Package Overview

The Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank, and Stone Town City Tour all make for an exciting and diverse day trip in Zanzibar! You’ll experience rich history, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Here's how you can organize your perfect day out:

Full-Day Itinerary: Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank & City Tour

Total Duration: 8-10 hours (depending on tour length, activities, and transport time).

1. Prison Island (Changuu Island)

Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Duration: 1.5–2 hours

Overview:

Prison Island (also known as Changuu Island) is a must-see destination just off the coast of Stone Town. The island offers both historical significance and natural beauty, making it a great way to start the day.

Highlights:

• Giant Aldabra Tortoises: The island is home to some of the oldest and largest tortoises in the world, many of which are over 100 years old. Visitors can feed and interact with them. They are quite photogenic, so bring your camera!
• Prison Ruins: The island once served as a quarantine station for yellow fever patients and as a prison for rebellious slaves. Today, the ruins are a reminder of this dark history.
• Snorkeling: The waters surrounding the island are teeming with marine life. You can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish.
• Beach: Enjoy the quiet and beautiful beach with clear turquoise water. It’s perfect for a brief swim or relaxation before heading to the next activity.

What to Expect:

• Boat Ride: A boat ride to Prison Island takes about 20–30 minutes from the Stone Town harbor. The boat ride offers lovely views of the coastline and the town itself.
• Island Tour: Once you arrive, you’ll have a guided tour of the island. A local guide will explain the history, including the prison and tortoises' story.

2. Nakupenda Sandbank

Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Duration: 2.5–3 hours

Overview:

After exploring Prison Island, you’ll head to Nakupenda Sandbank, one of Zanzibar’s most stunning and secluded sandbars. This is the perfect spot to unwind, swim, and relax.

Highlights:

• Private Sandbank: Nakupenda Sandbank is a small, isolated sandbar in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. It’s one of the best places to soak up the sun and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• Swimming & Snorkeling: The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and you can explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy a swim in the calm waters.
• Relax on the Beach: Relax in the sun on the sandbank, with only the sounds of the ocean and your surroundings. It’s a perfect place to unwind after the busy Prison Island visit.
• Lunch: Some tours offer a picnic lunch or fresh seafood served on the sandbank, making it a great place to enjoy a laid-back meal surrounded by nature.

What to Expect:

• Boat Ride to the Sandbank: After visiting Prison Island, you’ll head by boat to the sandbank. The boat ride is short but offers spectacular views of the ocean and nearby islands.
• Relaxing Time: This part of the tour is designed for relaxation. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

3. Stone Town City Tour

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Duration: 2.5–3 hours

Overview:

After your time at Nakupenda Sandbank, you’ll head back to Stone Town for a deep dive into Zanzibar's rich culture and history. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its winding streets are full of surprises.

Highlights:

• The House of Wonders: A grand building showcasing Zanzibar’s history and culture, offering exhibitions on the island’s past and the influence of the Omani Sultanate.
• The Old Fort: This 17th-century fort was built by the Omanis to protect against the Portuguese. It’s one of the oldest structures in Stone Town and is now a cultural center hosting exhibitions and performances.
• The Slave Market & Memorial: A poignant and important part of Stone Town’s history. This site marks where enslaved people were bought and sold. The memorial and museum provide a somber reflection on this dark chapter in history.
• Forodhani Gardens: This open park on the water's edge is a great place for a relaxed stroll. In the evening, the gardens come alive with food stalls selling delicious Zanzibar street food.
• The Sultan's Palace (Beit el-Sahel): Visit the former residence of Zanzibar’s royal family. The palace gives insight into the life of Zanzibar’s sultans and their court.
• The Hamamni Persian Baths: These beautiful Persian-style baths from the 19th century were once used by the island's elite. It’s a fantastic example of the city’s rich history.

What to Expect:

• Walking Tour: Stone Town is best explored on foot due to its narrow, winding streets and labyrinthine layout. A local guide will help you navigate and offer rich context about each location.
• Shopping & Souvenirs: Stone Town is known for its unique shops selling spices, jewelry, handcrafts, and fabrics. You can stop by some of the local markets for souvenirs.

Sample Day Plan (Timings & Flow):

• 8:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel and head to Prison Island.
• 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Explore Prison Island (visit tortoises, prison ruins, and enjoy snorkeling).
• 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Boat ride to Nakupenda Sandbank.
• 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Relax at Nakupenda Sandbank (swim, snorkel, enjoy lunch on the sandbank).
• 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Boat ride back to Stone Town.
• 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Stone Town City Tour (explore historical sites, learn about the island’s history, and shop for souvenirs).
• 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Optional short break or drink at a rooftop café with views over Stone Town.

Tour Tips:

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking quite a bit, especially around Stone Town, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Sunscreen & Hat: The sun in Zanzibar can be intense, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for the beach and boat trips.
• Snorkeling Gear: Some tours provide snorkeling equipment, but it’s a good idea to bring your own if you have it.
• Water: Keep hydrated, especially in the warmer months. Bring a refillable water bottle with you.
• Cash: Some places might not accept cards, so it’s handy to have Tanzanian shillings (TZS) on you, especially for small purchases and tips.

Optional Add-ons:

• Sunset Dhow Cruise: After your city tour, you could opt for a traditional dhow boat cruise around Stone Town to catch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
• Dinner at Forodhani Gardens: In the evening, Forodhani Gardens transforms into a lively food market. You can enjoy local dishes like Zanzibar pizza and grilled seafood.