From Nungwi/Kendwa: Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank

Exploring Zanzibar’s Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank: A Practical Review

If you’re considering a day trip from Nungwi or Kendwa to explore some of Zanzibar’s most iconic spots—Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank—this tour might seem like a straightforward choice. While it promises encounters with giant tortoises, a peek into history, and the beckoning waters of Nakupenda Beach, the actual experience can vary quite a bit depending on expectations and personal preferences.

What we like about this experience is its combination of history, wildlife, and beach relaxation—all bundled into a single day. The chance to see the peaceful giant tortoises up close, learn about Zanzibar’s quarantine past, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the sea is undeniably appealing. Plus, the boat rides promise scenic views and the opportunity to snorkel in warm waters teeming with marine life.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some reviews highlight issues with organization and timing, which could impact how much you enjoy each stop. If you’re looking for an ultra-smooth, intimate experience, the large group sizes and logistical hiccups might be a drawback.

This tour is probably best suited for travelers who want a full-day adventure with a mix of culture, wildlife, and beach fun—and are okay with a bit of unpredictability.

Key Points

• History and Wildlife: See the ruins of the old prison and giant tortoises reserve
• Scenic Boat Rides: Enjoy boat trips between islands and relax on Nakupenda Beach
• Snorkeling & Swimming: Dive into warm waters to observe vibrant marine life
• Beach Lunch: Savor fresh seafood like grilled shrimps, squid, and lobster
• Group Size & Organization: Reviews suggest variable organization and large groups
• Value for Money: At $90, the tour offers a broad experience but may lack personalized attention

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Convenience

Most travelers are picked up from their hotels in Nungwi or Kendwa, with transportation provided by the tour operator, The Safari Expert Holidays. This is a major plus, saving you time and hassle in arranging your own transfer, especially if you’re staying in these popular northern villages.

However, some reviews bring up concerns about the length of transfers. One traveler remarked, “From our village Nungwi to the embarkation point for Nakupenda, it took us two and a half hours to gather everyone and for the driver to take care of some ‘business’.” This lengthy transit can eat into your valuable sightseeing time and might feel frustrating if you’re eager to maximize your day.

Prison Island: A Mix of History and Tortoises

Once on Prison Island (also known as Changuu), you’ll find yourself immersed in a place with a quirky past. Built in 1893 initially as a quarantine station, the island’s prison never really fulfilled its original purpose. Today, it’s more of a historical ruin and wildlife sanctuary, known for its giant tortoise reserve.

The tortoises here are a highlight, especially the Aldabra giants, gifts from Seychelles, that roam freely and seem unbothered by visitors. Many travelers find it charming to pet and feed these gentle creatures, and children especially love seeing the baby tortoises in the nursery. One reviewer noted, “There are many tortoises, and the first settlers are still among them,” emphasizing the sustainability and ongoing care of the reserve.

The ruins themselves are a visual reminder of the island’s colonial past, though some visitors feel that the quick 45-minute stop isn’t enough to truly appreciate the history or get close to the tortoises.

Nakupenda Sandbank and Beach Time

After exploring Prison Island, you’ll hop on a boat for about a 30-minute ride to Nakupenda Beach. The name means “I Love You,” which sets the tone for a romantic, peaceful beach scene. The sand here is soft, spilling over your feet, and the waters are famously clear—perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

You’ll love the opportunity to snorkel in warm waters, where vibrant fish and coral formations can be seen beneath the surface. The tour provides life jackets and snorkeling gear, making the experience accessible even for beginners.

The highlight is the seafood lunch served right on the beach. Freshly grilled shrimps, squid, octopus, lobster, and langoustine make for a memorable meal—if you’re a seafood fan, this is a treat. The reviews note that many appreciated the delicious seafood and the relaxing atmosphere, which compensates for the busy logistics earlier in the day.

Logistics and Timing: The Biggest Challenge

Some reviews paint a less rosy picture when it comes to the organization. One traveler described the day as lasting over 11 hours, with more than 7 hours spent in transit, which can detract from the relaxing vibe.
Another reviewer expressed disappointment with the poor organization—the schedule was not strictly followed, and the tour extended well beyond the planned hours. That large group size (up to 100 people, according to reviews) can make the experience feel crowded and hurried.

The tour’s flexibility depends significantly on the guide’s management. Our source mentions that the guides are multilingual, speaking English, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, and Russian, which is a bonus for international travelers. But the actual day-to-day experience might vary based on the guide and the group.

Value for Money

At $90 per person, the price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, a seafood lunch, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and tropical fruits with soft drinks. Considering the combination of wildlife, history, beautiful beaches, and food, many find the value reasonable. However, if the logistics are poorly handled, it might feel less worth it.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip fits travelers looking for a full-day mix of cultural sights, wildlife encounters, and beach relaxation. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a social, group experience and are flexible with timing. If you’re eager for a more intimate or well-organized day, this might require some patience.

It’s also ideal for seafood lovers, given the fresh meal served on Nakupenda Beach, and those interested in seeing giant tortoises or learning about Zanzibar’s colonial past. But if your priority is a relaxed day with minimal logistical fuss or a smaller group, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a wholesome glimpse into Zanzibar’s natural and historical charms. You’ll appreciate the chance to feed the giant tortoises, snorkel in warm waters, and enjoy a seafood feast on the sandbank. The experience can be quite enjoyable if the logistics align and the group isn’t overwhelming.

That said, the mixed reviews about organization and lengthy transfers suggest that it’s not for everyone. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with large groups, are flexible with scheduling, and are eager to pack multiple highlights into one day.

Ultimately, this trip delivers a good blend of history, wildlife, and beach fun, making it a solid pick for those who want an active and memorable day in Zanzibar—just be prepared for some bumps along the way.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, most packages include hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient especially if you’re staying in Nungwi or Kendwa.

How long is the total tour?
The tour can last over 11 hours, with some reviews mentioning more than 7 hours spent in transit from Nungwi, which may feel lengthy.

What are the main highlights?
Visiting Prison Island’s ruins and giant tortoises, snorkeling in warm waters, relaxing on Nakupenda Beach, and enjoying a seafood lunch.

Are the boat rides comfortable?
Yes, the boat ride lasts about 30 minutes each way and provides scenic views. Life jackets and snorkeling gear are supplied.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, especially for children who enjoy animals and beaches. However, check with the provider about specific age restrictions.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, towel, camera, and sunscreen are recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day.

How is the food on the tour?
The seafood lunch is described as delicious, with options including grilled shrimps, squid, octopus, lobster, and langoustine.

Are there any hidden costs?
The price covers entrance fees, lunch, gear, and drinks. Extra expenses, like souvenirs or additional drinks, are not included.

Can I customize or request specific needs?
Yes, you can communicate special requests or accessibility needs when booking, depending on availability.

Is the tour worth the price?
For many, the variety of experiences makes $90 a fair price, especially considering the wildlife, food, and scenery. However, organizational issues might influence perceived value.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, engaging way to see some of Zanzibar’s key sights in one day. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full, active experience with plenty of photo opportunities, wildlife encounters, and delicious food. Just remember to go with flexible expectations, and you’ll likely come away with some memorable moments—and perhaps a few stories about the busy logistics!

You can check availability for your dates here: