Zanzibar Walking Stone Town Guided Tour With Prison Island
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
This trip is a half-day adventure where you can explore a historic street made of coral stone from the 19th and 20th centuries. Stone Town, where the street is located, is a lively place where Arabic, African, Indian, and European cultures mix together happily. You'll walk through narrow streets filled with mosques, churches, and temples. Your guide will take you on a journey through the city's history and culture. You'll visit places like the old slave market, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace, Darajani market, and Forodhani Gardens. Then, you'll hop on a boat to Prison Island which is about 5 km away. The island used to be a prison but is now a hotel. You'll get to see a sanctuary giant tortoises imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. Some of these tortoises are over 150 years old and weigh about 200 kg. For the rest of the trip, you can snorkel around the coral reefs near Prison Island or just relax on the beach before heading back to Stone Town.
Inclusions
What's included
- Hotels Pickup and Dropoff
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
What's not
- Lunch
Itinerary
The Zanzibar Old Slave Market, located in Stone Town, Zanzibar, was one of the largest slave markets in East Africa during the 19th century. It played a central role in the Indian Ocean slave trade until it was abolished in 1873. Today, the site features the Anglican Cathedral, built to commemorate the end of the slave trade, and preserved slave chambers where captives were held in inhumane conditions. Visitors can also see a memorial monument and a museum that provide historical context and education on the slave trade and its lasting impact.
Freddie Mercury, the legendary lead singer of Queen, was born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946, in Stone Town, Zanzibar. His early years on the island, before moving to India and later to the UK, contributed to his unique cultural perspective. Today, Zanzibar celebrates its connection to Mercury with landmarks such as his birthplace in Stone Town, which attract many fans. This connection highlights the island's rich cultural heritage and Mercury's diverse background.
The Zanzibar Old Fort, also known as Ngome Kongwe or the Arab Fort, is a historic site in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Built by Omani Arabs in the late 17th century to defend against invasions, it features massive stone walls and towers reflecting Arab and Swahili architectural styles. Over the years, it has served as a military garrison, prison, and railway depot. Today, it is a cultural center and major tourist attraction, hosting events like the Zanzibar International Film Festival and housing craft shops and an amphitheater. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizing Zanzibar's rich history and cultural heritage.
Darajani Market, located in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is a bustling and vibrant marketplace central to local life and popular with tourists. It features a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, spices, seafood, meat, clothing, and household items. Known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural experience, the market showcases the daily trading practices of Zanzibari people. It is a key destination for those wanting to experience the local culture and purchase Zanzibar's famous spices.
Prison Island Adventure Escape to Prison Island (Changuu Island) for a day of history, wildlife, and relaxation. Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, explore the island’s historic prison ruins, meet the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, and snorkel in vibrant coral reefs. Relax on pristine beaches, soak up the island breeze, and enjoy panoramic ocean views. A perfect mix of adventure and tranquility awaits!
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Riser tours and safaris Zanzibar
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Zanzibar City
- Its from-price is close to the median of the 34 city tours we list in Zanzibar City.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Zanzibar City
Zanzibar City is the main town of Zanzibar island, and its old Stone Town of carved doors and narrow lanes carries Swahili, Arab and Indian history.
Stone Town is the old heart of Zanzibar City, a maze of narrow lanes, coral-stone houses and carved wooden doors, shaped by centuries of Arab, Indian, Persian and European traders. The House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Sultan's Palace face the seafront, and Forodhani Gardens fills with food stalls at dusk. The Anglican cathedral stands on the site of a former slave market, with a sobering memorial nearby.
Top-ranked sights in Zanzibar City: Nakupenda Beach.
Special offers in Zanzibar City
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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