expedia
A tortoise on a sandy surface. 1
A peacock with a vibrant blue and green tail feathers standing on a forest floor with trees and rocks. 2
A wooden pier leading to a beach with clear blue water and boats. 3
Two large tortoises on a forest floor with leaves and rocks. 4
A wooden pier extending into a clear blue sea with boats on the sandbar and a distant shoreline. 5

Zanzibar: Prison Island Guided Tour

By Attam tour & safari
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.358.175 per adult

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h 30m+
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • Discover the history of Prison Island, once a quarantine station
  • Meet and interact with Aldabra giant tortoises at the sanctuary
  • Capture stunning views of Stone Town’s coastline from the boat
  • SEnjoy a scenic boat ride across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean
  • Explore the historical ruins and learn about the island’s past

Activity location

    • Zanzibar City
    • Zanzibar City, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • R5QQ+VJ6 Forodhani park, Zanzibar, Tanzania
    • Zanzibar, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Return to your original page

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Speed boat ride
  • Inclusions
    Tour guide
  • Inclusions
    Government tax
  • Inclusions
    Visit to Giant Tortoise Sanctuary
  • Inclusions
    Hotel Transfer from your hotel and back (if option selected)
  • Exclusions
    Food and drinks
  • Exclusions
    Entrace fees prison island 15$ or 40000Tzs per person it's payable the day of activity.

Know before you book

    • Not allowed: Littering

What you can expect

  • Begin your tour with a scenic boat ride across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, providing picturesque views of Stone Town’s coastline. As you approach the island, you’re greeted by a sense of calm and curiosity.

    Despite its name, Prison Island was never used as a prison for criminals; instead, it served various roles, including a quarantine station during colonial times and a detention centre for rebellious slaves in the 19th century. Your guide will walk you through the historical ruins, including the old prison buildings and the quarantine hospital, sharing fascinating stories that bring the island’s past to life.

    One of the main highlights of the tour is the Giant Tortoise Sanctuary. Here, you'll meet and interact with Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. These gentle creatures, originally gifted from the Seychelles, are a favourite among visitors especially children. You can feed them, take photos, and learn about conservation efforts to protect their population.
    End of the tour

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Zanzibar City
    • Zanzibar City, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • R5QQ+VJ6 Forodhani park, Zanzibar, Tanzania
    • Zanzibar, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • R5QQ+VJ6 Forodhani park, Zanzibar, Tanzania
    • Zanzibar, Mjini Magharibi Region, Tanzania