Prison Island - Giants Tortoises Centuary - Private Half-Day Tour 

This private guided half day tour can begin any time from 9:00 AM to 01:30 PM. Meet your well-trained guide and boatman as your board your steam-engine wooden boat. Head to the prestigious island and enjoy the 30-minute journey.  Listen to the history of the island and discover the past centuries through the historical buildings, which have served many purposes over the years including a prison, chapel, and hiding place for slaves after the abolition.  Enjoy a swim or snorkel around the colorful coral rocks and turquoise waters. Play with giant tortoises and you may take photographs with these old precious creatures. If you do not have much experience or confidence in the water, you will be provided with a life jacket. 

Earning its name as a former prison for slaves and a quarantine station for Zanzibar and the mainland, nowadays the island gives you the chance to escape for some peace and quiet.

The island lies just off the Old Stone Town, it is also a home to giant land tortoises that were imported from Seychelles in the late 18th century. Now it is more commonly known as a home of Zanzibar’s Giant Aldabran Tortoise colony, some of which are over a hundred years old! This endangered species came to Zanzibar as a gift from the government of the Seychelles.

Once on the island, you have the opportunity to feed and pet the tortoises, if you have time you may also like to take a stroll through the forested interior where you will see a wide variety of birds, colorful peacocks, bats, and beautiful butterflies. Keep your eyes peeled too for the shy and elusive Duikers – an unusual tiny antelope species.

It is fringed with a beautiful coral reef, ideal for snorkeling, and has a lovely white beach for sunbathing. This tour is a great way to see some history and wildlife, and also to see Stone Town from the sea as many old maritime legends would have done.

Pick Up.

From other Coastal Areas

For clients staying in North, North East, East, South East, South and South West Coast Area .

resorts/hotels
Pick Up included

Drop off.

From other Coastal Areas

For clients staying in North, North East, East, South East, South and South West Coast Area .

resorts/hotels
Drop Off included

• Pocketknife. What's a mango without a knife? ...
• A Full-To-The-Brim Reusable Water Bottle. Or four! ...
• Really Good Walking Shoes. ...
• A Sensible Backpack That Puts Weight on the Waist. ...
• Food and Snacks. ...

• Medical Kit. ...
• Comfortable shoes
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen

• Respectful clothes.

• Fruit tasting & mineral water
• Return transportation from your accommodation in Stone Town if not booked.
• Snorkeling gear
• Life jackets
• Guide, boat, and conservation fee
• Government taxes

• Tips and gratuities
• Other expenses and purchases

09:00 am

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advice at time of booking if required (lunch)

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation.
• Pets are not allowed.
•  
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation and Refund Policy:
All cancellations must be made in writing to us at least a month prior to the date of arrival of the client. We levy the following cancellation charges.

» 10% of the total amount if the booking is cancelled 30 days prior
» 25% of the total amount if the booking is cancelled 15 days prior
» 50% of the total amount if the booking is cancelled 07 days prior
» 100% cancellation in case of no show

All hotel reservation require reconfirmation by the agent / customer at least a one week prior to the date of check in failing which hotels reserve the right to levy at least one night retention which is payable by the customer making reservation through us Villicon Tours & Travel Ltd. do not take any responsibility to make any refund on deposit to the clients until the same has been received by us from the hotel/s. If payment of the tour is through Credit Card charge then the contract is irrevocable. If there is any complaint regarding services it should be communicated to Villicon Tours & Travel Ltd. while the tour is still on. Refund, if any, will be made in TZS only in Zanzibar before the departure at the end of the tour, as per the conversion rate prevailing at the time of refund. In case of any legal dispute the Jurisdiction will be stone City, Zanzibar.

Refunds for unused services or shortening of tour due to genuine reason will be executed within 20 days of your returning to your home Country.

We are strongly recommended Any cancellation of a reservation must be in writing, either by e-mail, and shall only be effective upon its receipt and acknowledgment.