
Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 56 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour worth booking?
Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour is a 9-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $130 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 56 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (56)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $130 per person
This tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavor—only found in Zanzibar. Walk through the winding alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Swahili-Arabic charm and rich stories. Explore Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and colonial ruins, with stunning views of the turquoise ocean. Finally, awaken your senses on a Spice Tour, where you’ll see, touch, and taste Zanzibar’s world-famous spices straight from the source. With a local guide, all entrance fees, and transport included, this is the ultimate way to connect with the real Zanzibar in just one day.
What you get
About this experience
This tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavor—only found in Zanzibar. Walk through the winding alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Swahili-Arabic charm and rich stories. Explore Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and colonial ruins, with stunning views of the turquoise ocean. Finally, awaken your senses on a Spice Tour, where you’ll see, touch, and taste Zanzibar’s world-famous spices straight from the source. With a local guide, all entrance fees, and transport included, this is the ultimate way to connect with the real Zanzibar in just one day.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Stone Town
Explore the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar through a guided walk in Stone Town. Discover its narrow streets, old buildings, lively markets, and famous sites like the House of Wonders, Old Fort, and the former slave market. It’s a great way to learn about the island’s rich history and local life in just a few hours.
180 minutes here
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is located about 5 kilometers from Stone Town, Zanzibar. In the 19th century, it was used by Arab slave traders to detain enslaved people. Later, in 1893, the British built a prison on the island, but it was never used for that purpose. Instead, the island became a quarantine station for yellow fever and other diseases. Today, Prison Island is a popular tourist attraction, known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and the giant Aldabra tortoises that live there.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Shabuta Spice Farm
Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” because of its long history of growing spices. During the 19th century, under Omani rule, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper became major exports. Spice farms were created across the island. Today, visiting a spice farm is a popular activity where tourists can see, smell, and taste fresh spices, and learn how they are grown and used in Zanzibari culture
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 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
- ibramy de Zanzibar
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
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 56 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
56 verified traveler reviews for Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Guide Excellent-Spice Farm too long and too many “extras”
Guide was very good and made Prison Island and Stone Town visit very interesting e.g Freddie Mercury’s birthplace and the difference between Arabic & Indian wooden doors. Finishing up at the Slave Market was poignant. Whilst the Spice Farm was very interesting and great to try so many spices I did get annoyed at the extras e.g watch some bloke partially climb a coconut tree for show and tips, and try some fruit, for a tip…. Also watch out for the perfume and soap stop and also spices for sale stop. If you don’t pick up a bundle then the atmosphere gets shut down immediately….. visit was ultimately too long there.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring Prison Island and Stone Town, especially learning about Freddie Mercury’s birthplace and the differences between the Arabic and Indian wooden doors. I’m also glad you found the Spice Farm interesting and enjoyed discovering and tasting the different spices and fruits. I’m sorry that some of the additional activities and sales stops made the Spice Farm visit feel too long and affected your experience. I understand your point, and your feedback is very valuable. I will take it into consideration when organizing future tours to make sure guests have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Thank you again for joining me in Zanzibar, and I hope you take home many good memories from your trip.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent day exploring Zanzibar
An excellent day out exploring Zanzibar. Our guide and driver were both excellent and very knowledgeable. Everything ran to time and everyone we met was very friendly. The spice farm was really interesting and not at all pushy when it came to selling things. Prison Island a real treat learning about the history and seeing the tortoises. Stone Town was also very interesting and our guide very informative. Would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re delighted to hear that you had an excellent day exploring Zanzibar with us. It was a pleasure sharing the Spice Farm, Prison Island and the history of Stone Town with you. We truly appreciate your kind words about our guide and driver, and we’re very happy that everything went smoothly and on time. Thank you again for recommending us. We hope to welcome you back to Zanzibar one day!
via Tripadvisor
Historical knowledge gleaned from sites visited
To get to prison island is definitely an experience ~ waves are a bit rough. The island has full of history and wish our guide was knowledgeable about it. We relied on reading whatever we can find on display. Stone Town gave me chills due to historical circumstances and events that had occurred in that area. Again, we read everything which was great. We would have liked to receive info about other buildings or sites we saw nearby, when asked. We didn’t care about their current markets due to hard sale tactics. Spice town is overrated and good to see a couple of plants of 2 spices we usually use
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. I’m sorry to hear that the historical information provided during your tour did not meet your expectations. I understand how important it is, especially when visiting places such as Prison Island and Stone Town, to receive more detailed explanations about their history, buildings and important events. I truly appreciate your feedback and will take it seriously. It will help me improve the way I present the historical and cultural information to my guests, and make sure I provide more explanations rather than leaving guests to rely mainly on the information displayed at the sites. I’m also sorry if the market experience felt uncomfortable because of the sales approach. I understand that not everyone enjoys that kind of experience. Thank you again for your honest comments. I’m glad you still enjoyed discovering Zanzibar, and I hope you will keep the positive memories of your time here with you.
via Viator
Exceptional tour guide!
This was such a fantastic tour. Tour Guide was exceptional!!!! Extremely knowledgeable about spice farm, Prison Island and Stone Town. I learned more about Zanzibar in the one day than the entire time I was there. He was very accommodating but kept us on schedule. He was a wealth of knowledge!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm delighted you enjoyed the tour and learned so much about Zanzibar. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I hope to welcome you back again someday! 😊🌴
via Viator
Full day of Spice Farm, Stone Town and Prison Island
Pickup was punctual and we started with the Spice farm, prison island and Stone town. The Spice farm was a good experience where we learned a lot from our guide. The prison island is beautiful and has a lot of history, and seeing the turtles is truly a highlight. The oldest one when we visited was 201 years old. Lastly our guide walked us throu Stone Town, with a lot of good information and pictures of how it looked before. We visited different markets, museums and walked around. He was very informative and answered all our questions. It was a long day with a lot to see and learn, and never any rush. Bring enough cash as there are many places that expect tip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour and learned about Zanzibar's history and culture. It was a pleasure hosting you. We hope to welcome you back again someday! 😊
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by ibramy de Zanzibar, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.2.
See everything ibramy de Zanzibar runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $130 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,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour take?
+
Plan for about 9 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,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 56 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,Spice Tour&Prison Island 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 Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour?
+
Around 20 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island 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 Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour?
+
Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 622 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour offered in?
+
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,Spice Tour&Prison Island 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 Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
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,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour if the weather is bad?
+
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,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour?
+
Across 56 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Stone Town,Spice Tour&Prison Island Private Tour.
Pick your date




