, not what a tourist attraction should be about. We did not do any thing on the excursion its was a waste of money and needs to be refunded to use. The itinerary needs to be descriptive so people can fully understand what they are getting, it will not sell

  • K

    Keith the tortoise

    Traveled with family


    September 10, 2025
    3

    United States of America

    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 toilet stops not have to keep asking. Lunch break at 2.45 was unnecessary by this point everyone had nibbled something and would have preferred to carry on with tour and get back sooner. It should have been interesting but we were exhausted and bored after the long lunch break so lost interest.

  • C

    Creeky

    Traveled with a group of friends


    September 21, 2024
    4.2

    United States of America

  • J

    Jan

    Solo traveler


    September 20, 2023
    4.2

    United States of America

    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 hire tuk tuk to meeting point. Several of the older people were exhausted bh the time we net up. Thank goodness for the guide he was fantastic. Had extreme difficulties getting on and off boat was highly embarrassing

  • P

    Palmighty

    Traveled with family


    August 24, 2023
    4.6

    United Kingdom

    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 private tour

Need a hand?

Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number: +1 208-744-6464