Zanzibar Spice Tour & Prison Island: History in One Day

Walk through Stone Town's carved doorways and slave market, then boat to Prison Island to see giant tortoises

A full-day tour of Zanzibar departing from your hotel covers three distinct sites: a working spice farm where you learn how cloves and tropical fruits are grown and harvested; Stone Town, where a guide walks you through the carved-door architecture, the former slave market, the old fort and the local market; and Prison Island, where you see the ruins of the old prison and encounter giant land tortoises, with free time to swim. The tour runs seven to nine hours and includes round-trip hotel transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Stone Town3h
2. Changuu Island3h · entry included

Visit spice farm, Stone Town, Prison Island

• Visit spice farm and learn about spices
• Explore Stone Town history and architecture
• Take boat to Prison Island
• See prison ruins and giant tortoises
• Optional beach time and swimming

The experience

The tour starts at your hotel and moves through three chapters of Zanzibar's geography and history. At the spice farm, you see how cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and tropical fruits are planted, harvested and used. The guide explains the methods and the island's role in the spice trade. This is not a museum display but a working farm, so you walk through the actual growing areas.

Stone Town comes next. The guide takes you through the narrow streets to see the carved wooden doors that line the buildings, a signature of Zanzibari architecture, and explains the history of the island through the sites you pass: the former slave market, the old fort, and the local market where vendors still trade. The commentary covers both the architecture and the cultural weight of these places. You move on foot through some of the town, though the guide will note which areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

A boat ride takes you to Prison Island (Changuu Island), where you walk among the ruins of the old prison and encounter the giant land tortoises that live there. You have free time to spend on the beach and swim if you want to. The boat returns you to the mainland and then to your hotel, completing the round trip.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or one of two additional languages.
• access to the spice farm, Stone Town and Prison Island.
• free time on Prison Island beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (14 to 90 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by ZAN DREAMLAND TOURS

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you speak one of the five or more languages the guide offers, so the history and cultural context come through clearly. The fixed route and timing fit a single afternoon or morning block, making it work for travelers with limited time in Zanzibar City.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 13 years); Infant (under 6): free.

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 see and do at the spice farm?

At the spice farm, you walk through the growing areas to see how cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and tropical fruits are planted and harvested. The guide explains the methods used and how these spices are used in cooking and trade, so you understand both the practical side of farming and why Zanzibar's spice trade mattered historically.

Does the tour include time to swim at Prison Island?

Prison Island includes free time on the beach, and swimming is available if you want it, but it is optional. You also have time to walk among the old prison ruins and see the giant land tortoises that live on the island.

How much of Stone Town is walkable, and what if I use a wheelchair or stroller?

Stone Town's narrow streets are partly accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and the guide will direct you through the areas that work. The spice farm is also noted as stroller and wheelchair accessible in some areas, though the terrain varies.

What is included in the price, and what costs extra?

Round-trip hotel pickup and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle are included. Tips are not included and are at your discretion.