Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour in Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 68 5.0 · 7 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $80
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour worth booking?

Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour is a 6-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $80 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
5/5 (7)
Duration
6 hours
From
$80 per person

The Prison Island and Stone Town tours are absolute must-dos.These experiences will truly make your trip unforgettable! Imagine being surrounded by giant tortoises on Prison Island, getting up close with these magnificent creatures while learning about the island's intriguing history. Then, picture yourself wandering through the narrow streets of Stone Town, where every corner holds a story from the past, creating a magical atmosphere that will transport you back times. On the Stone Town tour, you'll step into a world where history comes alive! You'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its winding streets, bustling markets, and stunning architecture that reflects a mix of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. Don't miss iconic landmarks like the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, each with its own fascinating story to tell. Get ready to be immersed in the rich history and vibrant culture of Zanzibar on this unforgettable tour.

What you get

    About this experience

    The Prison Island and Stone Town tours are absolute must-dos.These experiences will truly make your trip unforgettable! Imagine being surrounded by giant tortoises on Prison Island, getting up close with these magnificent creatures while learning about the island's intriguing history. Then, picture yourself wandering through the narrow streets of Stone Town, where every corner holds a story from the past, creating a magical atmosphere that will transport you back times. On the Stone Town tour, you'll step into a world where history comes alive! You'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its winding streets, bustling markets, and stunning architecture that reflects a mix of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. Don't miss iconic landmarks like the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, each with its own fascinating story to tell. Get ready to be immersed in the rich history and vibrant culture of Zanzibar on this unforgettable tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • Entry fees for Prison island
    • Bottled water
    • Marine Conservation Fees
    • Private boat for Prison island
    • Professional Tour Guide

    Not included

    • Entrance fees for the Old Slave Market Site at Stonetown (10$pp).

    What you'll see and do

    1. Prison Island - Changuu Private Island

      The tour offers a nature, history and adventure combined in a relaxing and enjoyable a beautiful and nice beach, feeding a giants Aldabra tortoise and colored fish and corals for snorkling in the channel of indian ocean on this small isle just off the stonetown. It is launched from the city and involves a 30 minutes motorized boat ride to the prison island. The British first minister of zanzibar, purchased the island in 1893 and constructed a prison complex there no prisoners were ever housed on the island and instead it becomes a quarantine station for yellow fever.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Stone Town

      Stonetown tour in Zanzibar is a captivating experience that makes you through the rich history and culture of island. You'll stroll through narrow winding streets, admire the beautiful architecture, visiting historical landmarks like house of wonders and exploring the bustling markets, don't forget to try some delicious local foods along the way it's journey that will leave you with un forgettable memories.

      180 minutes here

    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
    Charisma_Experience

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 2Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 3Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 4Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 5Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 6Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour in Zanzibar City, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    7 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    Coastal446339 · October 2026

    Very informative local guide. Well educated.

    Nice tour. Loved the tortoises on Prison island. Great and informative walking tour around Stone Town. Our guide knew the special places to go. Fixed prices. Factory outlets. His knowledge was extensive. Can highly recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    lukepY7116OW · June 2026

    Top notch tours!

    We used Charisma experience for a trip to prison island, town town and then the following day for spice farm and onward journey. Right from the start our guide was warm and friendly. The tour felt tailored specifically to us, allowing us to ask questions we wanted and overall very informative. The tour covered admission fees as standard. The trip to prison island and stone town took around 5 hours but could be shortened or lengthened as we wanted. Charisma was very flexible to what we wanted. The tour was private so included just the two of us, however I think it could easily he scales up or down to any group requirements. Water was included and we were asked multiple times if we needed any further refreshments. On the following day we were taken to a spice farm and then transfered to our next hotel at a very reasonable price. As we were low on dollars they also allowed us to pay a reasonable conversion to tanzanians shillings. Overall a brilliant couple of days with a lovely supportive guide

    via Tripadvisor

    936bilgey · May 2026

    Experienced, reliable and fun.

    Today I participated in the Zanzibar Prison Island Trip & Stonetown Walking tour with Charisma Experience. I was very pleased. The guide's explanations were very detailed. I was picked up from my hotel and my bags were carried. All my questions were answered patiently. It was a very enjoyable tour for me. You can choose it with peace of mind.

    via Tripadvisor

    Caroline_G · December 2025

    An absolute must do

    A really r enjoyable trip. The tortoises were amazing and learning about the history and culture of stone town and prison island was excellent. Our guide, Charisma, was fab - very knowledgable, very friendly and went out of his way to ensure we enjoyed the trip.

    via Viator

    Valerie_P · November 2025

    Best Walking Tour in Zanzibar

    My time in Zanzibar was made truly unforgettable thanks to The Charisma Experience and our incredible tour guide. Their knowledge of the island’s history, culture, and hidden gems was absolutely impeccable. Every stop on the tour felt meaningful, and the stories shared brought Zanzibar’s rich heritage to life in a way I’ll never forget. Our guide was warm, patient, and passionate—always making sure we were comfortable and fully immersed in each moment. From historic landmarks to local traditions, they explained everything with clarity and enthusiasm that made the entire experience feel personalized and special. If you're visiting Zanzibar and want a tour that goes beyond the surface, I HIGHLY recommend The Charisma Experience. This was truly one of the best tours I’ve ever taken!

    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
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Charisma_Experience, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.9.

    See everything Charisma_Experience runs

    Why this scores 68

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)39
    Booking momentum (14% weight)26
    Value for money (12% weight)87
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)59
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $80 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 Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking 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 Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 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 Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking 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 Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking 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 Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour?

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    Around 2 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 Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking 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 Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour?

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    Included: Entry fees for Prison island; Bottled water; Marine Conservation Fees; Private boat for Prison island; and Professional Tour Guide. Not included: Entrance fees for the Old Slave Market Site at Stonetown (10$pp). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 75 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour 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 Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking 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 Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking 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 do travelers say about Zanzibar Prison Island Trip and Stone Town Private Walking Tour?

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    Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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