
Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide worth booking?
Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide is a 6.2-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $45 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (26)
- Duration
- 6.2 hours
- From
- $45 per person
What sets our tour apart is the expertise and passion of our local guide, who has over 10 years of experience and is fluent in four languages! Thisallows us to offer an authentic and personalized experience, ensuring you not only learn about Zanzibar’s rich history and culture but also feel truly connected to the island. Our guide’s deep knowledge and ability to communicate with travelers from all over the world make every tour unique and insightful. Book with us and enjoy a journey led by a local expert who knows the ins and outs of Zanzibar like no one else!
What you get
About this experience
What sets our tour apart is the expertise and passion of our local guide, who has over 10 years of experience and is fluent in four languages! Thisallows us to offer an authentic and personalized experience, ensuring you not only learn about Zanzibar’s rich history and culture but also feel truly connected to the island. Our guide’s deep knowledge and ability to communicate with travelers from all over the world make every tour unique and insightful. Book with us and enjoy a journey led by a local expert who knows the ins and outs of Zanzibar like no one else!
What's included
Included
- Stone Town historical sites and landmarks
- Bottled water
- Guided Stone Town walking tour
- Professional local tour guide
- Private boat for Prison island
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Stone Town
In Stone Town, travelers will experience a rich blend of history, culture, and architecture. Highlights include the iconic House of Wonders, the 17th-century Old Fort, and the Sultan's Palace, offering a glimpse into Zanzibar's royal past. Visitors can explore the Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of the former slave market, and the bustling Forodhani Gardens, where local seafood is served in the evenings. Other attractions include the Old Dispensary with its intricate carvings, the Zanzibar Cultural Centre, the Hamamni Persian Baths, and the vibrant Darajani Market. For those interested in the island's spice heritage, a visit to a nearby spice farm is also a popular addition. Stone Town’s unique mix of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences makes it a fascinating destination to explore.
4 minutes here
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
On Prison Island (Changuu Island), travelers can explore the Giant Tortoises Sanctuary, where they can interact with Aldabra giant tortoises, some over 100 years old. The island also features the prison ruins, once a facility for rebellious slaves and later a quarantine station, offering a glimpse into its dark history. Visitors can relax on beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters or enjoy snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs and marine life. The island also provides scenic views of the Zanzibar Archipelago and Stone Town, making it a perfect spot for both history and nature enthusiasts.
3 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zanzibar City
Please meet us at Cape Town Fish Market, Forodhani Park, Stone Town. The meeting point is located along the seafront, near the famous Forodhani Gardens. Our guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point and will be easy to identify.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please meet us at Cape Town Fish Market, Forodhani Park, Stone Town. The meeting point is located along the seafront, near the famous Forodhani Gardens. Our guide will be waiting for you at the meeting point and will be easy to identify.
Options you can book
Pick up from Stone town hotel
Duration: 6 hours: This option for those travellers who stay at stone town but if you don't stay stone town don't choose this option All stone town hotel Pickup included
Pick up from anywhere
Duration: 6 hours Pickup included
Come to the meeting point
Duration: 6 hours: The travellers should to come at the meeting point cape town fish market forothani restaurant to meet with your guide
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 29 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Onestino di Zanzibar
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- 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 26 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.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disappointed
After reading all excellents review about this operator, i was highly disappointed. I had a French guide who i can barely hear when he was providing explanation. As i also understand English, he was leaving me to read all the history instrad of providing me interesting facts. He was just briefing me with the basic information. At the Market Slave he didnt enter with me to the Church and prefered to wait outside when i saw all the groups inside with their guide. He didnt respect some desires I had. The tour was boring and I had some time to hear other guides comments to find out about more interesting facts.
via Tripadvisor
Great Prison Island Tour
Our tour guide Omar, was excellent. He was extremely knowledgable about Prison Island and made the tour fun as well as informative.
via Tripadvisor
Patient and honest tour guide
First time visiting Zanzibar and he made sure my sister and I had a wonderful experience. He took his time explaining everything to us. Such an honest, patient tour guide. We always felt safe around him and his prices were fair. He worked with our budget and, made sure we still made unforgettable memories. I recommend anyone visiting this Island for the first time to use him.
via Tripadvisor
Omar the best guide
Our guide Omar (Mr honest) was great. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. He spoke very good English and made the experience very enjoyable !
via Tripadvisor
Nice experience with Onestino
Onestino is a really passionate guy, I definitely suggest you to book a tour with him! He will take care of everything for you!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $45 to $83
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide cost?
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Prices start at $45 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide take?
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Plan for about 6.2 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 26 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide?
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Around 9 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 6.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide?
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Included: Stone Town historical sites and landmarks; Bottled water; Guided Stone Town walking tour; Professional local tour guide; and Private boat for Prison island. Not included: Lunch; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 749 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide?
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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 Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide 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 Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Zanzibar Stone Town and Prison Island Tour with Local Guide?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Pick up from Stone town hotel, Pick up from anywhere, Come to the meeting point. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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