Full Day Tour
Our stone town and prison island tour will take you to the most famous and wondrous sights of this old trade city. It starts with a visit to the main market of Stone Town. This vibrant place is filled with locals bartering for the catch of the day and selecting the freshest fruit and vegetables. You will find a wide variety of exotic fruits and a large selection of herbs and spices.
You will then move on the Anglican Church built in 1874 on the site of the old Slave Market. Slavery was abolished in 1873 by the then current Sultan of Zanzibar. You will have the opportunity to visit inside the Church where the alter is built on the site of the old slave whipping post. You will also be given a tour of the old slave chambers.
The tour will continue on to the Old Fort, the Peoples Palace and the House of Wonders. Stunning views of the Forodhani Market and the harbour can be had from the higher floors of the House of Wonders.
Our guide will lead you through the narrow and winding streets of Stone Town where there is time for shopping and exploring.
Our final stop of Stone Town is Maruhubi Palace Ruins, famous because it was built to house the third sultan of Zanzibar harem of 99 wives.
Next stop is Prison Island also known as Changuu Island which is situated only 20minutes by boat from Stone Town.
The Island was originally used as a Prison then later it was turned into a quarantine station for the British Army. Although a newer prison was later built on the island it was never used.
The island has sandy beaches and is covered in lush vegetation making it prefect habitat for island and sea birds. The surrounding sea offers some lovely snorkeling opportunities with beautiful coral formations. It is perfect for nature lovers.
The islands most famous inhabitants are the giant tortoises. These endangered animals are not native to Africa but to the Seychelles and Galapagos Islands. Originally the Prison Island tortoises were brought from Aldabra in the Seychelles to help increase the conservation efforts by starting a new breeding population. Tortoise populations started to decline many years ago when sailors used to collect them to carry on the ships as a fresh protein source as the tortoises could survive many weeks or months without food. These days the tortoise decline is due to habitat destruction and poaching. Tortoises fetch a high price on the black market to private collectors.
Recommend you bring a sun hat, sun cream and beach/reef shoes for getting to and from the boat, swimming costume and a towel
