
Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island worth booking?
Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island is a 8-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $68 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (18)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $68 per person
Experience a wonderful day exploring the historic city of Stone Town, learn why Zanzibar is known as 'Spice Island' and visit Prison Island, home to the giant land tortoise! So much to see and so much more to learn. Definitely, an excursion that will be worth it! Kindly note that the guide can flexibly adjust the route throughout the excursion.
What you get
About this experience
Experience a wonderful day exploring the historic city of Stone Town, learn why Zanzibar is known as 'Spice Island' and visit Prison Island, home to the giant land tortoise! So much to see and so much more to learn. Definitely, an excursion that will be worth it! Kindly note that the guide can flexibly adjust the route throughout the excursion.
What's included
Included
- Spice Farm Entry ticket (only if option selected)
- Boat transportation to Prison Island
- Lunch
- Hotel drop-off in Zanzibar island
- Prison Island fee of 22 USD per person (only if option selected)
- Hotel pickup in Zanzibar island
- Experienced Guide
- Bottled water
- English-speaking guide
- Spice farm Guided Tour (only if option selected)
- Prison Island Guided Tour
- Slave market entry ticket of 10 USD per person (only if option selected)
- Stone Town guided tour
Not included
- Tip(optional)
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Stone Town
You will start your tour in the beautiful city of Stone Town which is the oldest city of Zanzibar. This will be a walking tour so that you can take in everything that you will see and touch. Not only will you get to see the beautiful architecture that the city has to offer but also visit the different sites such as the Sultanś's palace and even learn about the slave trade that went on back in the day.
150 minutes here
Jambo Spice Farm
After your walking tour, you will then drive to the plantation and learn why Zanzibar is known as ¨Spice Island¨ by getting to smell, touch and even taste some of the crops grown on this beautiful Island and learn what the spices were once originally used for.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
Prison Island is home to the large land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles. You will also learn about the prison that is on this Island which is now no longer in use. From 15.1.2024 the entrance for Prison island will be 12 + 3 usd ( marine conservation).
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Private Tour with VIP car
Include entry tickets: Includes 22 USD Prison island fees per person and slave market tickets. Pickup included
Private Tour - With tickets
With PI & Slave market ticket: This option include Prison island entry ticket and it includes Slave market entry ticket. Pickup included
Shared No Prison Island ticket
No PI/ No Slave market Ticket : This option is a shared tour, does not include Prison Island fee of 22 USD per person and Slave Market entry ticket 10USDpp Pickup included
Single Tour Shared Spice Tour
Shared Spice Tour Only & Lunch: This option includes a Spice Farm Tour, swahili lunch at the Spice farm only. Min.5 people required for this tour to operate Pickup included
PrivatewithTicketotherlanguage
Russian/Chinese/Czech Pickup included
PrivatewTicket other languages
Italian/PortugueseArabicPolish Pickup included
Stone Town & Prison Swim Tour
Stone Town & Prison Swim Only: 2 in 1 :Stone Town & Prison Island tour with beach swim.Includes entry to Prison Island and Slave Market.Lunch not included. Pickup included
Shared with Prison Island fee
No slave market ticket: It includes 22 USD per person Prison island ticket. 10 USD pp Slave market ticket not included, to be paid cash at entrance. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Beach & Safari
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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 18 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
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great day out
Very good guides were lovely and very knowledgeable Driver was great All went very well no issues at all
via Viator
A nice pleasant tour.
A good tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. He explained history and answered questions. Also gave us time to wander ourselves to take things in. A nice tour that allows you to see another side to Zanzibar away from the beach.
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your excursion through Stone Town, the Spice Farm, and Prison Island! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring a different, culturally rich side of Zanzibar beyond its gorgeous beaches. It is wonderful to know that your guide provided such insightful historical knowledge and attentive service while giving you the flexibility to wander and absorb the vibrant surroundings at your own pace. Providing well-balanced and informative journeys is what we strive for every day. Thank you for choosing to explore with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another magnificent adventure in the future. Kind wishes The Team at Beach & Safari Holidays
via Viator
Wonderful
The experience was wonderful. However I think you need to be clearer on the booking. The thicket said it includes lunch and in small letters it excludes. This is co fusing to the traveller. We enjoyed Prison island, the animals there and the city tour and the history. Lovely
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with us! We are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience overall and that you enjoyed exploring Prison Island, meeting the giant tortoises, and discovering the rich history of Stone Town during your city tour. We have noted your comments and they have been shared with the relevant team as we continuously enhance the services we provide. Clear communication regarding ticket inclusions is so important to us, and your insights help us refine our booking details to make everything as simple and seamless as possible for future travelers. Thank you once again for joining us, and we hope the lovely memories of your time in Zanzibar stay with you for a long time to come! 🐢 Best regards The Team at Beach & Safari Holidays
via Viator
Shocking company !
Total rip off, do not book the full day tour, paid £170 for 2 of us. Prison island, stone town tour. Lunch, bottled water and a guided tour of a spice farm. Walked round stone town, visited prison island ( which we could have done cor $22each. Should have been an 8hr excursion, no lunch, no water , no spice farm !! On our way back to hotel 3.5 hrs after we arrived. Tried to say iy was a different trip & even emailed a new booking confirmation. So it cost us over $200. Be aware before you book this trip, amazing place but this company is shocking !!!!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback. Kindly note that your booked option did not include the Spice Farm or meal provisions. We have noted your comments regarding the duration of the excursion and have shared them with the relevant teams as we continuously enhance the services provided. We appreciate your communication and hope to welcome you back to our shores in the future! Warm regards, The Team at Beach & Safari Holidays
via Viator
Spice day tour September 2026
The spice farm tour guide was excellent, his knowledge was outstanding. The boat ride to Prision island was very good, a lot of history , tortises were huge & smallest deer we have ever seen. Worth the trip.
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! Hearing that your tour of the spice farm was so memorable brings us so much joy, and we are delighted that your guide’s outstanding knowledge made such a positive impression. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the journey out to Prison Island, learning about its rich history, and getting to encounter the giant tortoises and local wildlife up close. Providing rich, seamless cultural and historical experiences is always our goal, so knowing this was worth the trip for you means the world to our team. We truly appreciate your recommendation, and we would be thrilled to welcome you back again whenever you return to explore more of Zanzibar! Best wishes, The Team at Beach & Safari Holidays
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $68 to $265
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Beach & Safari, who run 10 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.8.
See everything Beach & Safari runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island cost?
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Prices start at $68 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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 18 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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island?
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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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island?
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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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island 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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island?
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Included: Spice Farm Entry ticket (only if option selected); Boat transportation to Prison Island; Lunch; Hotel drop-off in Zanzibar island; and Prison Island fee of 22 USD per person (only if option selected). Not included: Tip(optional); and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 790 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, 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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island?
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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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island 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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island 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 Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island?
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Across 18 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.
What booking options are available for Zanzibar: Day Trip Stone Town, Spice Tour, Prison Island?
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There are 8 options to choose from, including Private Tour with VIP car, Private Tour - With tickets, Shared No Prison Island ticket, Single Tour Shared Spice Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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