Spice Farm, Stone Town and Prison Island in Zanzibar

You'll taste spices still growing on the plant and meet giant tortoises over 150 years old.

A full-day tour of Zanzibar's three signature sites (Spice Farm, Stone Town, and Prison Island) with a knowledgeable local guide, air-conditioned transport, and flexible pickup anywhere in Zanzibar. Walk through a working spice farm to see cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla growing, taste seasonal tropical fruits, and watch demonstrations of coconut products and palm weaving. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage alleys of Stone Town, visiting the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and Anglican Cathedral, then take a boat to Prison Island to encounter Aldabra tortoises and swim in clear waters over coral reefs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Spice Farm, Stone Town, Prison Island

• Walk through working spice farm
• Taste tropical fruits and see local demos
• Explore Stone Town alleys and landmarks
• Learn history of Zanzibar culture
• Boat ride to Prison Island
• Visit old prison and meet giant tortoises
• Relax, swim, or snorkel on beach

The experience

The spice farm is the working heart of the morning. You walk through rows of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and black pepper plants with a local guide who grows them, touching leaves and smelling the oils directly. Tasting the spices as they come off the plant, not dried in a market, changes what they taste like. You'll also sample seasonal tropical fruits and watch demonstrations of how coconut products are made and palm leaves are woven, so the farm becomes a place where you see the labor behind what Zanzibar exports.

Stone Town is a maze of narrow alleys where the architecture tells the island's history. Your guide takes you past the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Anglican Cathedral, which stands on the site of the old slave market. The carved wooden doors on the buildings are intricate enough to stop and study, and the guide explains how Omani, Arab, Indian and European influences layered themselves into the streets over centuries. The markets are active and loud, and the guide knows which corners hold what.

Prison Island (Changuu Island) sits a short boat ride from Stone Town. The island was once a quarantine station and then a prison, and you'll walk the old buildings to understand that history. The real draw is the giant Aldabra tortoises. Some are over 150 years old and move through the grounds like living monuments. After the tour of the island, you have time to swim in the clear water, snorkel over the coral reefs, or simply sit on the beach. The boat ride back to Stone Town is included, and the whole day runs eight hours with air-conditioned transport between stops.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicles for comfort throughout the day.
• pickup from anywhere in Zanzibar.
• a live local guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Meky vacance de Zanzibar

Is this one for you?The eight-hour pace lets you move through three distinct sites (farm, town, island) without rushing any of them, so you see how spices grow, walk the history of Stone Town's alleys, and spend real time with the tortoises instead of a quick photo stop.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do you do at the spice farm in Zanzibar?

At the working spice farm, you walk through the plants growing cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and black pepper with a local guide, touching the leaves and smelling the oils directly from the plant. You taste the fresh spices and seasonal tropical fruits, and watch demonstrations of how coconut products are made and palm leaves are woven by hand.

What is Prison Island and why is it worth visiting?

Prison Island (Changuu Island) is a historic site that once served as a quarantine station and prison. The main reason to visit is to meet the giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old, that live on the island. After exploring the old prison buildings, you can swim in clear water and snorkel over colorful coral reefs.

What's included in the price and what do I need to arrange separately?

The tour includes air-conditioned transport between all three sites, pickup from anywhere in Zanzibar, and the services of a knowledgeable local guide. Alcoholic beverages are not included, so bring water or arrange drinks separately if you prefer them.