
Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day)
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day) worth booking?
Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day) is a 6-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $127 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (12)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $127 per person
Come and join our experienced guide for a half-day visit. You will be introduced to the historic charms of old Stone Town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage The excursion starts around 9.30 with the visit of the old monuments and exploring the past stories of the sultans and princesses. The visit incorporates a visit to the bustling bazaars, the past slave market, and chambers, the National Museum, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Sultan’s palace as well as cathedrals and countless mosques. Then walk around the narrow streets of Stone Town where most of the houses date back more than 150 years for some shopping and enjoying the arts of the local craftsmen. Visit also a local bakery, door carvers, and antique shops.
What you get
About this experience
Come and join our experienced guide for a half-day visit. You will be introduced to the historic charms of old Stone Town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage The excursion starts around 9.30 with the visit of the old monuments and exploring the past stories of the sultans and princesses. The visit incorporates a visit to the bustling bazaars, the past slave market, and chambers, the National Museum, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Sultan’s palace as well as cathedrals and countless mosques. Then walk around the narrow streets of Stone Town where most of the houses date back more than 150 years for some shopping and enjoying the arts of the local craftsmen. Visit also a local bakery, door carvers, and antique shops.
What's included
Included
- Professional local guide
- Boat
- Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Pickup and drop off outside Stone town per way
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
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
- XPERIENCE TOURS AND TRAVEL LTD
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Stone Town and Prison Island
I’m Aviv from Israel, and I had an amazing experience on the Zanzibar Spice Farm, Stone Town and Prison Island tour. The guide was very friendly, knowledgeable and professional, and explained the history, culture and spices clearly. Everything was well organized, and the company provided excellent service from start to finish. Prison Island and the giant tortoises were a special highlight. I highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Zanzibar.
Response from the operator: thank you for the wonderful review! We are thrilled your private Mnemba Atoll safari was unforgettable, and we hope to welcome you back to Zanzibar soon!
via Tripadvisor
Tour guide, no show
Tour operator never showed After 90 min late they called and apologized. Too late made other plans. No communication, very frustrating.
Response from the operator: we had internet problems due to frequently power cut, once restored we had to contact a customer and had already made other plan.
via Viator
Stone Town Tour
Zanzibar is a rich history site in Tanzania, you will have a lot to discover and explore. We did Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Xperience Tours and Travel. The company deserves to be a best tour operator in Zanzibar and Tanzania.
via Tripadvisor
Unfortunately it was honestly not the best
We were able to get a few pictures in here and there, however overall the experience was not the most memorable for us hence the 2 stars. The were no warning shots of what we were just about to see until suddenly we got there. It also felt quite rushed at times. When we arrived the tour guild had not identification on him so we had difficulty trusting it was who it was supposed to be. I think that set the tone for the rest of the day. Lastly we did not get lunch or soft drinks included never mind bottled water. We knew it was included in the package and expected the tour guide to sort this out but he disappeared and did not make any attempt to pay whilst he watched us pay and then we noticed him taking some money from the waitresss. And when we finished the tour he tried to come into our hired car to get a lift to where he lived. Not a great experience overall but thankfully we went as a couple and could keep each other company and take pictures of ourselves.
via Viator
Great Time in Stone Town
Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Xperience Tours was really amazing! The guide was professional and charming, and the city tour was informative and engaging. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Zanzibar!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $127 to $265
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day) cost?
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Prices start at $127 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 Tour (Full Day) take?
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Plan for about 6 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 Tour (Full Day) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 12 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 Tour (Full Day)?
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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 Tour (Full Day) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day)?
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Around 4 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day) 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 Tour (Full Day)?
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Included: Professional local guide; Boat; and Guide. Not included: Lunch; and Pickup and drop off outside Stone town per way. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 34 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day) 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 Tour (Full Day)?
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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 Tour (Full Day) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Stone Town and Prison Island Tour (Full Day)?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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