Super Zanzi (3-IN-1): Prison, Vanishing Island & Stone Town – Zanzibar

The Super Zanzi tour offers a captivating 3-in-1 experience in the vibrant island of Zanzibar. Guests can explore the historic remnants of an old prison, interact with giant tortoises, and explore the rich cultural heritage of Stone Town. This full-day adventure promises to immerse visitors in Zanzibar’s diverse landscapes and uncover the island’s fascinating history. Whether you’re seeking an educational outing or a day of leisure, the Super Zanzi tour provides a well-rounded experience that caters to a variety of interests. With so much to discover, it’s no wonder this tour has garnered the attention of travelers from around the world.

Key Points

• The Super Zanzi tour offers a full-day excursion to explore three distinct experiences: Prison Island, Vanishing Island, and a guided walking tour of Stone Town in Zanzibar.
• The tour includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, snorkeling gear, and a seafood lunch, with a maximum capacity of 30 participants.
• Highlights of the tour include interactions with giant Aldabra tortoises, swimming and snorkeling at the Vanishing Island, and a seafood-focused lunch in a beautiful island setting.
• While the tour has received positive feedback for its stunning views and knowledgeable guides, there are concerns about the rushed itinerary, inadequate snorkeling experiences, and issues with organization and guest satisfaction.
• Recommendations for improvement include enhancing organization, improving guide engagement, addressing cleanliness issues, considering alternative snorkeling locations, and prioritizing guest satisfaction based on feedback.

Tour Overview and Details

The Super Zanzi tour, a 3-in-1 experience, invites travelers to explore the captivating destinations of Prison Island, Vanishing Island, and Stone Town in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

This full-day excursion, priced from £67.32, promises approximately 10 hours of adventure and discovery.

With a maximum of 30 participants, the tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, snorkeling equipment, and a delectable seafood-focused lunch.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does offer infant seats.

Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the event.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors first explore the historic Prison Island, a former prison and quarantine zone that now houses giant Aldabra tortoises and offers scenic vistas.

The next stop is the stunning Nakupenda, also known as the Vanishing Island, where guests can indulge in refreshing swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.

They can also enjoy a delectable seafood buffet featuring fresh lobster, fish, octopus, and calamari, all while relishing the beautiful setting as the island temporarily disappears during high tide.

After these captivating experiences, the tour returns to Stone Town by boat, where a guided walking tour provides insight into the historic city’s architecture, culture, and local way of life.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Reviewers offered mixed perspectives on the Super Zanzi tour, with some highlighting the breathtaking beauty of the Vanishing Island and the delicious seafood buffet, while others criticizing the organization and lack of guide engagement. Positive notes included memorable encounters with the giant turtles on Prison Island and knowledgeable guides like Abrahim, who provided insightful commentary. However, negative feedback pointed to a rushed itinerary, insufficient historical context, and inadequate snorkeling conditions. The table below summarizes the key guest experiences and feedback:

Positive Experiences	Neutral Experiences	Negative Experiences
Stunning Vanishing Island	Knowledgeable guides	Rushed itinerary
Delicious seafood lunch	Memorable turtles	Lack of historical context
Engaging guides (e.g., Abrahim)		Inadequate snorkeling

Operational Issues and Concerns

While some guests praised the tour, others pointed to various operational issues and concerns that marred their experiences. Delays in pick-up and communication about the schedule frustrated travelers, causing disruptions to the itinerary.

Guests also reported:

• Insufficient time at attractions, particularly at Prison Island and during the Stone Town walking tour, leaving them feeling rushed.

• Inconsistent provision of snorkeling equipment and instructions, impacting the quality of the snorkeling experience.

• Reports of animal abuse related to monkeys on Nakupenda, raising ethical concerns about the tour’s treatment of wildlife.

These operational challenges detracted from the overall experience, highlighting the need for improved organization, communication, and attention to guest satisfaction.

Recommendations for Improvement

To enhance the overall tour experience, the organizers could focus on improving the organization, communication, and attention to guest satisfaction. This would involve minimizing wait times, ensuring timely transitions between locations, and providing better historical context and engagement from guides during the tours.

Plus, addressing cleanliness and overcrowding issues at Nakupenda, as well as considering additional options for snorkeling locations to improve water quality, could help address the concerns raised by some guests.

Prison Island Exploration

The Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, offers visitors a glimpse into Zanzibar’s complex history, featuring an old prison, giant tortoises, and a former quarantine zone.

This unique destination presents travelers with the opportunity to explore:

• The remnants of the old prison, where captives were once held, providing a somber reminder of Zanzibar’s past.

• The island’s famous population of giant Aldabra tortoises, which can live up to 100 years, allowing visitors to observe these ancient creatures up close.

• The former quarantine area, where sick individuals were isolated, highlighting the island’s role in safeguarding public health.

The Prison Island tour provides a multifaceted experience, blending history, wildlife, and Zanzibar’s rich cultural tapestry.

Vanishing Island Adventure

After exploring the rich history and wildlife of Prison Island, the tour moves on to the captivating Nakupenda, also known as the Vanishing Island.

This small, idyllic island offers a perfect respite from the mainland, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and indulging in a seafood buffet.

Visitors can marvel at the island’s disappearing act as the tide rises, creating a mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, allowing guests to discover the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.

Lunch on the island features a variety of local delicacies, from fresh lobster to octopus and calamari, paired with refreshing mineral water and African coffee with spices.

This segment of the tour promises an immersive coastal experience in Zanzibar’s stunning natural setting.

Stone Town Walking Tour

Concluding the tour, guests then return to Stone Town by boat for a guided walking exploration of this historic UNESCO World Heritage site.

The walking tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to:

• Stroll through winding alleyways and discover the unique blend of Swahili, Arab, and Indian architecture

• Visit iconic landmarks such as the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Sultan’s Palace

• Interact with local artisans, shop for handicrafts, and sample traditional Zanzibari cuisine

Though the pace may feel rushed, the Stone Town walking tour offers a tantalizing glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar.

Guests depart with a deeper appreciation for the island’s vibrant history and captivating charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is typically casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, as the tour may involve activities like swimming and exploring various outdoor sites.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. It is suitable for travelers of all ages, though infant seats are available. Participants should ensure their children are supervised throughout the activities for their safety and enjoyment.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, travelers are generally allowed to bring their own snorkeling gear on this tour. However, it’s important to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policy, as they may have specific requirements or recommendations regarding the use of personal equipment.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is typically an option to extend the tour duration for an additional fee, though this may vary by tour operator. Travelers should inquire about this possibility when booking to accommodate their schedules and preferences.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, many tour companies offer private tours for customers who prefer a more personalized experience. Private tours can be requested for this activity, allowing travelers to customize the itinerary and enjoy a more intimate, exclusive experience.

The Sum Up

The Super Zanzi tour offers a captivating 3-in-1 experience in Zanzibar, exploring the historic Prison Island, the idyllic Vanishing Island, and the vibrant Stone Town.

Guests embark on a full-day adventure, with the opportunity to interact with giant Aldabra tortoises, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and discover the rich cultural heritage and architectural diversity of Stone Town.

The tour provides a well-rounded and immersive experience for visitors to Zanzibar.