Overview
Experience two of Zanzibar’s most famous attractions, Changuu Island and Stone Town, on a personalized day trip. Experience a traditional meal while learning about the area’s rich history, its inhabitants, and its culture.
Itinerary
We’ll first take a private boat to Changuu Island (sometimes called Prison Island or Turtle Island). The island’s current moniker dates back to 1893 when the British First Minister of Zanzibar bought the area and built a jail complex on it. The island was never utilized as a jail, although it did serve as a quarantine facility for those with yellow fever and is now home to around 50 tortoises.
The island is yours to explore at your leisure, so take advantage of your time there to learn about the local culture and get up and personal with the island’s native tortoises. Tortoises here may live for more than a century, and visitors can get up and personal with the elderly reptiles to pet, feed, and take pictures. Snorkeling in the crystal clear seas in search of marine life, colorful fish, and coral reefs is a great way to cool off after exploring the island’s peacocks and antelope.
You should make your way to Stone Town, one of the most culturally significant and historically important cities in East Africa, once you’ve explored Changuu Island. Check out the town’s amazing architecture when you get there; it goes back to the 19th century and has elements from Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European civilizations. Visit the Old Slave Market and the City Market after reading about the town’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage designation. Here, you may mingle with the people while purchasing a wide variety of goods, all while experiencing the real spirit of East Africa.
After taking in the local fare at the market, it’s time to check out the Palace Museum, the House of Wonder, and Freddie Mercury’s childhood home. The tour will also include stops at the Natural History Museum and the Peace Memorial before concluding with a traditional meal in the area.
Includes
- Entrance fees
- Guide fees
- Drinking water
- Lunch
- Boat transfer
- Local guide
- Snorkeling equipment
- Gratuities