Prison Island and Nakupenda Tour – From South East Hotels
Discover two of Zanzibar’s coastal attractions on a privately guided Prison Island and Nakupenda excursion with Cruzeiro Safaris. With pickup from your South East coast hotel, this day tour combines a visit to the giant tortoises on Prison Island with time to enjoy the white sands and ocean scenery of Nakupenda Sandbank.
Tour Overview
- Destination: Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- Tour type: Privately guided island and sandbank excursion.
- Pickup: Your confirmed hotel on Zanzibar’s South East coast.
- Drop-off: Your pickup hotel, unless otherwise agreed.
- Travel: Road transfers to the boat departure point and boat journeys between the scheduled destinations.
- Guide: English-speaking guide.
- Minimum booking: Two adults.
- Travel validity: 1 January to 31 December 2027, subject to availability.
- Schedule: Pickup time, excursion duration and return arrangements are confirmed after booking.
Detailed Itinerary
1. Pickup from Your South East Coast Hotel
Your excursion begins with collection from your confirmed hotel on Zanzibar’s South East coast. Travel by road to the boat departure point in the Stone Town area. Your guide will introduce the day’s programme and explain the boat boarding arrangements.
The exact pickup time depends on your hotel location and the planned boat schedule. Please be ready at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation.
2. Boat Journey to Prison Island
Board the excursion boat for the crossing to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. Enjoy views of Zanzibar’s coastline and the surrounding Indian Ocean as you approach the island.
The order of the Prison Island and Nakupenda visits may be adjusted to suit tides, weather, sea conditions and local operating arrangements.
3. Guided Prison Island Visit
Explore Prison Island with your guide and learn about its historical background, including its former use as a quarantine station. View the historic buildings along the visitor route and enjoy the island’s coastal setting.
A highlight is the giant tortoise area, where you can observe these impressive animals and take photographs while following the site’s visitor rules. Follow staff instructions for any permitted interaction and give the tortoises space to move freely.
4. Continue by Boat to Nakupenda Sandbank
Continue your excursion by boat to Nakupenda, a sandbank off Zanzibar’s west coast. On arrival, enjoy the open ocean views, white sand and time away from the mainland.
Access and the length of your stay depend on the tides and prevailing sea conditions. Your guide and boat crew will confirm the suitable landing area and the time available for your visit.
5. Leisure Time at Nakupenda
Spend time relaxing on the sandbank, walking along the exposed sand and taking photographs of the surrounding ocean. Swimming may be possible when conditions are suitable and the crew advises that it is safe. Guests who prefer to remain ashore can enjoy the scenery.
Snorkelling, equipment hire, seafood lunches, fruit platters and drinks are included only when expressly listed in your booking confirmation. Please request any desired additions when enquiring so their availability and cost can be confirmed.
6. Return Boat Journey and Hotel Transfer
At the agreed departure time, board the boat for the return journey to the mainland. Your road transfer will then take you back to your South East coast hotel, bringing the excursion to an end.
The final return time depends on your hotel location, traffic, tides and sea conditions.
What Is Included
- Return hotel road transfers from your confirmed South East coast hotel.
- English-speaking guide for the scheduled excursion.
- Scheduled attraction entrance fees as specified in the confirmed programme.
Boat journeys are required to reach Prison Island and Nakupenda. Confirmation of whether all boat fares and any applicable sandbank access charges are included in the quoted price will be provided in your booking summary.
What Is Not Included
- Meals and drinks unless specifically stated.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Personal expenses.
- Optional activities and equipment hire unless confirmed as included.
Booking Conditions and Child Rates
Rates are valid for travel from 1 January to 31 December 2027 and are subject to availability. The minimum booking is two adults. Children are charged 75% of the applicable adult price. Please provide children’s ages when requesting your quotation.
What to Bring
- Light, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for boat boarding.
- Swimwear and a towel if you wish to swim.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat.
- Drinking water, unless confirmed as supplied.
- A waterproof bag or protective cover for your phone and valuables.
- Money for any confirmed optional purchases and tips.
Important Information
This excursion involves boat travel, walking and landing on a sandbank. Please advise Cruzeiro Safaris of any mobility requirements before booking so the arrangements can be assessed.
Nakupenda is a tidal sandbank. Its exposed area and accessibility vary, so the visit cannot follow a fixed schedule in all conditions. Weather, tides and sea conditions may require changes to the itinerary. Swimming and snorkelling opportunities are subject to conditions on the day.
The tour is privately guided; exclusive use of a vehicle or boat applies only where expressly confirmed in your booking.
Book Your Zanzibar Excursion with Cruzeiro Safaris
Send Cruzeiro Safaris your preferred travel date, South East coast hotel name, number of adults and children, and any requested meal or activity additions. Your quotation and booking confirmation will specify the final inclusions, pickup time and excursion arrangements.
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