Summary
Explore the historic city of Stone Town and learn why Zanzibar is known as Spice Island on a guided tour. Embark on a boat ride to Prison Island to encounter its large land tortoises.
Highlights
- Indulge your senses in an array of aromas as you walk through a spice farm
- See Stone Town's landmarks like the Palace Museum, Sultan’s Palace, and Old Fort
- Admire colonial buildings and exquisitely carved Zanzibari hardwood doorways
- Meet Aldabra tortoises, one of the world's largest tortoises, on Prison Island
- Gain cultural and historical insight into a former era of trade and exploration
Full description
After being picked up at your hotel, you will firstly have a walking tour of Stone Town, then you will visit an organic spice farm, and you will explore the historic Prison Island all in one day on a full-day, guided tour of Zanzibar. Meander through a labyrinth of chaotic alleyways between towering limestone houses, and interact with Aldabra tortoises.
Stone town walking tour
Start your day with a walking tour of Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar City to explore historical sites, including the slave markets, bustling daily markets, charming narrow streets, and enjoy shopping later on. The historic capital city of Zanzibar is Stone Town, renowned for its rich cultural heritage dating back to the 19th century. Reflecting a blend of Arabian, Indian, Persian, and European influences, Zanzibar was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. Relive the grander age of this port city as you stroll through the twisting streets and look at former palaces, Sultan’s Palace, and Arab mansions. You will also get an insight into the tragic history of slave trading.
Spice farm tour
After your walking tour, you will be driven to the plantation and you will be able to learn why Zanzibar is known as “Spice Island”. The Spice Tour is a highlight among excursions on Zanzibar, often dubbed the Spice Island for its renown as a global leader in producing spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
More than visiting, you will also smell, touch, and even taste some of the crops grown on this Island and find out what the spices were originally used for. Spices and herbs were introduced to Zanzibar by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, who brought them from their colonies in South America and India. Embark on a guided walking tour of a spice farm, where you'll witness firsthand the cultivation of spices, herbs, and fruits. Your knowledgeable guide will detail the cultivation methods and various uses of these crops.
During the tour, immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of spices, herbs, and tropical fruits such as coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, cardamom, cassava, cloves and lemongrass.
Following the tour, savor a traditional Swahili lunch at the farm, where you can truly appreciate the diverse culinary uses of spices.
Prison Island
Finally, take a boat ride offshore to Prison Island also called 'changuu' in swahili language. It is the home to large land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles. Also, learn about the island’s historic use as a prison for rebellious slaves in the 1860s.The Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary is a significant draw for tourists, boasting a 200-year-old resident as its oldest. These non-indigenous, majestic creatures weigh an average of 200 kg and can live over 100 years.
You will take a boat ride offshore to Stone town. After this memorable day, our driver will drop you off back at your hotel.
Includes
- Hotel pickup in Zanzibar island
- Hotel drop-off in Zanzibar island
- Experienced driver and English-speaking guide
- Guided tours
- Spice farm, Prison Island, and Stone Town tour
- Boat transportation to Prison Island
- Entry tickets (if option selected)
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Prison Island entry ticket (if option selected)
- Slave market entry ticket (if option selected)
Excludes
- Tips (optional)
- Personal expenses
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
- People over 75 years
Contact
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