Spice Tour + Stone Town Tour + Prison Island
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Zanzibar, Tanzania
- 7 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Combine a tour of Stone Town with a trip to Prison Island and a tour of a spice plantation on this private tour. You'll start in Stone Town, where you'll see highlights such as the House of Wonders and the Freddie Mercury Museum. You'll then take a walking tour through Jambo Spice Farm, wrapping your tour up with a visit to Prison Island, known for its gargantuan Aldabra tortoises.
- Lunch and beverages will be provided
- Transfers from Stone Town hotels are included
- All admission fees are included
- Private tour ensures flexibility and personal attention from your guide
What's Included
- Pick up and drop off from your Hotel (Around stone town only)
- Service Entrance Fees
- Shopping time
- Professional Tour guide
- Spice lunch and Drinks
- Guide tip
- Expenses of a personal nature
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
1
The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib)
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Freddie Mercury Museum
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
People's Palace Museum (Pass By)
5
Jambo Spice Farm
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
6
Prison Island - Changuu Private Island
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Near public transportation
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 132 reviews
alisegarris, Aug 2025
Amazing tour, had a great day exploring the spice farm, prison island and stone town. Saw lots of huge turtles 🐢
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank youAlise
Danielle_A, May 2025
Abkar was a wonderful guide! I learned so much about the history of Zanzibar. He was the perfect companion for the day - he balanced giving me information and also allowing me to quietly experience each place we went. It was a long day but I would not have wanted anyone else to guide me through. I felt comfortable asking (many) questions, and I also felt safe and well taken care of. Thank you Abkar!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you
Alan_R, Jan 2025
I highly recommend this tou! Abkar was our guide for this wonderful tour. First, we stopped at Jambo Spice Farm, where we were treated with an informative tour of thw farm, but also surprised with authentic local cuisine that included fresh spices amd some hand made gifts. We purchased several spices and tea mixes from their huge selection to take home with us. We then went to Stone Town and weaved through the bustling open market, toured a historic church and former slave trading post. Abkar shared plenty of history for each stop. Although it was not part of the tour, we made a stop to shop for tanzanite jewelry as a surprise for our 3 daughters.. we appreciated Abkar's patience as we compared jewelry at 3 different stores. After that, it was off to prison island, which exceeded our expectations. There were so many friendly tortoises for us to interact with. We had as much time as we wanted to take pictures and interact with these gentle, beautiful creatures, one of which we learned was 200 years old. We also took many pictures of the incredible views from the island looking into Zanzibar City. I'll also note that the tour company was accommodating and responsive prior to our trip. For an additional cost, they were able to arrange transportation to/from Riu Jambo hotel in Nungwi Beach, which was not one of the pickup points. They also allowed us to push the trip back by 2 days due to last minute illness that I notified them about 4 hours before our pickup time. This was much appreciated, since it fell outside Viator's 24 hour cancellation window.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thanks for your feedback we deeply appreciate. Stay healthy
Hawi_I, Sep 2024
I had such a wonderful day with Ismael on this tour. We started with the spice farm where I learned so much about Zanzibar’s spices and got to eat delicious pilau rice. Ismael was very knowledgeable and explained things very well. We then went on a tour of stone town and learned about the history of the East African slave trade and got to see the markets. Finally ended at prison island and got to spend time with the turtles and other animals on the island. I really appreciate Ismael’s explanations of everything, made my experience 10x better.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for your recommendation
Kaleb_T, Sep 2024
I really enjoyed this tour and we got to see a lot. However, my only compliant is that it seemed a little overpriced for what was provided. It was advertised as "9 hours" however the tour didn't start until 9AM and we finished early. Also, two of the sites--People's Palace Museum and House of Wonders--are currently permanently closed (which is NOT mentioned in the itinerary provided), so you can only view the dilapidated exteriors of this sites. However, our guide did take me to Darajani Market instead, which was one of the highlights of the tour. Overall, good tour but overpriced for what I paid as a solo tourist.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Big apologies for that stay safe and healthy
Scott_B, Aug 2024
