Private Half Day Tour To Prison Island and Stone Town By Night

Zanzibar , Tanzania

Private Half Day Tour To Prison Island and Stone Town By Night

Active

(1 reviews)

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is a combination of two different attractions visited in the same day. The tour will start by visiting Prison Island by motorized wooden boat from Stone Town where You will have chance to visit the Prison Ruins, Sanctuary of Aldabra Giant Tortoises, Peacocks and Beach and then Visit The World Heritage Site of Stone Town where you will visit some of historical buildings such as House of Wonders, Old Arab Fort, Catholic Church and others. Here you will also experience activities conducted by Local Zanzibaris during the evening hours like Jumping in the ocean and Visiting Stone Town Open Food Market and Rooftop Bar or Shisha Lounge.

Available options

Private Half Day Tour To Prison Island and Stone Town By Night

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

All Fees and Taxes

Private Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Prison Island also known as Changuu Island lies about 25 - 30 minutes by wooden motorized boat from Zanzibar Stone Town and this is where you will visit the Prison Ruins built by General Lloyd Mathews in 1893 and hence the name Prison Island. The Tour includes the visit to the Sanctuary of Aldabra's giant tortoises brought by British Governor of Seychelles in 1919 as a gift to Sultan of Zanzibar. The island is also decorated by colorful peacocks that run around and show off their tails from time to time. During the tour, you will be able to visit the prison ruins, sanctuary of the tortoises and the beach where you can swim in the crystal clear water of Indian Ocean before taking you way back to Stone Town.

This explainable guided tour of Zanzibar's ancient city of Stone Town is providing you with the great living evidence of a rich cultural heritage, where Persian, Indian, Arab and European influences are mixed with local African tradition and culture. It gives you the very exclusive opportunity to explore the beauty of the Historical buildings with various architectural designs, carved wooden doors shaded by balconies, loggias and verandas shining the unique World Heritage Site of Stone Town.
The Tour will take you to key areas with evening experience like Forodhani Open Night Food Market, Flipping Swimmers show and Sunset Viewing point. The Tour will also take you to one of the most popular Rooftop bars and Shisha Lounge as per your personal interest before making your way back to your hotel.

What's not included

All other things of human nature

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT PL FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. This semi-autonomous region of Tanzania offers a unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Top Attractions

Stone Town

The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant markets.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Prison Island

A small island known for its giant Aldabra tortoises and historical significance as a former slave prison.

Historical/Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee and boat ride)

Nungwi Beach

One of Zanzibar's most famous beaches, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Beach Full day Free to access, activities vary

Jozani Forest

Zanzibar's only national park, home to the rare Red Colobus monkey and diverse birdlife.

Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee and guide)

Kizimkazi

A historic village known for its ancient mosques and dolphin tours.

Cultural Half day Moderate (dolphin tour fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Urojo

A spicy Zanzibari soup made with cassava, potatoes, and sometimes meat or seafood, served with coconut and chili sauce.

Snack Vegetarian option available

Coconut Rice

Rice cooked with coconut milk, often served with fish or meat.

Main Vegetarian option available

Zanzibar Pizza

A local street food item made with a thin, flaky pastry filled with eggs, meat, and vegetables, cooked on a griddle.

Snack Customizable to dietary preferences

Biriyani

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and sometimes vegetables, influenced by Indian cuisine.

Main Vegetarian option available

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Island hopping Spice tours Dolphin tours Beach relaxation Sunset cruises Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the island.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Swahili, English
Widely spoken: Arabic, Indigenous languages
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Use common sense and take precautions to ensure a safe trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxi services.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport • 5 km from Stone Town

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Useful for reaching popular destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Stone Town Nungwi Kendwa Jambiani

Day trips

Pemba Island

100 km • Full day to overnight

Known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and spice plantations, Pemba Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Chumbe Island

12 km • Full day

A small island known for its coral reef sanctuary and lighthouse, offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Mafia Island

150 km • Overnight

Known for its remote beaches, excellent fishing, and whale shark sightings, Mafia Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Festivals

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) • July Mwaka Kogwa • July Zanzibar Carnival • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
Hire a local guide for spice tours and historical sites to gain deeper insights.
Visit the Forodhani Gardens night market for a taste of local street food.
Book a sunset cruise for a romantic and memorable experience.
Explore the island's diverse regions, from the bustling Stone Town to the serene beaches of Kendwa and Jambiani.