Zanzibar: Stone town, Prison island & Spice Farm with lunch

Travelers looking to explore Zanzibar often seek a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty—and this tour by Mjaka Island Tours and Safaris offers just that. For around $98, you get a well-rounded day that showcases the island’s most iconic sights, from the bustling streets of Stone Town to the tranquil tortoise sanctuary on Prison Island, topped with a fragrant spice farm visit.

What makes this experience stand out? We appreciate the mix of culture, wildlife encounters, and sensory delights—plus the convenience of a guided tour that covers a lot without feeling rushed. The inclusion of lunch adds great value, making it a practical choice for a full day of adventure. That said, the tour doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll want to arrange your own transfer and think about travel times. This tour suits curious travelers who want a comprehensive, authentic glimpse of Zanzibar without the hassle of planning each stop individually.

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Key Points

Cultural immersion: Explore Stone Town’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including historic buildings and markets.
Wildlife encounter: Visit Prison Island to meet giant Aldabra tortoises over 200 years old.
Sensory experience: Wander spice plantations and smell, taste, and touch tropical spices.
Value: The package includes entrance fees, guiding, and a hearty lunch at a reasonable price.
Flexibility: Keep in mind, transport isn’t included, so plan accordingly.
Authentic insight: Learn the historical significance of each site through expert guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Day in Zanzibar: What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, wildlife, and sensory exploration—making it a fantastic way to see Zanzibar’s highlights in one go. It’s designed to be both educational and enjoyable, appealing to those who want a guided experience without a hefty price tag or complicated logistics.

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Starting with Stone Town: A Walk Through History

The journey begins in the heart of Zanzibar’s most famous city—Stone Town. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with carved wooden doors, bustling markets, and historic buildings. Expect to see the House of Wonders, once the most magnificent palace on the island, and the Sultans Palace Museum, which offers insights into the island’s regal past.

Guides often point out the intricate architecture and tell stories of Zanzibar’s role in the Indian Ocean trade—particularly the dark chapter of the slave market. Several reviewers mention the emotional impact of visiting the Slave Market Memorial, which is a sobering yet important reminder of the island’s complex history.

One traveler noted, “Our guide, Ali, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Zanzibar’s history. He made the stories come alive.” You’ll also get a glimpse of Freddie Mercury’s childhood home, adding a touch of modern pop culture history.

Exploring Prison Island and Its Tortoises

Next, a short boat ride takes you to Changuu Island, popularly known as Prison Island. This site has a fascinating past as a prison and quarantine station. Today, it’s better known for its sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 200 years old. Imagine walking among these gentle giants and touching their rough shells—an experience loved by many tour participants.

Reviews praise the relaxed pace of this stop, with one saying, “Walking around with the tortoises felt like stepping into a different world. It’s surprisingly peaceful here.” The island’s beaches also offer stunning views of the coastline, perfect for some quick photos or just a moment to chill.

The Aromatic Spice Farm Experience

The final highlight is the spice plantation, where guides demonstrate how cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices are cultivated. This part of the tour is especially sensory-rich. You’ll smell the fragrant leaves, taste freshly picked fruits, and touch the textured spices—making it more than just a walk through a garden.

Travelers often remark on the educational aspect, with one noting, “I loved learning about how these spices are used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. It really opened my eyes.” The tasting session of seasonal fruits and herbal teas adds a flavorful finish.

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Practical Details and Overall Value

While the tour is priced at $98, what you’re paying for includes entrance fees, government taxes, guiding services, and a delicious lunch. The guide-to-guest ratio tends to be manageable, ensuring personalized attention and storytelling that makes each site come alive.

However, keep in mind that transportation to and from your hotel isn’t included—so plan your pickup or transportation arrangements in advance. The tour runs in a group, but reviews suggest the pace is flexible enough for some personal exploration.

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What’s Not Included?

Transportation from your accommodation
Extra expenses like souvenirs or personal snacks

The tour is suitable for most, but those with animal allergies, high blood pressure, or traveling with very young children (under 1 year) or seniors over 95 might want to consider their comfort level. It’s a full day, so comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera are must-haves.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a balanced day of history, wildlife, and sensory excitement without the hassle of coordinating multiple stops. It’s perfect for those on a budget seeking authentic cultural encounters, or families and groups who prefer guided, informative outings. Since the tour is quite comprehensive, it suits curious travelers eager to learn about Zanzibar’s past and present.

The Sum Up

This Zanzibar tour offers a practical way to get a snapshot of the island’s highlights. From the historic streets of Stone Town to the tranquil tortoise sanctuary and fragrant spice plantations, it delivers a well-rounded experience packed into a single day. The inclusion of guiding, entrance fees, and lunch makes it a strong value choice, especially for those new to Zanzibar or with limited time.

While it doesn’t include transportation, the tour’s focus on authentic sites and engaging stories makes it worth planning around. The mix of cultural insights, wildlife interaction, and sensory tasting ensures visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of Zanzibar’s diversity.

If you’re looking for an accessible, meaningful introduction to Zanzibar’s soul—this tour is a reliable pick. It’s best suited for curious, adventurous travelers who want to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed, and who appreciate stories and flavors that stay with them long after the day ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation from your hotel or other locations is not included. You will need to arrange your own transfer to the meeting point or guide pickup.

Does the tour include meals?
Yes, a lunch is part of the package, allowing you to relax and enjoy local flavors after a busy morning of exploring.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the tour covers multiple sites, suggesting a full day—so plan for a morning start and an afternoon finish.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for babies under 1 year or people over 95, mainly due to the physical nature and duration of the day.

What should I bring for the spice farm?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses), camera, and a bottle of water are recommended to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Is the tour suitable for people with animal allergies?
It might not be, particularly at Prison Island with the tortoises. Check with the operator if you have specific allergies.

What kind of guides lead the tour?
Guides are knowledgeable and often multilingual, providing insights into history, culture, and nature of Zanzibar—many reviews praise the guides’ storytelling skills.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, the spice farm and Stone Town markets are great spots to purchase spices, textiles, and handcrafted items.

Is the tour flexible or customizable?
The itinerary appears fixed, but guides are usually open to questions and some local flexibility to enhance your experience.

This Zanzibar tour combines history, wildlife, and sensory delights at a reasonable price, making it a fantastic choice for those eager to see the island’s core attractions with ease and authenticity.