Stone town tour, Prison island and Nakupenda Sandbank

If you’re planning to spend a day exploring Zanzibar, a guided tour that includes Stone Town, Prison Island, and the Nakupenda Sandbank offers a well-rounded experience. While we haven’t done this specific tour ourselves, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of an adventure that combines history, wildlife, and pure beach bliss.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to walk through Zanzibar’s streets with a knowledgeable guide, learning about the island’s complex past and vibrant culture. Second, encountering the giant Aldabra tortoises on Prison Island—an experience that’s as charming as it sounds. Third, the unforgettable moment of relaxing on a romantic sandbank with a beach BBQ, an ideal setting for sunbathing or a quick swim.

That said, a possible snag is the busy schedule—expect a full day and some travel time between stops. But if you’re someone who loves a mix of sightseeing, history, and beach relaxation, this tour offers tremendous value. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet manageable glimpse into Zanzibar’s diverse appeal.

Contents show

Key Points

Variety of Experiences: Combines cultural, historical, and beach activities in one day.
Knowledgeable Guides: Insights from guides like Omar can enrich your understanding of Zanzibar’s history.
Beautiful Settings: From historic Stone Town to the stunning Nakupenda Sandbank, scenery is a highlight.
Wildlife Encounters: See Aldabra giant tortoises, peacocks, and dik-diks on Prison Island.
All-Inclusive Value: Price includes transportation, entrance fees, a guide, and a beach BBQ lunch.
Flexibility and Comfort: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel add convenience, making it suitable for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

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

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup & Transfer to Stone Town

Your day kicks off with convenient hotel pickup, which means no fuss navigating local transport—an often overlooked perk that saves time and energy. Once in Stone Town, you’ll have the chance to walk its labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, markets, and shops. A guide like Omar can bring these streets alive, explaining the stories behind landmarks such as the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the former slave market.

Traveling with a guide means you’ll gain context about Zanzibar’s complex history and culture. As one reviewer noted, the guide’s explanations were detailed and engaging, although sometimes a little information overload might occur. Still, this is a great way to get under the surface of the island’s vibrant character.

Prison Island: Tortoises and Colonial History

From Stone Town, you’ll hop on a boat to Prison Island, a small island rich in colonial history and wildlife. The boat ride itself is a scenic highlight—expect lovely views of the ocean and coastline.

Once there, you’ll see the giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old, wandering freely. The tortoises are a major draw, and many travelers find it delightful to get up close and even feed them. You’ll also spot peacocks and dik-diks, adding to the island’s charming, zoo-like atmosphere.

This stop is not just about cute animals; it also offers insight into Zanzibar’s colonial past. The island used to serve as a detention center, and its small beaches and views provide a relaxing contrast to the busy streets of Stone Town.

Nakupenda Sandbank: Sun, Sand, and a Beach BBQ

Next up is the Nakupenda Sandbank, arguably the tour’s most memorable feature. This secluded sandbank appears as if by magic in the middle of the ocean—an ideal spot for relaxing. It’s a romantic and picturesque setting, with soft white sand and clear waters.

Here, you’ll have the chance to walk, swim, and sunbathe. The tour includes a beach BBQ lunch, allowing you to enjoy freshly grilled seafood, meats, and salads right on the sandbank. According to reviews, the food is tasty and well-prepared, making it a highlight for many. The sandbank itself is small but perfect for a few hours of leisure—one reviewer described it as “beautiful.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Return to Stone Town: Cultural Highlights and Shopping

After your time on the sandbank, you’ll return by boat to Stone Town. This is your chance to explore sites like the Freddie Mercury Museum—a lovely nod to the local hero—and the lively Forodhani Park, especially if you’re interested in trying local street food.

Most visitors also take some time to browse the shops for souvenirs, spices, or local crafts—an easy way to wrap up your day.

There's plenty more to explore in Zanzibar City

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $160 per person, this tour offers good value considering it covers all transportation, entrance fees, a guide, soft drinks, and a delicious BBQ lunch. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off also adds value, especially if you’re not keen on navigating the city on your own.

However, alcohol and personal expenses are not included, so bring extra cash if you want a drink or souvenirs. Also, bring essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, swimsuit, and change of clothes—especially for Nakupenda Sandbank.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with one mentioning Omar as “amazing,” and others appreciating the detailed explanations about Zanzibar’s history. The wildlife encounters on Prison Island are especially loved, with one saying, “the tortoises are as charming as they sound.”

The scenic beauty on Nakupenda Sandbank receives high marks, with many describing it as “beautiful” or “romantic.” Some slight hiccups, like a minor mix-up about the sandbank location, are noted but quickly resolved, and overall, guests find the experience rewarding.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This full-day tour is suited for travelers who want a balance of history, wildlife, and beach relaxation without multiple separate bookings. It’s ideal if you’re interested in learning about Zanzibar’s past while enjoying some well-earned downtime on a stunning sandy island.

Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a comprehensive day trip will find it especially convenient, thanks to the hotel pickup and all-in-one itinerary.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-paced, diverse experience that touches on Zanzibar’s cultural roots, colonial history, and natural beauty. The inclusion of a beach BBQ on Nakupenda Sandbank** elevates the experience, making it memorable and fun.

For those who enjoy guided insights, scenic boat rides, and relaxing on picturesque beaches, this is a fantastic way to spend a day. It combines educational moments with leisure, creating a full picture of Zanzibar’s charm—all for a reasonable price.

While it may be a long day, the variety of highlights ensures you’ll leave with a richer understanding of the island’s layered story and stunning landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get picked up for the tour?
You are picked up from your hotel in Zanzibar, making it convenient and hassle-free.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private boat rides to Nakupenda and Prison Island, entrance fees at the former slave market, and Prison Island, a tour guide, soft drinks, and a beach BBQ lunch on Nakupenda Sandbank.

Is there any specific clothing I should wear?
Comfortable walking shoes for Stone Town are recommended. For Nakupenda, bring a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.

How long is the tour?
The tour is a full-day experience, designed to give you enough time to enjoy each stop comfortably.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, after returning to Stone Town, you’ll have some free time to explore shops and pick up local crafts and spices.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Based on reviews, guides like Omar are highly praised for their engaging and detailed explanations, especially about Zanzibar’s history.

What is the best time of day to do this tour?
Most tours run during daylight hours, but it’s best to check with the operator for the exact timings, especially for the boat rides and lunch on Nakupenda.

What should I bring for the sandbank experience?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and a swimsuit if you want to swim.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, especially with the wildlife encounter and the relaxed environment of Nakupenda.

This guided tour from Zanzibar offers a rich blend of historical insights, wildlife encounters, and stunning beach scenery—all in one day. Whether you’re keen on learning about Zanzibar’s past or simply want to relax on a pristine sandbank, this trip balances both beautifully.