Zanzibar:Prison Island, Nakupenda & Stone Town Tour with BBQ

Exploring Zanzibar’s Top Attractions in One Day

If you’re looking to make the most of a day in Zanzibar, the Prison Island, Nakupenda, and Stone Town Tour with BBQ offers an engaging, well-rounded experience. This private guided trip takes you through the island’s most iconic sights, combining history, nature, and local culture with relaxing beach time and a tasty meal. What’s particularly appealing is the chance to visit famous landmarks without feeling rushed, thanks to flexible arrangements and intimate group sizes.

We especially like how this tour combines educational stops like the Old Portuguese Fort and the House of Wonders with the fun of swimming and snorkeling at Nakupenda, plus the opportunity to see the legendary Aldabra giant tortoises. The inclusion of a delicious seafood or vegetarian BBQ on the sandbank adds a memorable dining experience. However, travelers should consider that you’ll need to bring your own sunscreen and towels, and some sites like the old slave market involve extra entrance fees.

This tour suits travelers eager for a balanced mix of history, nature, and beach relaxation in a single day. It’s perfect for those who want a private, guided experience that avoids large tour groups, and for anyone interested in exploring Zanzibar’s diverse highlights in a practical, enjoyable way.

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Key Points

Comprehensive Day Trip: Visits three top Zanzibar attractions—Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank, and Stone Town— in a single day.
Private Experience: Only your group participates, providing personalized attention and flexibility.
Diverse Highlights: Enjoy historical sites, marine life viewing, relaxing beaches, and cultural landmarks.
Culinary Delight: Savor a freshly prepared seafood or vegetarian BBQ right on the sandbank.
Educational & Fun: Encounter Aldabra giant tortoises, explore historical ruins, and snorkel in vibrant coral reefs.
Practical Details: Includes transportation, snacks, drinks, and options for hotel pick-up and drop-off (extra fee).

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A Practical Guide to the Zanzibar Tour

Looking for more options in Zanzibar City? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

An Overview of What to Expect

This full-day private tour provides a well-curated experience of Zanzibar’s most notable sights, with a focus on meaningful exploration and comfort. Starting with a hotel pick-up (if booked), you’ll be transported in a private vehicle, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the day at your own pace.

The day kicks off with a visit to Prison Island, famously home to the Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 200 years old. When visiting Prison Island, you’ll see these gentle giants wandering freely, peering curiously at visitors. It’s a chance to get up close and learn about these fascinating animals—noted by reviewers as a highlight for families and animal lovers alike. Expect to see peacocks, Dik-dik antelopes, and the historic prison ruins, which date back to the early 1900s. The prison ruins have their own story, having been built in 1893 and once serving as Zanzibar’s central prison, with an interesting history linked to past epidemics.

Next, you’ll head to Nakupenda Sandbank, a postcard-worthy stretch of white sand surrounded by coral reefs. Here, the emphasis is on relaxation—swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the sun on soft sands. Reviewers mention the stunning views and clear waters, making it a great spot for photos and underwater adventure. The highlight is the freshly prepared buffet, with options either featuring seafood—lobsters, tuna, calamari, shrimp—or vegetarian dishes, all served while you lounge on the sand.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic heart. This UNESCO World Heritage site is packed with architectural gems, old markets, and intriguing landmarks. Visiting the House of Wonders, Old Portuguese Fort, and the former Slave Market site allows you to walk through centuries of history and trading stories. The tour includes stops at the Darajani Market, the Freddie Mercury House, and the Catholic Cathedral, offering insight into the diverse cultural influences that shape Zanzibar today.

The Value of the Tour

At $118 per person, this experience offers excellent value considering the comprehensive itinerary, private transportation, and included meals. The fact that it’s a private tour means you won’t be rushed or mixed with strangers, and your guide can tailor the experience to suit your interests. The inclusion of snacks and drinks ensures comfort throughout the day, while the hotel pick-up and drop-off options add convenience, especially for travelers staying in Zanzibar’s main resorts.

The Experience of Prison Island

Many reviewers highlight the informative and friendly guides who make the history come alive. The Aldabra giant tortoises are particularly popular; one guest noted that the oldest tortoise is 197 years old, which sparks imagination about witnessing a living piece of history. The ruins themselves give a tangible sense of the island’s past, especially when the guide shares stories about the quarantine station and the historical context of the prison’s construction during epidemics.

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Nakupenda Sandbank: A Beach Lover’s Paradise

The sandbank is described as a picture-perfect escape. Visitors mention feeling like castaways in the best way, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling among vibrant corals and tropical fish. The buffet on the sandbank is praised for its freshness and variety, with seafood lovers especially happy with the Lobster and Calamari options. Some reviews recommend bringing your own towel and sunscreen, as these aren’t provided, which is a good tip for maximum comfort.

There's plenty more to explore in Zanzibar City

Exploring Stone Town

This part of the tour appeals strongly to history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Walking through streets lined with carved wooden doors, ancient buildings, and bustling markets, you’ll get a real sense of Zanzibar’s role as a trading hub. Reviewers appreciate the local flavor and vibrant atmosphere—especially when browsing Darajani Market or visiting the Freddie Mercury House, which adds a bit of contemporary cultural relevance.

Transportation, Timing, and Practicalities

The private transportation provided ensures comfort and flexibility. The tour typically lasts a full day, with time allocated for each stop—roughly 2-3 hours on Prison Island, a few hours on Nakupenda, and a couple of hours wandering Stone Town. Entrance fees to some sites like the old slave market and Prison Island are not included, so budget an additional $5 for the slave market and $15 for Prison Island.

Guests have praised the smooth logistics and punctuality, making for a stress-free day. The tour is suitable for most, but those with high blood pressure, babies under 1 year, or individuals over 95 should consider their physical limitations, especially since some sites involve walking and exposure to the sun.

What to Bring

To maximize your comfort, pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and beachwear. A hat and waterproof camera might also be handy to capture the stunning scenery.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Zanzibar’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. It suits those interested in history, wildlife, and beach relaxation, especially if traveling with family or a small group seeking a personalized touch. Adventure seekers will appreciate snorkeling and exploring the marine life, while history buffs will enjoy the stories behind Stone Town and Prison Island.

Couples and solo travelers alike will benefit from the private setting, allowing them to customize the day. It’s also a smart choice for visitors short on time but eager to tick off multiple must-see attractions in one go.

The Sum Up

The Zanzibar Prison Island, Nakupenda & Stone Town Tour with BBQ offers a rich, seamless experience packed with history, nature, and leisure. For $118, you gain access to some of Zanzibar’s most iconic sites, combined with the comfort of private transport and a delicious meal. The tour’s flexible, intimate format makes it appealing to a variety of travelers, especially those who value authenticity and a well-thought-out itinerary.

If you’re looking for a balanced day that showcases Zanzibar’s diverse charms—its historic sites, vibrant marine life, and stunning beaches—this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s particularly great for travelers wanting a personalized, stress-free adventure with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, fascinating stories, and relaxation.

For anyone eager to explore Zanzibar in a meaningful way while enjoying top-notch service and delicious food, this tour definitely deserves consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pick-up included?
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available for an additional fee, making the day extra convenient.

What is the cost of entrance fees?
Entrance fees like the Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral cost about $5, and Prison Island entry is $15 (36,000 TZS). These are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring for the trip?
It’s recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and beachwear to stay comfortable during the hot parts of the day.

How long does the tour last?
It is a full-day experience, typically spanning from morning to late afternoon, with time allocated at each stop.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can adapt the pace and focus based on your interests.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but consider the physical activity involved. Babies under 1 year and those over 95 might find some aspects challenging.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet meal—either seafood or vegetarian—is included on the sandbank, along with fruit snacks and drinks.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
Most guests opt for morning departures to enjoy all sites in daylight, especially the sandbank and Stone Town.

Is snorkeling part of the experience?
Yes, snorkeling is available at Nakupenda, giving you a chance to see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.

How many people typically join the tour?
As a private experience, the group size is limited to your booking, offering a personalized touch.

This tour offers a fine balance of history, wildlife, and beach relaxation—a true taste of Zanzibar’s diverse appeal.