Zanzibar Full Day Prison Island Nakupenda sandbank and Stone town

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Prison Island - Changuu Private Island

  Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a small island located about 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Once intended as a prison for rebellious slaves and later a quarantine station, it is now a popular tourist attraction noted for its historical ruins and giant Aldabra tortoises. Key facts Local name: Changuu Island Location: Off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania Area: Approximately 0.22 km² Notable feature: Giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary Access: Short boat ride from Stone Town Historical background The island’s name originates from its 19th-century use under Arab ownership as a holding area for enslaved people. In the 1890s, the British colonial administration constructed a prison complex, which was never used for inmates as intended. Instead, it became a quarantine station for yellow fever cases, especially travelers from mainland East Africa. Changuu is surrounded by clear turquoise waters and coral reefs that attract snorkeling enthusiasts.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve

  The Nakupenda Sandbank Tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Zanzibar, offering visitors a perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Located just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Nakupenda Sandbank is a stunning stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. During the tour, guests enjoy a scenic traditional dhow boat ride to the sandbank, where they can relax under the warm tropical sun, swim in the calm, shallow waters, or snorkel among colorful coral reefs filled with tropical fish. Snorkeling equipment is usually provided, making it easy for everyone to explore the vibrant marine life. A highlight of the tour is the delicious seafood lunch served on the sandbank. Freshly prepared fish, lobster, prawns, octopus, tropical fruits, and refreshing soft drinks create a memorable beach dining experience. The peaceful atmosphere & breathtaking ocean views make Nakupenda an ideal destination for couples.

  4 hours • Admission ticket included
• 3
  Stone Town

  Stone Town, or Mji Mkongwe (“Old Town” in Swahili), is the historic quarter of Zanzibar City on the island of Unguja, Tanzania. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, it represents one of the best-preserved examples of a Swahili trading town, shaped by centuries of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultural exchange. Key facts Location: West coast of Unguja Island, Zanzibar City UNESCO inscription: 2000 Main materials: Coral rag stone and lime mortar Population (approx.): 16,000 within 96 hectares Notable eras: Omani Sultanate (17th–19th c.), British Protectorate (1890–1963) History and cultural significance Emerging from a small 10th-century Swahili settlement, Stone Town became a major Indian Ocean port under Omani rule in the 18th century. The sultans’ relocation of their capital from Muscat in 1840 transformed it into a hub for the spice and slave trades. Its coral-stone architecture and carved wooden doors reflect the prosperity of merchant families.

  2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

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