Zanzibar City tour: Prison Island, spice farms and Stone Town

Boat to Prison Island, walk through Stone Town's 18th-century streets, taste spices where they grow

A full-day tour of Zanzibar City covering Prison Island by private boat, working spice farms, and the narrow streets of Stone Town, with lunch and round-trip transfers from your hotel, ferry terminal or airport included. The guide speaks English and the tour runs 8 to 10 hours. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the vehicle is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zanzibar's highlights and culture

• Visit Changuu Island by private boat
• See tortoises, peacocks, and prison
• Visit spice farms and see natural spices
• Wander narrow streets of Stone Town
• Explore 18th-century buildings and history

The experience

The boat ride to Changuu Island is where the day opens. You'll see tortoises and peacocks roaming the grounds, then walk through the restored prison that once held political prisoners. The island itself sits in clear water off the coast, and the private boat means you're not herded onto a crowded ferry. You leave when your group is ready and return on the same schedule.

After the island, the tour moves inland to working spice farms where cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla grow in the soil. You walk through the plants themselves rather than looking at them from a path, and the guide explains what each one is used for and how it's harvested. Stone Town comes next: the narrow streets date back to the 18th century, and the buildings show the layers of Zanzibar's history as a trading port. The guide walks you through the layout and points out the architecture and the stories behind the streets.

Lunch is included and happens midway through the day. Round-trip transfers pick you up from your hotel, the ferry terminal, or the airport, so you don't arrange separate transport. The vehicle is air-conditioned and the whole outing is designed to fit travelers who want to see the main sights without spending multiple days.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• lunch.
• all fees and taxes.
• round-trip transfers from your hotel, ferry terminal or airport.
• private boat to Prison Island.
• air-conditioned vehicle throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 11:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by KEY 2 DESTINATIONS

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably if that's your language. The tour runs 8 to 10 hours and covers the main sights in one day, which suits travelers with limited time in Zanzibar City.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they 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 is on Changuu Island that I'll see?

Changuu Island holds tortoises and peacocks that roam the grounds, and a restored prison building you can walk through. The island sits offshore and the private boat gets you there and back as part of the tour.

How does the spice farm visit work?

You walk through active spice farms where cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla grow, and the guide shows you the plants in their natural habitat and explains how each spice is used and harvested.

What will I see in Stone Town?

Stone Town's narrow streets are lined with buildings dating back to the 18th century. The guide takes you through the layout, pointing out the architecture and explaining Zanzibar's history as one of Africa's richest trading ports.

Does the tour include getting to and from my hotel?

Yes, round-trip transfers are included from your hotel, the ferry terminal, or the airport. The vehicle is air-conditioned and the driver coordinates the pickup time with you.