Zanzibar Stone Town, Spice Farm & Prison Island Day Tour

Private Zanzibar Day Trip: Markets, Spices & Changuu Island

If you want to taste, touch, and really feel Zanzibar in a day (from Stone Town’s lively markets to feeding giant tortoises on Prison Island), this tour packs it all in without feeling rushed. You’ll come home smelling like spices and maybe with sand still stuck between your toes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zanzibar Spice Farm and City Tour

• Visit spice plantations to pick and smell spices
• Explore Zanzibar's market, cathedral, museum, and historic sites
• Tour Prison Island, see giant tortoises and beaches

The experience

You know you’re in Zanzibar the moment the air shifts: warm, thick with the scent of cloves and something sweet I still can’t name. We started our day in Stone Town’s market, where the noise is a kind of music: vendors calling out prices, kids darting between baskets of lychees and jackfruit. Our guide, Salim, pointed out a tiny stall selling fresh nutmeg. He said his grandmother used to buy it here for her famous pilau. The cathedral nearby stands tall, its stone walls cool even in the late morning heat. I remember touching one of the old doors (carved wood, heavy brass studs), and thinking about all the hands before mine.

The spice farm was next. It’s not just a walk. You get your hands dirty. We crushed lemongrass between our fingers (smells like lemon candy), tasted star fruit right off the tree (tart and juicy), and tried to guess what “lipstick fruit” would look like before seeing its bright red seeds. The farmers showed us how they make clove oil. Honestly, I’ve never smelled anything so sharp and clean at once. If you’re after souvenirs, this is where locals say you’ll find real deals on oils and perfumes, not those touristy bottles at the airport.

By early afternoon we were on a small boat headed for Prison Island. The ride’s quick but bumpy: hold onto your hat if there’s wind! Changuu Island’s history surprised me: it was meant as a prison but ended up a quarantine spot during yellow fever outbreaks. The real stars here are the Aldabra giant tortoises. Some are over 100 years old. Their shells feel rough and warm from sunbathing. Feeding them lettuce was a highlight. They move slow but have this gentle way of looking at you that makes time slow down too. There’s a short nature trail if you want shade or just to hear birds instead of city sounds. We finished with a swim: the water’s clear enough to see tiny fish darting around your toes.

What’s included

Your private transport (with AC), bottled water for each guest, all entrance fees and taxes are covered, so you can just focus on exploring Zanzibar’s best spots without any hassle.

Information

Lasts 9h, runs every day at 08:30 and 09:00, from US$ 120 per person, with live guides in 5 languages, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

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

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Urban Tours & Safaris

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: Child (5 to 9 years); Infant (under 5): free.

Can I buy spices or oils at the farm?

Absolutely, you’ll find locally made oils and perfumes at great prices right at the spice farm.

How long do we spend on Prison Island?

You’ll have plenty of time to meet the tortoises, explore the beach, and take a short nature walk, usually about 2 hours total.