Stone Town and Prison – From South East hotels

Stone Town and Prison Island Tour – From South East Hotels

Discover Zanzibar’s cultural heritage and island scenery on a privately guided Stone Town and Prison Island day tour with Cruzeiro Safaris. Depart from your hotel on Zanzibar’s South East coast, explore Stone Town on foot with an English-speaking guide, and travel by boat to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island.

Tour Overview

• Destination: Stone Town and Prison Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
• Tour type: Privately guided cultural and island excursion.
• Departure point: Hotels on Zanzibar’s South East coast.
• Return point: Your pickup hotel, unless otherwise agreed.
• Transport: Road transfers and a boat crossing to Prison Island.
• Guide language: English.
• Minimum booking: Two adults.
• Travel validity: 1 January to 31 December 2027, subject to availability.
• Timing: Pickup time and total duration will be confirmed after booking.

Detailed Itinerary

1. Hotel Pickup on the South East Coast

Your excursion begins with collection from your confirmed South East coast hotel. Travel by road to Stone Town, where your guide will introduce the day’s programme. The departure time depends on your hotel location and the confirmed excursion arrangements.

2. Guided Walking Tour of Stone Town

Explore Stone Town’s narrow lanes, traditional buildings and intricately carved wooden doors with your English-speaking guide. Learn about Zanzibar’s Swahili culture, maritime trade and the influences that have shaped its architecture and everyday life.

The walking route provides opportunities to observe local shops, street scenes and the waterfront. Your guide will explain the landmarks encountered along the confirmed route and allow time for photographs where appropriate. Specific museum visits and admission to individual historic buildings depend on the attractions included in your booking.

3. Boat Crossing to Prison Island

Continue to the departure point for your boat journey to Prison Island. Enjoy views of Stone Town’s waterfront and the Indian Ocean during the crossing. Boat departure and the order of activities may be adjusted to suit weather, sea conditions and local operating arrangements.

4. Explore Prison Island and See the Giant Tortoises

On arrival at Changuu Island, commonly known as Prison Island, join your guide for an introduction to the island’s history and its historic buildings. Learn about its former quarantine role and the background to its well-known name.

Visit the giant tortoise area and observe these remarkable animals while following the site’s visitor rules. Your guide will explain the visit arrangements and appropriate behaviour around the tortoises. Allow time to enjoy the island’s coastal scenery and take photographs.

5. Return by Boat to Stone Town

After your island visit, travel back to Stone Town by boat. Any opportunity for a refreshment or meal stop will depend on the confirmed schedule. Meals and drinks are payable separately unless expressly included in your booking.

6. Transfer Back to Your Hotel

Rejoin your road transfer for the journey back to your South East coast hotel. The return time depends on the day’s programme, traffic and sea conditions.

What Is Included

• Return hotel road transfers from the confirmed South East coast pickup location.
• English-speaking guide for the scheduled excursion.
• Entrance fees for the attractions specified in the confirmed tour programme.

The return boat crossing is required to visit Prison Island. Its inclusion in the quoted package price should be confirmed in your booking summary.

What Is Not Included

• Meals and drinks unless specifically stated in the booking confirmation.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Shopping and other personal expenses.
• Additional attractions or activities outside the confirmed programme.

Booking and Child Rates

Rates apply to travel from 1 January to 31 December 2027 and remain subject to availability. A minimum of two adults is required per booking. Children are charged 75% of the applicable adult price. Please provide children’s ages when requesting a quotation so the applicable arrangements can be confirmed.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven streets and boat boarding.
• Light clothing, with shoulders and knees covered for the Stone Town visit.
• Sun protection, a hat and drinking water.
• A camera or phone, preferably with a protective cover for the boat journey.
• Money for optional refreshments, shopping and tips.

Important Tour Information

This excursion involves walking and boarding a boat. Please advise Cruzeiro Safaris of any mobility requirements before booking so suitability can be checked. The itinerary order may change according to weather, sea conditions and attraction availability. Swimming, snorkelling and equipment hire are not part of the stated programme unless separately confirmed.

Book with Cruzeiro Safaris

To arrange your Stone Town and Prison Island tour, provide your preferred travel date, hotel name, number of adults and children, and any special requirements. Cruzeiro Safaris will confirm availability, the quotation, pickup time and final tour inclusions before your excursion.