A day trip to Stone Town and Prison Island is one of the most popular experiences in Zanzibar.
After days of beaches, caves, and countryside roads, we dedicated one day to exploring Stone Town and Prison Island Zanzibar, one of the island’s most popular day trips.
For couples staying on Zanzibar’s east coast, a day trip to the historic centre offers a refreshing contrast – architecture instead of palm trees, history instead of mangroves, and narrow alleyways instead of open shoreline.
We used the same rental car from our road trip (you can read more about our Zanzibar road trip here) and left Paje early, hoping to arrive before the midday heat intensified.
Morning Escape to Prison Island
After arriving in Stone Town, we found parking about a ten-minute walk from the departure point for boats heading to Prison Island (officially Changuu Island). Parking cost around $12 for the day, which felt relatively expensive – but it gave us peace of mind while exploring both the island and Stone Town afterwards.
We had pre-booked a private guide and boat transfer with Zanziworld Tours, which turned out to be a smart decision. Everything was perfectly organised – from the meeting point to the timing – allowing us to enjoy the morning without negotiating prices or logistics.
The tour cost $100 for two people (with a $15 deposit to confirm the booking). We also left small tips for both the guide and the captain who navigated the boat safely across fairly rough waves between Stone Town and the island. Tips are, of course, optional, but something like $5 for the captain and $8 for the guide is appreciated.
One advantage of booking in advance was skipping the ticket queue. Our guide handled everything, and we entered the island smoothly.
Giant Aldabra turtles
Despite its name, Prison Island never actually served as a prison. It was later used as a quarantine station. Today, however, it is best known for its population of Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are more than 100 years old.
Seeing these enormous, slow-moving animals up close is quietly fascinating (and, to be honest, a bit smelly). Their size is impressive, but it’s their age that really shifts perspective. Standing beside a creature that may have lived for more than 120 years makes you pause for a moment. Some tortoises even have their age marked on their shells.
We walked around the island, enjoying the coastal views and learning about the site’s history. The morning light over the ocean created a peaceful atmosphere – a calm start before stepping into the lively streets of Stone Town.
Quick Tips for Visiting Prison Island in Zanzibar
- Boat ride: 20–30 minutes from Stone Town
- Best time to visit: early morning (fewer crowds and cooler weather)
- Entrance fee: often included in pre-booked tours, but not always – check carefully before booking
- What to bring: sunscreen (optional as there is plenty of shade) and water. Note that water bottles usually need to stay in the boat or inside your backpack, as they are not allowed around the tortoise area.
Exploring Stone Town Without a Guide
The best to explore Stone Town is on foot – slowly and without a strict plan.
And surprisingly, it turned out to be one of the places that exceeded our expectations.
Before travelling, we had watched many videos and read several travel blogs warning that visitors must be extremely cautious when walking through the old town. In reality, we found the atmosphere far more relaxed. Yes, some vendors offered souvenirs, but it was much less persistent than we expected. The presence of tourism police patrolling the streets probably helps maintain a comfortable environment.
As it appears, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking through it feels like stepping into a layered architectural story. Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences blend into carved wooden doors, coral-stone buildings, and intricately designed balconies.
Rather than hiring a guide, we simply wandered. Later, we walked around the island.
Wandering the Historic Streets
There’s something quietly romantic about getting slightly lost together in narrow streets where scooters pass by, markets spill into alleyways, and everyday life unfolds on doorsteps. Children run between houses. The scent of spices drifts through the air.
We browsed small shops, admired antique doors, and stopped frequently – not always for landmarks, but simply to absorb the atmosphere. Shopkeepers invited us inside, but politely declining was always respected.
Tanzanite: Understanding the Stone Behind the Price
One unexpected highlight of the day was visiting several tanzanite jewellery shops.
Tanzanite is found only in Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Prices can be surprisingly high, but learning about the stone itself was fascinating.
We discovered how grading works – colour saturation, clarity, and cut – and how dramatically these factors affect the price. Deep blue-violet stones command far higher values than lighter shades.
Even if you’re not planning to buy jewellery, visiting a reputable shop offers insight into one of Tanzania’s most valuable natural resources.
One place we visited – and later returned to – was The Tanzanite Museum. Although primarily a jewellery store, it also includes a small but interesting exhibition about the history and geology of tanzanite. Visitors can enter the exhibition for free, though many end up purchasing something afterwards.
And yes… we did too.
Let’s just say it became a very special anniversary gift.
