Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar

Giant tortoises and centuries of history in one private afternoon

A private tour of Stone Town and Prison Island (Changuu Island) in Zanzibar with a live English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup. You'll see 300-year-old Aldabra giant tortoises, peacocks and antelope on Prison Island, then return to Stone Town for a guided walk through the Old Fort, Forodhani Parks, Darajani Market, the House of Wonders, Hamamni Bath and the Anglican Cathedral: a former slave trade market. The tour runs four to five hours and includes bottled water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Changuu Island2h
2. Stone Town2h

Prison Island and Stone Town tour

• Visit Prison Island tortoises and ruins
• Return to Stone Town
• Tour Stone Town landmarks and markets

The experience

Four to five hours covers both Prison Island and Stone Town's main landmarks without rushing. The day starts with a boat trip to Changuu Island, where you'll walk among giant Aldabra tortoises: rare species gifted from the Seychelles government, with the oldest on the island at 197 years old. You'll also see peacocks, dik-dik antelope and the ruins of a quarantine station that once held prisoners. The island's compact size means you cover the key sights without a long trek.

After returning to Stone Town, your guide leads you through the old city's layered history. The route takes in the Old Fort, the bustling Darajani Market, the House of Wonders (Beit el Ajailb), Hamamni Bath, and the Anglican Cathedral, which stands on the site of the former slave trade market. Each stop carries weight. The guide explains what you're standing in front of rather than rushing past it. Stone Town's narrow streets and coral stone buildings mean the walk is steady but manageable for most fitness levels.

The private format means no fixed departure times and no waiting for other groups. Your guide speaks English, and pickup happens from your hotel or anywhere in Zanzibar depending on which option you choose at checkout. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and bottled water is provided throughout.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• hotel pickup from anywhere in Zanzibar or from Stone Town depending on your chosen option.

Options for this experience

2 options

Stone Town pickupGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Pickup is included, covering transfers to and from any hotel or accommodation within Stone Town.

Pickup from anywhere in ZanzibarGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:00Pickup is included, covering transfers to and from any hotel or accommodation in Zanzibar.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 32

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Xtra Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this private tour to combine Prison Island and Stone Town's historical sites in one afternoon, with your own guide and vehicle setting the pace rather than following a group schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What are the giant tortoises on Prison Island like?

Aldabra giant tortoises live on Changuu Island, with the oldest individual at 197 years old and the species capable of living up to 300 years. They were gifted to the island by the Seychelles government and are rare to see elsewhere.

Does the tour include entry to Prison Island?

Prison Island (Changuu Island) is part of the itinerary, though entry fees are arranged separately from the tour price.

What landmarks do you visit in Stone Town?

Stone Town stops include the Old Fort, Forodhani Parks, Darajani Market, the House of Wonders (Beit el Ajailb), Hamamni Bath, the Anglican Cathedral, St. Joseph's Cathedral and other popular sites throughout the old city.

How does pickup work?

You choose your pickup location at checkout: either from your hotel anywhere in Zanzibar or from Stone Town itself. The private vehicle picks you up and returns you after the tour ends.