Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank and Stone Town
Three signature experiences in one day
- Location Changuu Island, Nakupenda Sandbank and Stone Town
- Duration Full day, approximately 8 to 9 hours
- Tour type Private or shared
- Availability Daily, tide dependent
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
Three of the island’s signature experiences in a single day. It is the busiest tour we run and the best answer for anyone with one day and a long list.
You start at Forodhani Park in Stone Town and take the boat across to Changuu Island. There you walk the 1893 prison and quarantine buildings and meet the colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, with time to feed and photograph them among the island’s trees and birdlife.
The dhow then sails on to Nakupenda Sandbank, a stretch of white sand surrounded by turquoise water. You swim, snorkel and relax while a fresh seafood barbecue is prepared on the beach and served with tropical fruit and soft drinks. Free photographs of the day are included.
In the afternoon the boat returns to Stone Town for a guided walking tour: the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Slave Market Museum, the cultural sites and the local markets. The day ends with the transfer back to your hotel.
Highlights
- Boat to Changuu Island for the giant tortoises and prison ruins
- Sail on to Nakupenda Sandbank
- Swimming, snorkelling and a fresh seafood barbecue on the sand
- Guided walking tour of Stone Town in the afternoon
- Old Fort, House of Wonders and the Slave Market Museum
- Free photographs of your day included
Itinerary
- 08:00
Hotel pickup
Collection from your hotel and transfer to Forodhani Park, Stone Town.
- 09:00
Changuu Island
Boat across the channel. The island's history, the giant tortoises, the prison ruins and the surrounding birdlife and plants.
- 11:00
Sail to Nakupenda Sandbank
On across the channel to the sandbank, with a snorkelling stop when conditions allow.
- 12:30
Seafood barbecue on the sand
Fresh barbecue lunch served on the beach with tropical fruit and soft drinks, then free time to swim and relax.
- 14:30
Return to Stone Town
Sail back for the afternoon walking tour.
- 15:00
Stone Town walking tour
The Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Slave Market Museum, cultural sites and the local markets.
- 17:00
Return transfer
Drive back to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Return road transfers
- All boat transfers
- Professional guide throughout
- All entrance fees
- Snorkelling gear
- Seafood lunch on the sandbank
- Tropical fruit and soft drinks
- Free photographs of your day
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Anything not named under what is included
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Around 08:00, adjusted to the tide.
Meeting point: Hotel reception, then Forodhani Park, Stone Town.
We collect from these areas:
- Stone Town
- Zanzibar City
- Maungani
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Matemwe
- Kiwengwa
- Pwani Mchangani
- Uroa
- Pongwe
- Chwaka
- Michamvi
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Makunduchi
- Kizimkazi
- Fumba
- Mangapwani
What to bring
- Swimwear worn under your clothes
- Towel
- Reef-safe sun cream
- Hat and sunglasses
- Dry change of clothes for the Stone Town walk
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for the old town
Important information
- This is a long, full day. Consider the shorter combinations if you are travelling with very young children.
- Times shift with the tide. We confirm your pickup the evening before.
- Bring a dry change of clothes for the afternoon walk through Stone Town.
- Tell us about seafood allergies or dietary needs when you book.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is this too much for one day?
It runs eight to nine hours and covers a lot. If you are travelling with young children, the two-site combinations are more comfortable.
Are photographs really included?
Yes. Your guide takes photographs through the day and shares them with you afterwards at no extra cost.
What is not included?
Personal expenses, alcoholic drinks and tips. Everything else on the day is covered.
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