Zanzibar: Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank Tour

Planning a day trip around Zanzibar’s highlights? This tour promises a combination of history, wildlife encounters, and postcard-perfect beach relaxation. While it’s not without its quirks, it offers a snapshot of Zanzibar’s diverse appeal—if you’re looking for a mix of culture, nature, and leisure, this could fit the bill.

What we love about this experience: the chance to interact with giant tortoises, the scenic boat ride, and the idyllic Nakupenda Sandbank.
One thing to consider: the tour can feel a bit rushed, especially on Prison Island, and some reviews highlight issues with timing and amenities.
If you’re after a well-rounded day with a good blend of history, wildlife, and beachside downtime, this tour is worth considering—especially for first-time visitors eager to tick off multiple experiences in one day.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: Get up close with giant tortoises and observe local peacocks and antelopes.
• Historical insight: Learn about the history of Prison Island through guides who share engaging stories.
• Snorkeling: Enjoy swimming over coral reefs in clear waters, perfect for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike.
• Relaxing beaches: Nakupenda Sandbank offers a pristine white-sand escape with opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.
• Culinary delights: Indulge in a seafood barbecue lunch that includes vegetarian options, adding local flavors to your day.
• Considerations: The tour duration can extend to around 6 hours, and some guests felt that the time on Prison Island was limited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Out: Meeting and Journey to Prison Island

The tour begins outside the Livingstone Restaurant, a convenient central meeting spot. From there, a boat takes you across the waters surrounding Zanzibar. The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering scenic views and a sense of adventure from the outset. Expect the boat trip to be comfortable, with snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, and sodas provided, setting you up for the aquatic activities ahead.

Visiting Prison Island: History and Wildlife

The first major stop is Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, which is rich in both history and biodiversity. Guides, such as the memorable ones mentioned in reviews, lead you through the island telling stories about its past as a quarantine station and prison.

What you’ll love: the chance to meet the giant tortoises, some over 100 years old, who roam freely. The guide might share fun facts—like the tortoises’ slow pace being a feature, not a flaw—and point out peacocks and antelopes that also call the island home.

From reviews: Tourists appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the views of the island’s lush foliage, which makes for wonderful photo moments. However, some found the time spent here too brief. One reviewer noted, “there’s not much to see besides the tortoises,” implying that the island’s main appeal is the animal encounter rather than the historical site.

Snorkeling Adventure

After exploring the island, you’ll head to the waters surrounding it for snorkeling. The water is described as crystal clear, with coral reefs nearby teeming with marine life. The snorkeling equipment and life jackets provided make it accessible for most guests, whether they’re seasoned snorkelers or trying it for the first time.

What to expect: the opportunity to see a variety of small fish and corals. Although some reviews note that the snorkeling time can be limited, it’s enough to give a taste of Zanzibar’s underwater world. The experience is not overly commercial here—just a straightforward chance to swim in beautiful surroundings.

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Nakupenda Sandbank: The Perfect Beach Escape

Next, you’ll make your way to Nakupenda Sandbank, a stretch of white sand that emerges during low tide. This part of the trip is often considered the highlight: calm, secluded, and picture-perfect.

Guests can relax, sunbathe, or swim in the shallow waters. One reviewer mentioned that the sandbank’s beauty makes it worth the trip, and it’s an excellent spot for taking photos or simply unwinding with a cold drink.

The food: a seafood barbecue, including options for vegetarians, is served here. The lunch is described as flavorful and adds a touch of local cuisine to your day. However, some guests pointed out that the lunch wasn’t ready immediately upon arrival, and drinks were only offered upon request, which could be a minor inconvenience.

Final Stretch: Return and Reflection

The tour concludes back at the starting point outside the Livingstone Restaurant. The entire experience runs around 6 hours, which some guests felt was slightly long—others thought it was just about right. The group size tends to be moderate, allowing for a personal experience, but it’s worth noting that the tour’s pace can feel brisk, especially on Prison Island where guides are often moving swiftly.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This trip suits travelers looking for a bit of everything—history, wildlife, and beach time—in one package. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to get a taste of Zanzibar’s highlights without the hassle of multiple bookings. If you enjoy engaging guides, scenic boat rides, and natural beauty, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, if you’re after a more in-depth historical tour, or prefer very relaxed pacing, you might find some moments rushed or slightly superficial. Also, the tour isn’t ideal if you have mobility impairments, as some stops involve walking and uneven terrain.

The Value of the Tour

At $59 per person, the tour offers a decent price for a full day of varied experiences. The cost includes transportation, guide services, snacks, and snorkeling gear, which adds convenience. Still, the entry fee of $15 (payable on the day) is extra, covering access to Prison Island itself.

The reviews reveal mixed feelings about the value: some appreciated the well-organized activities and beautiful scenery, while others felt that the time allocation and amenities could be improved. The lunch, though flavorful, might leave some wishing for a quicker service or more drinks readily available.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Zanzibar tour provides a lively combination of nature, history, and leisure. It’s designed for those who want a snapshot of the island’s diverse attractions without too much hassle. The presence of knowledgeable guides and the chance to see giant tortoises and coral reefs make it engaging, even if some moments feel a bit rushed.

While it offers impressive scenery and memorable wildlife moments, be prepared for a packed schedule. The experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a lively group atmosphere and don’t mind a little hustle. If you’re seeking a straightforward, scenic day out with tasty food and diverse activities, this could be a solid choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are only available upon request, so check with your booking provider if this is important for your plans.

How much does the entry fee cost?
The entry fee to Prison Island is $15 per person, payable on the day of the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring beachwear, sun protection, and perhaps a towel. The tour provides snorkeling gear and water, but comfort is key.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, snorkeling is accessible for beginners, especially since equipment and life jackets are provided. The water is clear, making it easier to see marine life.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is around 6 hours, including boat rides, island visits, snorkeling, and relaxing on the sandbank.

Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, a vegetarian option is included in the seafood barbecue lunch.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
It is not recommended for those with mobility impairments due to walking and uneven terrain on some stops.

To sum it up, this Zanzibar tour offers a colorful mix of wildlife encounters, historical insights, and beach relaxation. While some guests wish for a longer or more detailed experience on Prison Island, the overall value is good for those looking to pack a lot into one day. It’s an excellent way to see some of Zanzibar’s highlights with friendly guides and stunning scenery—just be ready for a busy, fun day.

You can check availability for your dates here: