Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour in Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour

Outty Ranking 54 3.0 · 2 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $104
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour worth booking?

Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour is a 6-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $104 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
3/5 (2)
Duration
6 hours
From
$104 per person

Experience a unique placePrison Island,learn more about its history. It gets its name from the prison built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to be isolated from the island. Previously owned by an Arab to house his rebellious slaves, the prison was never actually used, and the island is now home to a tortoise sanctuary and a hotel. After the trip to the tortoise sanctuary, you´re left to explore the island. If you´re feeling active, you can follow one of the hiking trails, snorkel in the crystal clear waters or soak up some sun on the white beach. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the largest area of mature forest in Zanzibar. A car will take you there,a guide will walk you around the ancient hardwood forest and mangrove swamps. It is home to the Red Colobus monkeys, unique to Zanzibar. A boardwalk around the mangrove swamp at the end of the tour and a visit to the giant turtle sanctuary are also included. Kindly note that the guide can flexibly adjust the route throughout the excursion.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience a unique placePrison Island,learn more about its history. It gets its name from the prison built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to be isolated from the island. Previously owned by an Arab to house his rebellious slaves, the prison was never actually used, and the island is now home to a tortoise sanctuary and a hotel. After the trip to the tortoise sanctuary, you´re left to explore the island. If you´re feeling active, you can follow one of the hiking trails, snorkel in the crystal clear waters or soak up some sun on the white beach. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the largest area of mature forest in Zanzibar. A car will take you there,a guide will walk you around the ancient hardwood forest and mangrove swamps. It is home to the Red Colobus monkeys, unique to Zanzibar. A boardwalk around the mangrove swamp at the end of the tour and a visit to the giant turtle sanctuary are also included. Kindly note that the guide can flexibly adjust the route throughout the excursion.

    What's included

    Included

    • Tour guide
    • Hotel drop-off
    • Prison island guided tour
    • Bottled water
    • Boat transportation to Prison Island
    • Prison island fee of 22 USD per person(only if option selected)
    • Jozani Forest 15 USD per person entrance fee
    • Hotel pickup
    • Jozani Forest guided tour
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Experienced Driver

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Tip(optional)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Prison Island - Changuu Private Island

      Here you get to be at the home of the giant land tortoise and also the prison which isn't used and learn a little bit about it. Get the chance to also learn a little bit about the prison on this island. From 15.1.2024 the entrance for Prison island will be 22 usd .

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

      Get to see the natural forest which has the red colobus monkeys which are only found in Zanzibar and the mangrove swamp forest. Not just that, but enjoy all the nature that will surround you during your visit.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • without Prison island fees

      without fees: This option does not include Prison Island fee of 22 USD per person Pickup included

    • with Prison Island fees

      with fees: This option includes Prison Island fee of 22 USD per person . 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
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    red colobus monkey, Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour in Zanzibar Cityred colobus monkey, Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour in Zanzibar Cityjozani guided tour, Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour in Zanzibar Cityred colobus monkey, Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour in Zanzibar Cityjozani guided tour, Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour in Zanzibar Cityguide, Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour in Zanzibar City

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
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    Heather_R · July 2025

    Poor experience and disappointed

    Company that supplied very disorganised. Turned up very late,no water, poor English and boat ride totally dangerous. This was not necessarily the guides fault but management at a higher level. Far better value and organised if we had booked it on arrival as we discovered next day after doing another tour with another company. Great to see the monkey's but that's all. Now in considerable pain from the boat ride back. Well over priced

    Response from the operator: Dear Heather, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed seeing the monkeys, and we value your comments regarding the overall experience. Please be assured that your feedback has been shared with our team as part of our ongoing efforts to review and improve our services. Warm regards, The Team at Beach & Safari Holidays

    via Viator

    Beverley_W · June 2025

    Fab!

    Great correspondence with Beach Safari Holidays from the go. Received a WhatsApp immediately with clear instructions. So pleased we booked this trip through Viator! Jozani was fab, well worth the trip. We saw loads of Red Colobus Monkeys, which are only native to Zanzibar. Shout out to our guide Sultan, he was absolutely fantastic! So passionate about wildlife, as are we. He made the excursion, and we're so thankful we had him as our guide! Also a special shout out to our driver Cholo! What a top bloke. He gave us so much local knowledge and insight to Zanzibar life. We're so grateful to have spent this time with such fab people. Prison Island is o.k. Really enjoyed the boat trip over. There's not a lot to do on the Island, but the beach is Amazing! You'll get pestered in Stonetown for excursions, but really I would advise to go through Beach Safari Holidays. It was seamless, well organised and turned our excursions into a complete experience :)

    Response from the operator: Dear Beverley, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear you had such a great experience from the very beginning til end and that Sultan and Cholo made such a positive impact. We are glad we could be a part of your Zanzibar adventure and hope to welcome you back again! Best regards, The Team at Beach & Safari Holidays

    via Viator

    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
    $104 to $179
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    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 runs

    Why this scores 54

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)69
    Review evidence (18% weight)21
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)71
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)30
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $104 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: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour 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 Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 2 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: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour?

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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: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour 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 Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour?

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    Around 1 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 Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour 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: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour?

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    Included: Tour guide; Hotel drop-off; Prison island guided tour; Bottled water; and Boat transportation to Prison Island. Not included: Lunch; and Tip(optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 708 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour 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: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour?

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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.

    What happens to Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour 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 booking options are available for Zanzibar: Jozani Forest and Prison island Guided Tour?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including without Prison island fees, with Prison Island fees. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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