Private Stone Town Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour
Description
This private tour offers an exclusive, personalized experience combining the best of Zanzibar’s culture, nature, and history. Begin with a guided walk through the historic streets of Stone Town, exploring hidden alleys and learning about the island’s rich heritage, spice trade, and diverse influences. Next, relax at Nakupenda Beach, a pristine, peaceful sandbank with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, away from the crowds. Finally, take a short boat ride to Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. This tour uniquely blends history, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, tailored just for your group, making it a memorable and authentic Zanzibar adventure.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step back in time on this immersive Stone Town Walking Tour, a must-do experience for visitors to Zanzibar. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with a local guide who brings the narrow alleyways, ancient architecture, and vibrant history to life. Discover the cultural crossroads where Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences meet, and learn about the people, politics, and trade that shaped Zanzibar's storied past. Whether you're fascinated by history, culture, or photography, Stone Town offers a unique glimpse into a living museum of Swahili coastal life.
Leave the bustle of Stone Town behind and set sail across Zanzibar’s blue waters to Prison Island, a peaceful hideaway steeped in mystery and charm. Known locally as Changuu Island, this former detention site has evolved into one of the region’s most fascinating natural and historical attractions. On this guided experience, you’ll uncover stories of the island’s colonial-era use as a quarantine zone and never-used prison, walk among century-old giant Aldabra tortoises, and enjoy free time to snorkel or relax along the island’s sun-soaked shoreline. This isn’t just a beach trip — it’s a journey into the lesser-known chapters of Zanzibar’s past, blended with tropical beauty and rare wildlife encounters.
Nakupenda, which means "I love you" in Swahili, isn’t just a name—it’s a feeling. Just off the coast of Stone Town, this pristine sandbank rises from the sea like a mirage. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Nakupenda Beach is the ultimate escape for those seeking beauty, simplicity, and untouched nature. This tour is more than just a beach visit — it's a full experience. Swim in warm turquoise waters, sunbathe on the soft white sand, snorkel among colorful fish, and enjoy a freshly prepared seafood picnic served right on the sandbank. Whether you’re seeking romance, relaxation, or natural beauty, Nakupenda delivers a postcard-perfect slice of Zanzibar.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
I will pick up traveller from their hotel in stone town we will meet to the hotel reception.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(9)
This was the best experience I've ever had in all my trips, because I had the best travel guide 🤸😊everything was made simpler and easier, more fun and enjoyment with him
I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better getaway! My partner and I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Zanzibar, and everything from start to finish was absolutely amazing. We enjoyed such a fun-filled itinerary: sea walking, kayaking, swimming with turtles, visiting giant tortoises and historical sites, and exploring islands with stunning turquoise beaches. Being away from the city noise, it was all about relaxation, fun, and pure beach vibes (Kendwa). What made it even better is that the entrance fees to most sites were very affordable, so we got to experience a lot without overspending. All in all, Zanzibar was a dream destination, a perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and peace. I’d give this experience a solid 5/5! If you’re looking for a romantic escape or simply a place to unwind and reconnect with nature, Zanzibar is the place to be. I recommend you guys my tour guide Yasco
Yasco gave really good historical context to all the places we went to in Stone Town. Such a chill guy and so passionate about what he talks about. This is one of the most enjoyable strolls you can take in Zanzibar!
I just liked each second spent out there in Zanzibar. From the pick up at the port, places we visited and the lead of our tour guide, advices of better use of the exact moment to go a specific place according to the crowd or weather. People were friendly, welcoming and mostly kind to us. Liked the punctuality of our guide and his ability to find a quick solution having new drivers when improvised visiting some new sites. In short every experience was amazing and really enjoyed our stay. I strongly recommend my guide guys 😎
Yasco was our private guide fir the day in stone town he was very knowledgeable and so friendly and kind would highly recommend amazing
If you’re looking for a friendly, knowledgeable guide, I recommend Yasco. He was able to answer all our questions when we visited Prison Island and Stone Town, sharing with us the rich and diverse history of Zanzibar. During our trip we also visited Nakupenda sand bank where he and the boat skipper prepared a fantastic seafood lunch. If we returned to Stone Town we would use Yasco again.
Very Nice day spent with my sisters. Great people, good Food, amazing places. Yasco is such a Nice guide, the very smart make us discover the Beauty of the place and history of the Island.
Me and my wife went to explore the west of Zanzibar with Yasco. He toured us around by taking us on a boat ride to Prison Island and later exploring the Stone Town. Yasco was very informative throughout the trip, we had really good conversation regarding the culture and history of Zanzibar throughout the day. Yasco wasn’t one of these guides who only repeats a script. Throughout the day he was engaging, he took an interest in us, we talked about me and my wife’s country’s history (Scotland). He took some really good photos for us, and we even shared a meal at the end of the day. He was a lovely lad. And worth the money, as we spent the whole day coasting through the area and shooting the breeze about everything. 5/5
It was unforgettable experience we had so much fun, thank you Yasco for explaining everything thing about the history of this island.
