Prison Island and Nakupenda Private tour – Full day + Seafood Buffet

Introduction

If you’re heading to Zanzibar and want to pack in two iconic destinations in one day, this Prison Island and Nakupenda Private tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a balanced mix of culture, wildlife, relaxation, and delicious food—all with the comfort of private transportation.

What we really like about this experience are the personalized touch, the fresh seafood buffet, and the chance to enjoy Zanzibar’s famous clear waters. On the flip side, some travelers have noted that the tour isn’t exactly a full 8-hour day — more like 5 to 6 hours in total — so it’s worth considering if you’re after a longer, more leisurely experience. This tour suits those who want a well-organized, all-in-one day excursion that combines sightseeing, beach time, and great food without the hassle of planning multiple activities.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Tailored for your party, no large groups.
• Two Top Destinations: Prison Island with its giant tortoises and Nakupenda Sandbank for swimming and relaxing.
• Culinary Highlights: Fresh fruit snacks and a seafood buffet with calamari, lobster, octopus, prawns, and tuna.
• Hassle-Free Pickup: Includes transportation from your Zanzibar hotel.
• Value for Money: Despite some mixed reviews, most travelers find the price reasonable for the exclusivity and variety.
• Shorter Duration: Usually around 6 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting in Stone Town

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Zanzibar City, with the driver taking you through the streets of Stone Town. Expect to see landmarks like the House of Wonders, Old Fort, and the Port of Zanzibar as you pass by on your way to the boat. This part of the journey sets the scene, giving you a taste of Zanzibar’s vibrant history and architecture.

Prison Island: Tortoises, Ruins, and Wildlife

The boat ride from Stone Town to Prison Island (Changuu Island) takes about 30 minutes. Once there, your guide will lead you around the island, which is famous for its Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary. You’ll get the chance to snap photos with these gentle giants, some of which are over a century old. Plus, the island hosts peacocks, dik-diks (small antelopes), and ruins of the old prison—an interesting mix that offers both wildlife encounters and a glimpse into Zanzibar’s past.

While the island’s main attractions are the tortoises and ruins, one reviewer mentioned that the tour lasts around 1.5 hours, but it’s flexible—if you want to stay longer to explore, you can. The only caveat is the admission fee of $15 per person, which isn’t included in the tour price.

Nakupenda Sandbank: Beach, Swim, and Feast

After exploring Prison Island, you’ll get on a private boat for a roughly 45-minute ride to Nakupenda Sandbank. This is where the experience really shines. Once on the sandbank, a canopy tent is set up for shade, and you’ll be greeted with fresh fruit snacks—think bananas, mangoes, watermelon, and pineapples. Meanwhile, a seafood feast is prepared right on the beach, featuring calamari, lobster, octopus, prawns, and tuna.

You’ll have about 3 to 4 hours on the sandbank, which is enough time to swim in the calm, crystal-blue waters or simply relax on the soft sand. The water here is described as exceptionally clean and inviting, perfect for a quick dip or some lazy lounging. Some travelers say this is the highlight of the tour, especially if you love fresh seafood and peaceful beach vibes.

Return to Stone Town

After your beach day, the boat takes you back to Stone Town in about 30 minutes, and from there, your driver will return you to your hotel. The entire experience wraps up within 6 to 8 hours, but, as noted, some reviews suggest the actual time spent engaging with each activity is slightly shorter.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Comfort

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the journey comfortable, especially after a long day exploring. Pickup from your hotel is provided, removing the stress of logistics, and group discounts are available if you’re traveling with others.

Duration and Flexibility

Most travelers report the total trip lasting around 6 hours, with some variability depending on the group size and how long you want to spend at each stop. The tour is private, so your schedule can be adjusted if you wish to linger at Prison Island or spend extra time relaxing on the sandbank.

Food and Drink

The seafood buffet is a definite selling point. Prepared on-site, it features a variety of seafood options, ensuring no one leaves hungry. The snacks and soft drinks included add a nice touch, especially after swimming or sightseeing. However, essentials like sunscreens, towels, and cameras are not included, so packing these is advisable.

Cost and Value

At $105 per person, the price offers good value for a private, all-in-one day trip with food, transport, and guided visits. The admission fee for Prison Island, at $15, is extra, but most find that the overall experience justifies the cost, especially given the exclusivity and convenience.

Real Experiences: Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer described the trip as “not exactly a full day,” emphasizing that the actual activity time is shorter than the full 8-hour window. They appreciated the private boat, guide, and food, though a mix-up with another guest’s addition was noted but quickly addressed, showing the tour provider’s responsiveness.

Another review pointed out the delicious seafood buffet as a highlight, with guests loving the “fries, calamari, lobster, and octopus.” The crystal-clear waters on the sandbank are frequently praised, making it easy to see why many consider this the perfect spot for relaxation.

Additional Considerations

While most reviews are positive, some mention the admission fee at Prison Island and the shorter duration of the trip, so if you’re after a more leisurely or extensive experience, this might not be the best fit. However, for those seeking a balanced, well-organized day with highlights, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Zanzibar, combining history, wildlife, beach relaxation, and culinary delights, all within a private setting. The personalized service and included meals make it especially appealing for travelers looking for convenience and quality.

It’s particularly suitable for those who want a full-day experience without the hassle of multiple bookings, and who appreciate a delicious seafood feast after some swimming and sightseeing. The shorter duration means it’s perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a not-too-intense day out.

While it may not cover every aspect of Zanzibar’s culture or extend into a full day, the combination of wildlife, history, beach, and food makes this tour a worthwhile choice for many visitors.

FAQ

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private tour, designed exclusively for your party, which means you won’t be sharing the experience with strangers.

How long does the tour usually last?
Most travelers report spending about 6 hours total, including pickup, transfers, and stops. It’s not a full 8-hour tour but still packed with activities.

What’s included in the price?
The price includes private transport, hotel pickup, bottled water, fruit snacks, a seafood buffet, and soft drinks. Entrance fees at Prison Island ($15) are not included.

Can I stay longer at Prison Island or the sandbank?
Being a private tour, you can request to linger longer at each stop if you wish, subject to your guide’s approval.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, towels, a camera, and anything else needed for swimming or relaxing. The tour does not include these items.

Is the seafood buffet suitable for all?
The buffet features a variety of seafood, and most find it delicious. If you have specific dietary restrictions, it’s best to check beforehand.

Are there any additional costs?
Apart from the $15 admission fee at Prison Island, no hidden costs are mentioned, but extra drinks or souvenirs are at your discretion.

Final Words

In the end, this Prison Island and Nakupenda private tour offers a taste of Zanzibar’s best features—history, wildlife, scenic beaches, and tasty seafood—without the crowds. It’s perfect for travelers who want a personalized, hassle-free day with plenty of picture-worthy moments and the chance to unwind in crystal waters.

While it’s a bit shorter than some might hope, the combination of activities, food, and comfort makes it a good value, especially for those who prioritize quality and convenience in their island adventures. Whether you’re with family, friends, or on your own, this tour delivers a satisfying slice of Zanzibar life.