
Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar worth booking?
Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar is a 5-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $90 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (16)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $90 per person
These are the two most recommended tours in Zanzibar from Stone Town, where you will be able to visit Prison Island with a private boat then explore the oldest city in East Africa (Stone Town).
What you get
About this experience
These are the two most recommended tours in Zanzibar from Stone Town, where you will be able to visit Prison Island with a private boat then explore the oldest city in East Africa (Stone Town).
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Prison Island Entrace Fees
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
Stone Town
Stone Town is one of the oldest cities in East Africa with a lot of histories from Europeans, Arabs, Indians, and others. During this tour, you will visit and explore all landmarks in Stone Town including the Old Fort, House of Wonders (National Museum), Sultan Palace, Anglican Cathedral, Darajani Market, Slave chambers, Hamamni Baths, and much more
180 minutes here
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
At Prison Island, you will be able to see Aldabra Giant Tortoise, dik-diks, Prison ruins, and much more.
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: Tour price including pickup from any Hotel/ Accommodation located in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Pickup included
Pickup from Other areas
Zanzibar: Tour price including pickup from any Hotel in Zanzibar. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lazuli Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tour
Last week I had an opportunity to visit a famous museum in prison island , I'm not a fan of art but visiting a museum has been an enjoyable for me
via Tripadvisor
Could have been so much better
It was boring (except for the tortoises) and hot. The tour could have been so much better. Our guide was not really into it and he was very hard to understand. Plus we started with one guide and were handed off to another. The booking with Viator included the guide but you need cash for tips (boat ride) and entrance fees to Prison Island, Slave Museum, and the Sultan's grave. The guide took us through the food market and was very considerate in asking first if we are OK to walk by the meat and fish. We did, and I lost my appetite! Instead of a neighborhood food spot that the guide recommended, we opted for air conditioning and lunch at the Park Hyatt. Stone Town has a real appeal to it but does not deliver unfortunately. They have not maintained their history well and our guide did not help us tap into the vibe. Wandering the alleyways on our own was more fun.
via Viator
Amazing Tour!
Ahmed and Mohammed were so nice and knowledgeable. I really liked the view of Stone Town from Zanzibar Coffee House. Also, the visit to Prison Island is a must! if you are in Zanzibar. It’s a beautiful island and there’re many interesting things to see. Both of my tour guides took wonderful pictures of me ☺️ I have great memories to share with family and friends. I recommend this tour 1000%
via Viator
Don’t waste your money
September 2024 ‘Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour Zanzibar’ with Lazuli Tours - DO NOT BOOK THIS!! We paid $249.39 (for two people) for what should have been a 5 hour tour. The Stone Town potion should have been in an air conditioned vehicle with water provided. Instead we were picked up by foot by a guide (who was 15mins late) and walked to the boat to go to Prison Island. When we returned to Stone Town we were handed over to another guide who informed us the tour was walking in 30+ degree heat. Nowhere in the tour description did it say the tour was a walking tour. The guide had absolutely no specialist knowledge and the entire tour took about 3.5 hours. When the tour company owner was questioned about the tour description he blamed Viator and Viator blamed the tour company. The tour operator said the air conditioned vehicle part of description was for pick up and drop off - we were not picked up or dropped off in a vehicle. We asked for a partial refund which had to be agreed by the tour company which of course they rejected. DON’T WASTE MONEY WITH THIS TOUR- JUST MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS YOURSELF!
via Viator
Worst Private Tour. Go with Another!
Of all my years traveling, this was the worst private tour I’ve ever taken. The guide was about 15-20 mins late even though our tour was supposed to start at 10am. I set it at 10 because it wasn’t too early. He walked at least a few yards in front of us the whole time and I felt he was just winging it. No badge. He wore flip flops. Was not professional at all. The boat ran out of gas on the way back from prison island. So, we had to hop on another boat that already had some guests in it. Then it dropped us off at the beach instead of a dry dock where we originally gotten picked up at. Because we had to jump off the boat at the beach, we all got our shoes wet then had to walk all the way back to the hotel with dirty, sandy, and wet feet. It was not a good experience.
via Viator
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
- $90 to $220
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Lazuli Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.7.
See everything Lazuli Tours runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar cost?
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Prices start at $90 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar take?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 16 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar suitable for kids and families?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar?
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Around 6 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?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Prison Island Entrace Fees; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 43 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar if the weather is bad?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar?
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Across 16 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Stone Town and Prison Island Private Tour in Zanzibar?
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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.
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