Full-Day Stone Town and Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage takes center stage on the Full-Day Stone Town and Prison Island Tour. Visitors can enjoy the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, marveling at its unique architecture and diverse religious sites. Then, a motorized boat ride transports them to Changuu Island, where they can relax on pristine beaches and observe the resident giant tortoises. While the tour promises a delightful family outing, there’s more to discover about the island’s captivating history and natural wonders that await the curious traveler.

Key Points

• The full-day tour covers a 3-hour walking exploration of UNESCO-listed Stone Town and a visit to Changuu Island, known for its beaches and giant tortoises.
• The tour highlights the architectural diversity of Stone Town, showcasing mosques, churches, temples, and notable landmarks like The Old Fort and House of Wonders.
• Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, offers a chance to learn about its tragic history of slave internment and cholera outbreaks while enjoying the scenic landscapes and wildlife.
• The tour is suitable for families, with a maximum group size of 12 and inclusions such as entrance fees, lunch, and round-trip hotel transfers.
• Moderate physical fitness is required for the walking tour, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility challenges may face limitations.

Tour Overview

The full-day Stone Town and Prison Island Tour is conducted by Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya.

With 9 reviews and an overall rating of 4.0/5, it’s an ideal tour for families, offering round-trip hotel transfers.

Priced at $199.64 per person, it’s a discounted rate from the original $234.88.

The tour begins at 9:00 AM at the hotel and includes a 3-hour walking exploration of UNESCO-listed Stone Town, where visitors can discover narrow streets, plastered buildings, and iconic Zanzibar doors.

The tour also takes guests to Changuu (Prison Island) to explore its white sandy beaches and encounter giant tortoises, with admission included in the package.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at 9:00 AM when guests are picked up from their hotels.

Over the next 3 hours, the walking tour through UNESCO-listed Stone Town allows travelers to explore the narrow streets, plastered buildings, and the famous Zanzibar doors.

Along the way, they’ll visit 49 mosques, historic churches, Hindu temples, and architectural highlights like The Old Fort and House of Wonders.

After the walking tour, guests board a motorized boat to Changuu, also known as Prison Island.

This island is known for its tragic legacy of slave internment and cholera, but it also features white sandy beaches and wildlife, including giant tortoises.

Exploring Stone Town

Exploring Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed historic district of Zanzibar City, promises a captivating journey through time.

During the 3-hour walking tour, visitors will meander along the narrow streets, admiring the city’s distinct architectural flair. From the ornate facades of plastered buildings to the iconic Zanzibar doors, the town exudes a unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences.

Travelers will encounter a tapestry of 49 mosques, historic churches, and Hindu temples, as well as iconic landmarks like The Old Fort and House of Wonders.

This immersive exploration offers a rich cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore Zanzibar’s storied past and vibrant present.

Architectural Highlights

Zanzibar’s architectural landscape enchants visitors with its diverse blend of influences. Wandering through Stone Town’s narrow streets, travelers can admire the plastered buildings and iconic Zanzibar doors, which reflect a fusion of African, Arab, Indian, and European styles.

The tour highlights the area’s 49 mosques, historic churches, and Hindu temples, showcasing the island’s religious diversity. Architectural landmarks like The Old Fort and House of Wonders provide a glimpse into Zanzibar’s storied past.

This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage that has shaped the unique character of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Prison Island Experience

Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, carries a tragic legacy of slave internment and cholera outbreaks.

Despite this history, the island now features white sandy beaches and wildlife, including the iconic giant tortoises. Visitors can explore the island and learn about its complex past.

The tour includes admission to Prison Island, allowing guests to discover its unique attractions. On the island, travelers can wander the scenic landscapes, observe the giant tortoises, and gain a deeper understanding of Zanzibar’s complex history.

The Prison Island experience offers a thought-provoking complement to the exploration of Stone Town’s vibrant architecture and culture.

Wildlife and Beaches

The island’s white sandy beaches provide a picturesque setting for visitors to relax and soak up the sun.

Beyond the beaches, Changuu Island is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the famous giant tortoises. These majestic creatures, some weighing over 500 pounds, roam freely across the island, offering a unique opportunity to observe them up close.

Visitors can stroll along the island’s winding paths, taking in the natural beauty and encountering these gentle giants.

The combination of stunning beaches and captivating wildlife makes Changuu Island a truly memorable part of the Prison Island tour experience.

Inclusions and Cost

The tour includes all activities, entrance fees, and lunch, with meal prices ranging from $15 to $30 per person.

Drinks and gratuities are also covered in the $199.64 per person cost (discounted from $234.88).

The tour is ideal for families and can accommodate a maximum of 12 travelers.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required as the tour involves a 3-hour walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a minimum of 2 people is required per booking.

Lastly, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Important Notes

Travelers should be aware that a moderate level of physical fitness is required for this tour, as it involves a 3-hour walking exploration of Stone Town.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility challenges may have difficulty. A minimum of 2 people is required per booking, and the maximum group size is 12 travelers.

While cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start, it’s essential to confirm the hotel selection for accurate pickup.

The tour includes the following:

• All activities and entrance fees
• Lunch and drinks
• Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers per group. The small group size ensures a more personalized and intimate experience for participants.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but participants are advised to wear comfortable, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are recommended given the warm climate. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the tour’s walking component.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

There are no specific photography restrictions on the tour. Visitors are generally allowed to take photos throughout the Stone Town and Prison Island sites, though they should be respectful of local customs and ask permission before photographing people.

Can Participants Extend Their Stay on Prison Island After the Tour?

Participants can’t extend their stay on Prison Island after the tour. The tour includes a set duration of exploration on the island, and participants must return with the group at the scheduled time.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travellers can cancel their booking without penalty if they need to change their plans.

Recap

The Full-Day Stone Town and Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar offers a rich cultural experience, showcasing the UNESCO-listed Stone Town’s unique architecture and diverse religious sites. Visitors can then relax on the pristine beaches of Changuu Island and observe the giant tortoises. Priced at $199.64 per person, the tour includes lunch and all activities, making it an ideal family outing to explore Zanzibar’s cultural heritage.