Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour

Outty Ranking 57 4.0 · 8 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $82
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour worth booking?

Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour is a 5-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $82 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4/5 (8)
Duration
5 hours
From
$82 per person

This is a private tour that includes the two most recommended activities to do in Stone Town; the Prison Island, and the Stone Town City Tour (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

What you get

    About this experience

    This is a private tour that includes the two most recommended activities to do in Stone Town; the Prison Island, and the Stone Town City Tour (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Bottled water
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Entrance fees
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Prison Island - Changuu Private Island

      At Prison Island, you will able to See Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Peacocks, Dik-dik (species of small Antelope), Prison ruins, etc. An interesting fact about the Aldabra Giant tortoise is that they can live for more than 200 years. The Oldest one at Prison Island is 197 years old. They are one of the world's longest-living animals. Prison Ruins: This is a building that was erected in 1983 to host the Central Prison of Zanzibar. The Jail construction Started in 1893, In the same year, They had been a Cholera Epidemic in Egypt, and shortly afterward Bubonic Plague in Bombay. Since Zanzibar was the Main East African Port, Authorities decided That the Prison and other Erected Buildings were to keep in readiness as a Quarantine Station to proper control measures for vessels and their passengers to avoid the risk of an Epidemic in the Zanzibar Archipelago.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Stone Town

      Stone Town is well known for its architecture and also It is one of the oldest cities in Africa and a former Trading destination in East Africa. On this tour, we will explore the Historic City of Stone Town sights which includes; Anglican Cathedral (former Slave market, House of Wonders (National museum in Zanzibar), Palace Museum, the Old Fort, Hamamni Baths, Catholic Cathedral, Freddy Mercury House, Darajani Market, and other sights.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • Pickup from Stone Town

      Stone-town, Zanzibar: This include tour price with a pickup from any Hotel located in Stone-town only. Pickup included

    • Pickup from Other Areas

      Zanzibar: This include tour price with a pickup from any Hotel located outside Stone-town in Zanzibar. Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    The Sultan Tours

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 2Prison Ruins Building, Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar CityPrison Island and Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 4Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 5Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 6Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    1 mention

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    8 verified traveler reviews for Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
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    toinpreelliona_c · August 2026

    Amazing experience

    It was beautiful, my tour guide MR RAMA was so patient, educative and very professional, I loved the prison island and stone town tour. 10/10 experience

    via Viator

    Sharon_G · March 2025

    Pole Pole walk through.

    Take water with you. The tour was very interesting and informative. Our heart broke for the slaves that horrible time in history. Both our guides had the information required. All our questions were answered clearly. Prison island was very interesting also. To see the good work of the preservation of these ancient creatures is a great thing Zanzibar is doing. Hopefully they can be released into the wild one day.

    via Viator

    heather_n · November 2022

    Great town/poor tortoise

    Guild was great but it seemed a shame the way the tortoise are kept especially the young ones spending 10 years in a small cage. The town was great plenty to see and do guild happy to do things your way

    via Viator

    InesCR · November 2021

    Reliable, punctual, professional

    We did a prison island tour with Ahmed which was very nice. Everyone was attentive to our needs and questions and adapted to our rhythm and schedule. We also booked airport pick-ups and drop-offs with the Sultan Tours. All the drivers were always 100% on time, safe transportation and even after booking and payment they still accommodated to our very last-minute changes of plans. I recommend the Sultan Tours for a reliable service!

    via Tripadvisor

    liahyman · April 2020

    Step into history

    Learned and explored lot in Stone Town and Prison Island, M<y tour guide let me stay as long as i wanted at anyplace he never rush me and always helpful and so energetic. Had fun at tortoise area, Prison Ruins and Swimming at Prison Island. Also had a wonderful time exploring the narrow street of Stone Town, learning the History and visit the former Slave Trade market, Visiting all popular landmarks nearby, and finally enjoying great sunset view at the rooftop restaurant with a local beer. It is a day I cant forget, I'm so glad to found The Sultan Tours, I highly recommend them.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the 5 stars ranking, your kind words means alot to us. We do appreciate alot and we are glad to here that you were satisfied

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $82 to $230
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by The Sultan Tours, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.0.

    See everything The Sultan Tours runs

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)66
    Review evidence (18% weight)41
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)75
    Listing quality (10% weight)59
    Local standing (8% weight)24
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.

    How much does Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $82 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zanzibar City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zanzibar City is not rushed.

    Is Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zanzibar City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour?

    +

    Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zanzibar City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zanzibar City and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zanzibar City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Zanzibar City?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Zanzibar City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour, Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide, Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Zanzibar City?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Zanzibar City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 271 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Zanzibar City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour?

    +

    Across 8 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Pickup from Stone Town, Pickup from Other Areas. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Prison Island and Stone Town Private Tour.

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