Zanzibar: Stone Town, Prison Island & Spice Farm Tour

Giant Tortoises, 400 Years of Stone Town, and Why Zanzibar Spices Taste Like Medicine

You get hotel pickup, entry to Stone Town's main historical sites, a boat crossing to Changuu Island to see 200-year-old tortoises and swim in clear water, a guided spice farm visit with explanations of how each plant is grown and used, and the spice market at the end. Drinks are included, transport is air-conditioned, and the guide speaks your language, which means you spend the day learning instead of figuring out logistics.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Stone Town3h
2. Changuu Island3h · entry included

Explore Stone Town, Prison Island, and Spices

• Visit historical sites in Stone Town
• Travel to Prison Island
• See giant tortoises on Prison Island
• Swim and relax on Prison Island beach
• Visit spice farm and learn about spices
• Watch butterfly at spice farm
• Explore and shop at spice market

The experience

The oldest tortoise on Changuu Island is 200 years old, and you'll stand a few feet from it on this Stone Town, Prison Island and spice tour. That detail alone tells you something: this isn't a rushed boat ride and a beach photo. The day starts with hotel pickup (your driver arrives on time, no negotiation, no waiting), and moves through three separate worlds. Stone Town first, where the slave market site, the House of Wonder, the old fort, and Freddy Mercury's house sit within walking distance of each other, each one a different century of Zanzibar's history. Your guide speaks your language and knows which doors to point out. The carved Zanzibar doors are everywhere, and they're not decoration.

Then you cross to Changuu Island, the one they call Prison Island, though it's had other names depending on who was here. The water is so clear you can see the bottom, and the beach is the kind where you actually want to sit for a while instead of just checking it off. The tortoises move slowly, unbothered, and the guides explain why the island earned each of its names. The history is there in the layers. After that comes the spice farm, which is where most people realize they've been eating these things their whole lives without knowing where they came from or what they actually do. You'll see how long they take to grow, how they're used as medicine, and then there's a bird that climbs the coconut trees and sings, which sounds like something someone made up but isn't.

The spice market comes last, and by then you're not just buying. You understand what you're buying. Soft drinks are included throughout, the vehicle has air conditioning, and the whole thing is designed so you don't have to arrange transport, figure out which sites matter, or negotiate prices at each stop. Your guide is professional, graduated, and the company guarantees your safety before, during, and after the tour ends. It's a full day, but it moves at a pace that lets you actually absorb what you're seeing instead of just collecting photos.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• entrance fees to Stone Town's historical sites, Changuu Island, and the spice farm.
• guided tour in your chosen language.
• soft drinks throughout the day.
• professional driver and guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

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

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 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 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yalida Zanzibar

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Stone Town's main historical sites, swim at a real island, and understand where Zanzibar spices come from: all in one day without arranging separate transport, tickets, or timing yourself. The fixed itinerary is what makes three separate experiences fit into a single afternoon.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

31 verified traveler reviews

5 ★30

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Under 6: 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.

How long is the Stone Town, Prison Island and spice tour?

The tour is a full day. Exact duration depends on your hotel location and how long you spend at each stop, but plan for most of your daylight hours.

Is the boat ride to Changuu Island included?

Yes. Transport to the island, entry to the island, and the boat crossing are all included in the tour price.

Can I swim at Changuu Island?

Yes. The water is clear and the beach is accessible. Bring swimwear if you want to go in.

Is the spice farm visit educational or just shopping?

It's educational first. The guide explains how each spice is grown, how long it takes, and how it's used as medicine before you reach the market. Shopping is optional.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and return, private transportation, entrance fees to all sites, soft drinks, and a professional guide. Meals are not included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are adapted for wheelchair users. Confirm accessibility details for specific sites when you book.