
Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour worth booking?
Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour is a 6-hour experience in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from $300 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $300 per person
Discover the best of Zanzibar with our combined Stone Town, Prison Island, and Spice Tour! Start in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll explore narrow streets lined with stunning Swahili architecture. Visit historic landmarks like the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, and browse vibrant local markets filled with crafts and spices. Next, journey to Prison Island on a scenic boat ride. Explore the old prison, meet the famous giant tortoises, and enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Relax on beautiful beaches and soak in the picturesque surroundings. Finally, immerse yourself in the Spice Tour, wandering through lush plantations and discovering the origins of cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla. Engage in tasting sessions and learn about their culinary uses. This captivating adventure promises unforgettable experiences. Book now to explore the wonders of Zanzibar!
What you get
About this experience
Discover the best of Zanzibar with our combined Stone Town, Prison Island, and Spice Tour! Start in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll explore narrow streets lined with stunning Swahili architecture. Visit historic landmarks like the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, and browse vibrant local markets filled with crafts and spices. Next, journey to Prison Island on a scenic boat ride. Explore the old prison, meet the famous giant tortoises, and enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Relax on beautiful beaches and soak in the picturesque surroundings. Finally, immerse yourself in the Spice Tour, wandering through lush plantations and discovering the origins of cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla. Engage in tasting sessions and learn about their culinary uses. This captivating adventure promises unforgettable experiences. Book now to explore the wonders of Zanzibar!
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Dinner
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
On our Spice Tour, travelers will embark on a sensory journey through lush plantations. Here’s what to expect: 1. **Guided Plantation Walks**: Explore vibrant spice farms, learning about various spices like cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. 2. **Tasting Sessions**: Sample fresh spices and tropical fruits, experiencing their flavors and aromas firsthand. 3. **Cultural Insights**: Discover the history and cultural significance of spices in local cuisine and traditions. 4. **Interactive Activities**: Participate in hands-on activities like spice grinding or cooking demonstrations. 5. **Scenic Views**: Enjoy breathtaking views of the plantations and surrounding landscapes. 6. **Souvenir Shopping**: Opportunity to purchase fresh spices and local products to take home. Join us for an unforgettable experience that tantalizes your senses and deepens your appreciation for the world of spices!
120 minutes here · Admission included
Stone Town
On our Stone Town Tour, travelers will immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here’s what to expect: 1. **Historic Landmarks**: Visit iconic sites like the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan’s Palace, each with fascinating stories. 2. **Winding Streets**: Stroll through narrow alleys lined with beautiful Swahili architecture, bustling markets, and local artisan shops. 3. **Local Markets**: Explore the vibrant Darajani Market, where you can experience the sights and sounds of everyday life, and sample fresh produce and spices. 4. **Cultural Insights**: Learn about the diverse influences of African, Arab, and European cultures that shape Stone Town’s unique identity. 5. **Historical Sites**: Discover the legacy of the spice trade and the region's history of slavery at the Old Slave Market. 6. **Sunset Views**: Enjoy a picturesque sunset by the waterfront, perfect for photography and reflection.
120 minutes here
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
On our Prison Island tour, travelers will discover a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. Here’s what to expect: 1. **Boat Ride**: Enjoy a scenic boat trip to the island, taking in stunning views of the surrounding waters. 2. **Historical Exploration**: Visit the remnants of the old prison and learn about its intriguing history, including its role in the slave trade. 3. **Giant Tortoises**: Meet the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old, and learn about conservation efforts. 4. **Snorkeling**: Experience vibrant marine life with snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters, exploring colorful coral reefs. 5. **Relaxation**: Unwind on the pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a picnic. 6. **Guided Insights**: Benefit from knowledgeable guides who will share stories and insights about the island's past and its ecological significance. Join us for a memorable day of adventure and exploration on Prison Island!
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zanspice Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- If you have dietary requirements, indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
Photos






Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very informative tour
The tour started out with our guide picking us up at our hotel in Stonetown and walking to the beach side to take a water taxi to prison Island. Our guide, Abdi, led us through the different areas of prison island, giving us background information about the tortoises and about the use of the island and its history in the slave trade. The tortoises were really cool to see. Some are as old as 200 years old! Actually got to touch them, not sure if that was technically allowed but tortoises apparently like head and neck massages. We also saw some peacocks, and Dik diks on the island. Also, it was great that the tour started with Prison Island because when we got there, we were the only tourists on site for most of the time we were there, so we were able to spend time in the tortoise area in peace without feeling rushed. We then took the water taxi back to Stonetown and did the walking tour portion, which terminated at a museum about the slave trade, which we found really interesting because we did not know much about the Indian Ocean slave trade. Abdi was really knowledgeable and provided a lot of interesting information about the history and architecture, and answers to our questions along the way. Lastly, a different tour guide, Khalifa, picked us up from the museum area and drove us to Tangawizi Spice Farm and while there we looked at and tasted different plants and spices and learned a lot of things we didn’t know. We had lunch at the spice farm, and had the opportunity to buy spices while there, as well as other products like soaps and oils made from the spices of the farm. Both Abdi and Khalifa were great tour guides and I would highly recommend them both.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the full-day tour, starting with the peaceful morning visit to Prison Island and its fascinating residents — the giant tortoises, peacocks, and dik-diks. It’s wonderful that you had such a quiet, immersive experience there before the crowds arrived. We're also very happy to hear that Abdi made your walking tour of Stonetown so informative and engaging, especially with the deeper dive into the history of the Indian Ocean slave trade — a topic many are unfamiliar with but find incredibly impactful. Likewise, it's great to know Khalifa provided a memorable and educational experience at the Tangawizi Spice Farm. It sounds like you got a true taste of Zanzibar — in more ways than one! We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to both Abdi and Khalifa. They’ll be delighted to know they made such a positive impression. Thank you again for the recommendation — we hope to welcome you back to Zanzibar in the future for more adventures! Warm regards, The Zanspice Tours Team
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
- $300 to $700
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Zanspice Tours, who run 15 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.2.
See everything Zanspice Tours runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dar es Salaam.
How much does Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour cost?
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Prices start at $300 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dar es Salaam 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 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 Dar es Salaam is not rushed.
Is Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dar es Salaam, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm 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 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 Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour?
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Around 0 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 Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm 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 Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam?
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On Outty we rank every Dar es Salaam experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 2 nights 3 days safari to mikumi national park, 1-Day Mikumi National Park Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar, 3 Days Safari to Mikumi NP - Accommodation Inside the Park. 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 Dar es Salaam?
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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 Dar es Salaam?
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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 Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Dinner; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 789 listed pickup locations in and around Dar es Salaam. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm 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 Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm 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.
Is Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zanzibar Stone Town Prison Island and Spice Farm Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Dar es Salaam. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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