Tours & experiences

Private Tour to Prison Island, Nakupenda Sand Bank and Stone Town

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Zanzibar with our exclusive tour, combining the rich history of Stone Town, the intriguing Prison Island, and the pristine beauty of Nakupenda Sandbank.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure and discover the magic of Zanzibar. Our expert guides ensure a safe, informative, and enjoyable experience. Book your tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime

At a glance

  • Duration: 8 hr
  • Private experience

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Private Tour to Prison Island, Nakupenda Sand Bank and Stone Town
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour8 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesGerman (live guide), English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Private transportation
  • Soda/Pop
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment

Itinerary and highlights

Changuu Island, commonly known as Prison Island, is a small island located about 5.6 kilometers northwest of Stone town, Zanzibar.
Initially, the island was used as a detention camp for rebellious slaves in the 1860s. Later, in the late 19th century, it was developed as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
Prison That Never Was: Although named "Prison Island," the building constructed for the prison never housed any prisoners and was instead used as a quarantine station.
One of the main attractions of Changuu Island is the population of Aldabra giant tortoises. These tortoises were a gift from the British governor of Seychelles in 1919, and some are over 100 years old.
Conservation Efforts: The island serves as a sanctuary for these tortoises, with ongoing conservation efforts to protect and preserve the species. The island is surrounded by clear, turquoise waters and coral reefs.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of ocean and the mainland from various points on the island.

Nakupenda Sandbank is a beautiful, temporary sandbar located off the coast of Stone Town
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean’s clear, turquoise waters, it's perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The sandbank features fine, white sand, offering a pristine and tranquil environment for relaxation.
The sandbank is only visible during low tide, making it a temporary yet stunning destination that changes with the tides
Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Popular for day trips and picnics, often including fresh seafood, tropical fruits and soft drinks

A Stone Town tour offers a rich blend of history, culture, and architecture, making it a fascinating destination for visitors.
House of Wonders: Visit one of the largest and tallest buildings in Stone Town, rich with history and artifacts.
Old Fort: Explore the oldest structure in Stone Town, offering insights into the island’s defense history.
Darajani Market: Experience the bustling local market with fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts.
Stone Town's Architecture: Walk through narrow alleys lined with traditional Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European-influenced buildings.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Anglican Cathedral: Admire the impressive architecture of these significant religious sites.
Birthplace of the Queen Lead Singer: Visit the childhood home of the famous musician, now a popular tourist spot

Meeting and pickup information

  • We pick all travelers at the reception

Languages and tickets

  • German — Guide
  • English — Guide
  • Italian — Guide
  • French — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Urban Tours & Safaris

Accessibility and practical details

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 8 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
We pick all travelers at the reception
Which guide languages are listed?
German (live guide), English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 7–11; Adult tickets: age 12+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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