From Nungwi/Kendwa: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Trip

Planning a day out exploring Zanzibar? This tour promises a mix of history, wildlife, and beach relaxation, with visits to two of the island’s most iconic spots: Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank. While many travelers find the experience enjoyable, some have raised concerns about its value and organization, so a balanced review is key.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see the famous giant tortoises at Prison Island, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and unwind on the beautiful Nakupenda Sandbank. Plus, the included seafood lunch is often praised for its freshness and flavor. On the flip side, some mention that the transportation times can be quite long and that the overall experience might not meet the expectations given the price.

This trip is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of wildlife encounters and beach time, are comfortable with group outings, and want a taste of Zanzibar’s natural beauty without a hefty price tag. If you’re after an authentic, relaxing day with a few highlights, this could be a good choice — just keep expectations realistic.

Key Points

• Wildlife & History: Meet the Aldabra giant tortoises and explore Prison Island’s prison museum.
• Snorkeling & Marine Life: Dive into clear waters to see vibrant marine creatures.
• Beach Relaxation: Lounge on Nakupenda’s white sands and swim in turquoise waters.
• Meal & Refreshments: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with seasonal fruits and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Transport & Timing: Expect long boat rides and transfers, so pack patience.
• Group Size & Guides: Reviews suggest mixed experiences with guides and group numbers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect on This Tour

Starting early from your hotel in Nungwi or Kendwa, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the harbor for a boat ride aboard a traditional dhow. This boat trip is a highlight for many, offering scenic views of Zanzibar’s coast and a chance to feel the breeze on your skin. The boat ride to Prison Island takes around 30 minutes, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the sea.

Prison Island & the Giant Tortoises

Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Prison Island’s history. The island’s prison was built in the late 19th century, but today the main attraction is the Aldabra giant tortoises. They are surprisingly gentle and slow-moving, making for great photo ops. The island also features a small museum about its past, which guides usually cover with interesting anecdotes.

According to one review, “the tortoises are magnificent, that’s surely what we liked the most.” The island’s size is manageable, so the visit here lasts about an hour or less. Some visitors, however, mention that the tour of the prison museum feels rushed or that the island’s main focus is on the tortoises.

Snorkeling Experience

Next, many tours include a snorkeling session around Prison Island. You’ll be provided with snorkeling gear, but some reviews point out that the equipment might be limited or lacking. One traveler reported that “they didn’t take us anywhere and didn’t have goggles or snorkel,” which suggests equipment quality may vary.

If snorkeling is a priority for you, it’s worth confirming in advance whether gear and marine life are plentiful. The water is described as crystal-clear, which is ideal for spotting colorful fish and coral, but actual sightings depend on conditions and the tour operator.

Nakupenda Sandbank & Beach Lunch

After the island visit, the group heads to Nakupenda Sandbank, a shallow, sand-covered strip of beach that appears during low tide. Picture white sands stretching into turquoise waters—a postcard scene, and many visitors find it the most relaxing part of the trip.

Here, you can swim, sunbathe, or walk along the sandbank. It’s often described as a peaceful spot, less crowded than Zanzibar’s main beaches, especially if you stay until the late afternoon when some travelers leave. The tour includes a delicious seafood lunch served on the sandbank or nearby beach area. Expect fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, and a non-alcoholic beverage—reviews often highlight the quality and flavor of the meal.

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Returning Journey & Drop-off

Post-lunch, you’ll reboard the dhow for the return trip, which takes about 30 minutes back to the mainland. The entire day typically lasts around 8 hours, factoring in transfers and waiting times.

Transportation & Group Experience

One recurring theme in reviews concerns long transit times—sometimes 4 hours round-trip in a bus, which can be tiring, especially on a hot day. The bus is often described as crowded and uncomfortable, so bringing water and snacks might help.

Group sizes seem large, with some reports mentioning up to 50 people split among 3 boats, which affects the guide’s ability to give personalized attention. Guides are generally knowledgeable and friendly, with some reviews praising Dogo’s attentiveness and language skills.

Cost & Value Analysis

At $67 per person, the price includes transport, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and meals. While this seems reasonable, several reviewers point out that the actual content and experience might not quite match the cost. One traveler called it “much too expensive for what it is,” citing long traveling times and short island visits.

The inclusion of lunch on the sandbank and snorkeling equipment adds value, but if snorkeling gear is limited or if the island visits are rushed, some may feel the experience is overpriced. It’s essential to weigh whether you’re happy with a half-day of sightseeing and beach relaxation versus a more immersive or private experience.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Reviews highlight that the guides are generally friendly and informative, with some fans noting guides like Dogo speak multiple languages and are attentive. Carmen’s review praises the delicious lunch and relaxed vibe, calling it a “must-see.” Conversely, others like Francisco and Jonathan point out that the activity can feel rushed—with short stops and long transport times overshadowing the actual time spent on each location.

One reviewer expressed disappointment over snorkeling gear shortages, which can be frustrating if marine life is a key part of your expectations. Another mentioned that the prison island visit was only about 5 minutes outside the prison building, with the museum being a self-guided activity while waiting for other groups—an aspect that could feel rushed or underwhelming.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers looking for a cost-effective day trip that combines a bit of wildlife, history, and beach time. If you’re comfortable with lengthy transfers and don’t mind large group settings, you’ll appreciate the scenic boat rides and the chance to see Zanzibar’s iconic tortoises. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxing day with good food, rather than a full-on adventure or in-depth exploration.

However, if you’re chasing premium snorkeling gear or more personalized tours, this might not be your best fit. Also, travelers who favor shorter, more exclusive experiences or have limited time might feel the trip is a bit too rushed or not worth the price.

FAQs

Is the transportation comfortable?
The transportation involves a long, sometimes crowded bus ride at the start and end, which many find uncomfortable. The boat ride itself is generally scenic, but expect some waiting and transit times.

Can I snorkel at Prison Island?
Yes, snorkeling is included and the waters are clear. However, some reviews indicate gear might be limited or not of the best quality, so manage your expectations.

How long do I spend at each stop?
Most visitors spend about an hour on Prison Island and roughly 30 minutes on the sandbank, with the actual time varying based on group size and weather conditions.

What’s the food like?
The seafood lunch is described as delicious, with fresh fish or catch of the day, seasonal fruits, and drinks. It’s generally considered a highlight of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially if your kids enjoy wildlife and beaches. Keep in mind the transfer times and group size, which may be tiring for very young children.

How many people are typically on this tour?
Group sizes can be large, with reports of up to 50 people across multiple boats, which affects the guide-to-group ratio and overall intimacy.

Can I customize or make special requests?
Yes, you can write down special requests before booking, which the tour operator may accommodate depending on availability.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a good mix of history, wildlife, and beach relaxation at a reasonable price, especially for travelers who enjoy meeting giant tortoises and lounging on beautiful sands. The included lunch and snorkeling gear are definite plus points, though the experience can be marred by long travel times and large group sizes.

If you value friendly guides, stunning views, and authentic beach time, it’s worth considering. Just be prepared for a busy day with some rushed moments—and ensure your expectations align with the itinerary.

For those seeking a relaxed, scenic escape with enough highlights to keep your camera busy, this trip could be a memorable part of your Zanzibar adventure. But if your priority is intimate encounters or exclusive experiences, you might want to explore alternative options.

Remember to pack: Hat, swimwear, sunscreen, camera, and patience. Be sure to confirm details with your guide about snorkeling gear and timing, so you get the most out of this adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: