Zanzibar Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zanzibar Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour worth booking?
Zanzibar Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour is a 8-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $50 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (13)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Our tour offers an authentic Zanzibar experience, combining the history of Stone Town, the natural beauty and giant tortoises of Prison Island, and the rich flavors of a traditional Spice Farm—all guided by a knowledgeab
What you get
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guide
- fruits
- Entrance fees
About this experience
Our tour offers an authentic Zanzibar experience, combining the history of Stone Town, the natural beauty and giant tortoises of Prison Island, and the rich flavors of a traditional Spice Farm—all guided by a knowledgeable local who brings the island’s stories and culture to life
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guide
- fruits
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Lunch
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- wheel chair
- personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Stone Town
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the intact historical Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It’s plenty of shops, its mix of people, its bustling markets and restaurants, mosques, churches and Hindu temples combine and different cultures. On our Stone Town tour you can discover interesting artifacts like the curved Arab doors with brass studs, curved balconies, the colonial post office or the Kanga market. Our guides will spot the most interesting things. The tour includes the central market, the former slave market, Anglican cathedral, house of Wonder, Old fort, Freddie Mercury House and much more.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
Today the island is a small tourist resort, famous for its giant tortoises. Our tour guide will give you a short introduction to the islet’s interesting past and you can then spend some time sunbathing, swimming, or walking around to see tortoises and peacocks. Moreover, a traditional wooden boat will bring you to Prison Island. The islet was formerly used as a private detention for disobedient slaves. Later a jail was constructed, but never actually used.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Jambo Spice Farm
You will be overwhelmed by the abundance of exotic spice, fruits and vegetables growing in these tropical gardens. Savour different fresh spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla or black pepper. Taste a variety of fruits ranging from rose apple to sweet lemon to guava! It is also interesting to learn how some plants are used not only by the local population to cure certain maladies, and how others such as henna, perfume tree and lipstick trees find their value for preparing cosmetics.
180 minutes here · Admission included
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
- KHAMIS TRAVEL AND TOURS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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 13 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
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing trip and an amazing tour guide (Khamis)
This trip was amazing. What an eye opening experience and wonderful insight in to Zanzibar’s rich culture. We saw amazing sights from 100+ year old turtles ( as well as some a few weeks old) after cruising through some of the most beautifully blue waters. Walking through the majestic streets of stone town with its markets, shops and stunning Architecture. This trip was fantastic - and made so by Khamis our tour guide. His knowledge and experience left no question unanswered and added such detail to the trip that I would recommend him to anybody that’s considering this trip. The trip lasted all day and ended for us with a trip to the spice farm where you get to see the real workings of so many things we use from cinnamon to medicine. Truly insightful. Well worth the money and an unforgettable experience.
Response from the operator: I really appreciate your review having tour on Zanzibar island with the my company. you are welcome any time.
via Tripadvisor
Really great guide
Khamis was an exceptional guide, super friendly & helpful and for 2 English people his English was fantastic Really informative tour, and he was very knowledgeable about all aspects of this trip Prison island views are amazing and the culture in stone town is wonderful If you are looking at doing this tour then I really recommend Khamis
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review I really enjoyed working with you with wonderful English people you are welcome
via Tripadvisor
KHAMIS TRAVEL AND TOURS
I had a wonderful experience with KHAMIS TRAVEL AND TOURS during my 2-day trip around Zanzibar. We travelled from Stone Town towards the central and southern parts of the island, passing through local villages such as Jozani, Kibigija in Jambiani, and Paje. We visited Jozani Forest, Kuza Cave, Paje Beach, and Unguja Ukuu. What I enjoyed most was experiencing everyday life outside the main tourist areas. The villages were peaceful, with cloudy weather in some areas and sunshine in Stone Town. The temperature was around 18°C to 28°C. I also enjoyed picking fresh oranges directly from the trees, eating freshly fried fish from local shops, and buying small red bananas, which were incredibly sweet. Mr. Khamis was friendly and easy to communicate with. He explained the history and importance of the different places we visited in a simple and interesting way. The trip felt relaxed and personal rather than rushed. I highly recommend Mr. Khamis to anyone who wants to experience and explore Zanzibar’s local culture, villages, food, nature, and everyday life.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, I really enjoyed being with you all the places you went. you rea always welcome
via Tripadvisor
Prison Island and Stone Town Tour
Khamis is very knowledgeable and gave us in-depth knowledge and information about stone town and prison island! We started off the day at a reasonable time after being dropped off by our driver from Nungwi. I recommend Khamis to everyone!
Response from the operator: thank you for your good review of doing a tour with me in Zanzibar. You are welcome once again working with.
via Tripadvisor
Tour to Stonetown, Spice farm with coconuts and the best experience!
We went to StoneTown on our first day in Zanzibar. Khamis took us from the hotel and drove us to Stonetown where we got on a boat and reached Prison Island. There he told us the history of the island - he was very explanatory and we learned a lot of things. We saw turtles that where more than 100 years old. We took some pictures and then we went back to Stonetown. We went on a tour in the city and Khamis told us how old the city was. We saw a lot if culture and historical sites. It is a must see. We even saw the slaves museum there. After that we went to the Spice farm. This was the best part of the day. The people from the farm showed us many fruit and spices plants - cinnamon, avocado and many more. In the end there was a boy who climbed a palm to the end of it and sang a traditional song. Then they cut us a coconut to dring and to eat. At the end we could buy spices for home. It was a wonderful experience - thanks to Khamis, I definetely recommend him - he was kind to everyone of my family. Definitely the best tour guide we could find!
Response from the operator: i really appreciated you and your family for working with my company. you are welcome in Zanzibar any time.
via Tripadvisor
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
- $50 to $135
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zanzibar Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Zanzibar Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $50 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, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour 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 Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 13 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, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private 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 Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour 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 Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private Tour?
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Around 5 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 Stone Town, Prison Island and Spice Farm Private 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 Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included, 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour, Stone Town Private Walking Tour. 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.
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