Zanzibar City & Prison Island Tour – Tortoises, Slave Trade & Stone Town

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Zanzibar City & Prison Island Tour – Tortoises, Slave Trade & Stone Town

Zanzibar City and its historic heart, Stone Town, is a living museum where African, Arab, Indian, and European influences converge. This 3-day Zanzibar City & Prison Island tour takes you deep into the island’s complex history, from its days as a major spice and slave trading hub to its vibrant present-day culture. Wander through the narrow, winding alleys of Stone Town, where intricately carved doors, bustling markets, and ancient buildings tell stories of sultans, explorers, and traders. Then, cross the turquoise waters to Prison Island, where giant tortoises roam freely, and the remnants of a slave quarantine station stand as a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in history. This is Zanzibar as you’ve never experienced it through the eyes of its storytellers.

This Zanzibar City & Prison Island tour includes all transfers, accommodation at a boutique Stone Town hotel, guided walking tours, and a boat trip to Prison Island. You’ll explore the Old Fort, House of Wonders, Sultan’s Palace, Darajani Market, and the Slave Chambers. With expert local guides providing historical context and cultural insights, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Zanzibar’s heritage. All entrance fees, meals, and activities are included.

Highlights

Day 1: Arrival – Stone Town Walking Tour
Day 2: Prison Island – Tortoises & Slave Trade History
Day 3: Spice Farm Tour – Departure

Day 01 :

Arrival – Stone Town Walking Tour

Your Zanzibar City & Prison Island tour begins with a warm welcome at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Your driver-guide transfers you to your boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town. After check-in, embark on a guided walking tour through Stone Town's UNESCO-listed labyrinthine alleys. Visit the Old Fort, the oldest building in Stone Town, built by the Omani Arabs in the 17th century . Explore the House of Wonders, Zanzibar's largest and tallest building, and the Sultan's Palace Museum, home to the Zanzibari royal family until 1964 . Wander through the bustling Darajani Market, where the air is thick with spices and the vibrant colors of fresh produce . In the evening, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. Overnight at your Stone Town hotel. Meals: Lunch & Dinner.

Day 02 :

Prison Island – Tortoises & Slave Trade History

After breakfast, transfer to the waterfront for a boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island). Upon arrival, explore the island's history as a quarantine station for slaves and later as a prison (though no prisoners were ever kept here) . Today, the island is home to a sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old and weighing more than 200 kg, brought from the Seychelles . Walk through the island's lush vegetation, visit the old prison ruins, and learn about the slave trade that shaped Zanzibar's history . Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around the island. Return to Stone Town in the afternoon for a visit to the Anglican Cathedral—built on the site of the old slave market . Learn about the island's role in the East African slave trade and the abolition movement . Return to your hotel for a free evening to explore Stone Town at your own pace. Overnight at your Stone Town hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Spice Farm Tour – Departure

After breakfast, embark on a guided spice farm tour, a sensory journey through Zanzibar's famous spice plantations. Walk through the farms where cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and pepper are grown . Learn how these spices shaped Zanzibar's history and economy . Taste fresh tropical fruits like jackfruit, passionfruit, and rambutan . In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave, you'll carry with you the unforgettable stories, flavors, and history of the Spice Island. Meal Plan: Breakfast.