Full-Day Stone Town and Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar

Full-Day Stone Town and Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar

Delve into the history of Stone Town, an atmospheric city that has served as the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Constructed from coral stone during the 19th and 20th centuries, it was later declared a World Heritage site. With your guide you'll also visit Changuu, aka Prison Island, once used to accommodate prisoners obtained from World War II and now home to giant tortoises.

After hotel pickup from your hotel, set out with your guide on a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town, Zanzibar's historical center. Explore some of the world's narrowest streets during your introduction to the cosmopolitan archipelago, which combines African traditions with cultural influences from around the world.

The Arab tradition is predominant in the urban design and architecture of Stone Town, where the most impressive residential structures are built around a central courtyard. Learn about the mix of mosques, churches, and Hindu temples alongside cinemas, banks, and shops, and view landmark buildings such as the Old Fort (Arab Fort), House of Wonder, former Sultan Palace and more.

You will be taken to a local restaurant where you can choose any a la carte menu (own expense).

Then board a motorized boat for Prison Island (originally called Changuu), once owned by a wealthy merchant who used it as detention center for disobedient slaves. Under the leadership of the third Sultan of Zanzibar, just after the abolition of the slave trade in 1873, it held recalcitrant prisoners. Later the site was a quarantine station following the outbreak of cholera in east Africa. With its white-sand beach and forest teeming with a variety of birds and giant tortoises, the island now attracts scuba divers and snorkelers to its plentiful wildlife. 

Finish the tour with a return transfer to your hotel, arriving by early evening.