Lunch in Ethiopia – A Culinary Surprise
For lunch we chose Abyssinian Maritim Ethiopian Traditional Restaurant, and it turned out to be one of the best meals of our Zanzibar trip.
The service was warm and welcoming, and the food was genuinely impressive. Sharing injera bread and richly spiced stews felt more like a culinary experience than a simple lunch.
Eating from the same platter, tasting different flavours together, added a small but memorable moment to the day.
It even sparked a new idea: perhaps Ethiopia should be added to our future travel list.
Moments like this are why city days matter during beach holidays – they expand the cultural perspective.
Our shared lunch with fresh natural drinks cost just over $35.
Coffee & Conversations
Later in the afternoon, we stopped at Zanzibar Coffee House.
This visit was planned because we wanted to buy authentic Tanzanian coffee (grown on the mainland rather than in Zanzibar itself).
We sat downstairs with freshly brewed cappuccinos and locally made cake, watching travellers come and go through the old building. By the time we arrived, the upstairs terrace had already closed, but the cosy atmosphere downstairs was perfect for a short break.
Two cappuccinos and cakes cost just under $10 – excellent value.
Coffee shops in historic cities often become places for reflection. Sitting there, we found ourselves discussing the trip so far – what had surprised us most and how Stone Town had exceeded our expectations.
We both agreed: this stop was absolutely worth it.
Is Stone Town Worth Visiting for Couples?
Absolutely – but with the right expectations.
Stone Town isn’t polished like many European old towns. The town is vibrant, layered, sometimes chaotic – and that’s part of its charm.
It’s not about rushing between attractions. It’s about absorbing the atmosphere.
For couples visiting Zanzibar, we would recommend:
- Arriving early to avoid the midday heat
- Wearing comfortable shoes
- Leaving time for spontaneous stops
- Choosing one memorable lunch spot rather than rushing between cafés
- Staying relaxed when approached by vendors – it’s simply part of the local market culture
Combining Prison Island with Stone Town works perfectly: wildlife and history in a single day.
By late afternoon we drove back toward Paje. As the coastline reappeared and the pace slowed again, the contrast made the day feel even richer.
Zanzibar is not only about beaches.
The island blends historic trade routes, rare gemstones, centuries-old tortoises, lively markets, and unexpected Ethiopian flavours into one memorable experience.
And when exploring it as a couple, even a simple walk through old streets can turn into a shared adventure.
If you’re exploring the island by car, you might also enjoy our Zanzibar road trip itinerary covering spice farms, dolphins, and village life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Stone Town & Prison Island
Is Prison Island worth visiting in Zanzibar?
Yes, Prison Island is one of the most interesting short trips from Stone Town. The island is famous for its Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are more than 100 years old. Visitors can also learn about the island’s history as a former quarantine station and enjoy beautiful views of the Zanzibar coastline.
How do you get to Prison Island from Stone Town?
Prison Island is located about 20-30 minutes by boat from Stone Town harbour. Boats can be arranged directly at the harbour, but many travellers prefer booking a guided tour that includes transport, entrance fees, and a guide for a smoother experience.
How much does a Prison Island tour cost?
Prices vary depending on whether you book a shared boat or a private tour. Private tours typically cost around $80–$120 for two people, often including boat transport, entrance tickets, and a guide.
How much time do you need in Stone Town?
Most visitors spend 3-5 hours exploring Stone Town. This allows enough time to walk through the historic streets, visit a few shops or museums, enjoy lunch, and stop for coffee without rushing.
Is Stone Town safe for tourists?
Stone Town is generally safe for visitors during the day. As in many historic market cities, you may encounter vendors offering souvenirs, but a polite “no thank you” is usually enough. Many areas are regularly patrolled by tourism police, which helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere.
What is Stone Town famous for?
Stone Town is known for its UNESCO World Heritage architecture, carved wooden doors, narrow streets, spice trade history, and multicultural influences from Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures.
Can you visit Stone Town and Prison Island in one day?
Yes, combining Prison Island in the morning and Stone Town in the afternoon is one of the most popular day trip itineraries in Zanzibar. The boat trip takes only about 20-30 minutes each way, leaving plenty of time to explore the historic town afterwards.
What should you wear when visiting Stone Town?
Stone Town is culturally conservative compared with beach areas. Visitors should wear light but modest clothing, such as covered shoulders and shorts or skirts at least to the knee when walking around town.
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About the Author
The author, ainarsbl, is a Level 7 Google Local Guide, Master Reviewer and expert travel reviewer focused on scenic landscapes, UNESCO sites and meaningful couples travel experiences.