Nakupenda sandbank, prison island and Stonetown tour
Description
Step into the heart of Zanzibar’s history with a guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through its narrow streets lined with ancient buildings, bustling markets, and grand landmarks like the House of Wonders, the Old Slave Market, and the Sultan’s Palace. Learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage, shaped by Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. After exploring Stone Town, take a short boat ride to Prison Island, home to the famous Aldabra giant tortoises. Originally built as a quarantine station, the island offers a mix of history, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Meet the century-old tortoises, explore the old prison ruins, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the turquoise ocean surrounding the island.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Prison Island, or Changuu Island, offers a fascinating mix of history and nature. Visitors can see century-old giant tortoises( the second biggest in the world), explore the island’s former prison and quarantine station, and enjoy crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. With stunning ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s a must-visit spot near Zanzibar.
Here the visit of sandbank includes sunbathing, swimming resting in the tents, eating seafood BBQ and tropical fruits
Here the visitor will visit museums, historical sites, shopping for souvenirs, market places and with a tour guide who will be briefing on everything necessary.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will send a WhatsApp message when we arrive
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(49)
Really beautiful experience, well organized. We went to visit prison island with the giant turtles then we stayed some hours in Nakupenda: amazing! It s a super beautiful place to do snorkeling and they cook for as an incredible lunch of fish. Then we come back to Stone Town and we made a really interesting and long trip of the city, the guide show us a lot of thing we couldn't see alone! Highly recommended!
Thank you very much Martina Welcome again
we had a wonderful day trip to the sandbank with Yazan tours, our guide Muhammad was very charming and professional we recommend 100%
Thank you Idrisa, welcome again
Very Nice trip and interestings comments with your guide koba Great journey
Thank you very much Philippe, welcome again
Tour guide A.Razak was very professional , he showed and explained every thing , so I don’t have any question ,lunch with seafood was amazing ,fresh fruits as well ,only big issued was Nakupenda sandbank doesnot have any wash room,so around 2 hours staying there without wash room is very difficult ,Highly recommended ,,thanks
It was a beautiful day with our guide Abdul qil explained the history of the city, we ate well
Thank you very much Baluu, welcome again
Very good day, food was great and guide were very charming although it was a bit raining, we still enjoyed
Thank you very much Yussuf Welcome again
The explanation of the prison island history etc. was very brief, but in general it was nice to visit the island. The sand bank was overcrowded and not really worth it. I suggest you identify another spot to take people where it is more quit. The BIG ISSUE on the tour is the food. I am here to work with SUZA University and went on the tour Sunday. Today Wednesday I still suffer from bad stomach. Still have to do lectures and talk to students in this condition. Please ! If you cannot deals with seafood in an appropriate manner, then serve something else that does not make your guest sick. Vegetable sandwich or something like this. Coming bach to Stone town the guide told us that we should pay 1000 Tz for using the public toilet, which is free, and asked for the money at the end of the tour. There is no need to lie. Being honest is the way to get better tips. All in all the people were nice though, but the food needs to be controlled better and the sandbank possibly be substituted by another destination. You are welcome to return the cost of my tour for having been sick from your food. It would not compensate for the issue, but be a small gesture from your side. Rikke Lybæk. Tour on the 22 march 2026
Thank you Rickky
Excellent trip with impressive turtles and nice seafood at the sandbank. A special treat was the Hakuna Matata song by the guided towards the end. Good ambience all the way. Recommendable.
Thank you very much Allan. Welcome again
We picked up an half our too late. The trip on prison island was interested and we loved the turtkes
Thank you very much Titia, welcome again
Prison island is only good for having pictures taken touching turtles, which is forbidden but which no one respects. Nakupenda worth it and great meal
Thank you very much Nathalie, us as tour company have no authority over tortoise, we can try our best to tell people but we can not do much since administration is there for that reason Please consider blaming others for other people's mistake