When booking the tour months ago., Viator advertised it as “reserve now - credit card will be charged 24 hours before tour commences”. In actuality, Viator charged the credit card at the time of booking. Between the time of booking and the actual tour, Viator “amended” the tour, but did not give specifics as to what was “amended”. On the date the tour, two of the included attractions for which entry tickets were originally included were closed. No credit given. When the tour was booked, the tour included entry tickets to the Freddie Mercury Museum. On the date of the tour, we had to pay the entry fee ($16 USD for two tickets). No credit given. Tour was led by Mady. A trainee guide also participated. When the trainee guide attempted to lead a portion of the tour, Mady had to take over because of the trainee’s lack of knowledge and proper English. Mady ended his tour leadership at the beach where we were led by the trainee and boarded the boat (which was not outfitted with life jackets) to cross the open Indian Ocean (where both large ships and speedy boats did cause sizable waves in relation to the size of our boat) to Prison Island. Trainee, yet again, demonstrated lack of knowledge and proper English. Mady was at the beach when we returned. Mady asked how we enjoyed the tour of Prison Island. We shared it did not go well and that the trainee needed more training. Mady told the trainee, then and there in front of us, what we said. We tipped Mady $40 USD on top of $280 USD we paid. Mady barely acknowledged the tip and did not look us in the eye when he accepted it. The tour was advertised as pick-up and drop off at same location (our hotel). Mady attempted to get us to walk back to our hotel from the beach market unaccompanied. We told Mady that was unacceptable. Finally, the trainee did accompany us back to our hotel. Lunch at the Spice Farm included a very small piece of cooked/cold/breaded fish, a very small piece of cooked/cold/bony chicken and lots of carbs and vegetables. Be mindful that everyone (tour leader, trainee, taxi driver, spice farm guide, space farm dessert preparer, etc.) is looking for a tip which we paid. The Spice Farm was the most interesting.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
We deeply value your contributions and we will put it into immediate consideration. We thoroughly apologise for what had happened stay safe.
Karen_G, May 2024
The tour guide was well informed about the island. He made sure we understood the history of Zanzibar and its culture. It was a fun and rewarding experience.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thanks Karen
Jordan_C, Feb 2024
The spice tour was very interesting. It was awesome to see how day-to-day ingredients are grown - this is true especially for those who are into cooking. Our guide was knowledgeable and made it fun for us. They treated us to a tasty lunch after - glad we did this
Prison Island lacked depth. Though, it was nice to be on the water for a bit during the day. The tortoises were fun. And, the island itself is pretty. So, no complaints here
The walking tour was terrific. Our guide was super knowledgeable and truly passionate about teaching us. This was particularly impressive. It was just the guide, myself, and my wife. So, we were able to have a very natural dialogue where we were able to ask a ton of questions. This was the highlight of the day
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thanks Jordan
Roberta_B, Jan 2024
Ismail was a great guide, we really enjoyed the Spice Farm, and had a very nice lunch. We walked around in the town after our visit to the Spice Farm and were able to visit the Anglican Church and the Cathedral and learn all about the Slave Trade and of course we went to the Freddie Mercury Museum, being huge Queen fans. To top off a great day we went across to Prison Island and saw the huge Tortoises, which was an amazing experience!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Appriciate
Smruti_P, Jan 2024
Our tour guide was excellent, we really enjoyed our tour to Prison island and the spice tour, we arrived in Zanzibar by cruise ship, my mother is 80 plus and they made sure that we both had a great time, the tour giude helped me with getting her on/off the small wooden boat to Prison Island- highly recommended company.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you Smruti
Howard_W, Jan 2024
Enjoyed spice tour did not get to visit prison. City tour was done with out explination. I was not very hsppy.🤥
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Sorry to hear
Paula_L, Sep 2023
Very nice tour to know more about Stone Town. First is the spice farm, than walking tour and finally Prision Island. Mady is the perfect guide for the walking tour and Prision Island. Very passionate about Zanzibar history which makes much more fun to learn more about it. P.S. nothing to do with the tour company - to those who are going for this tour take the chance to go to the Prision Island reception and ask them for a bigger cage for the baby turtles; there is a reason they need to be in cages - which Mady can explain - but they definitely could have a bigger cage with all the space in the island.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thanks Paula.
Siphiwe_N, Sep 2023
This was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who is visiting Zanzibar and wants to immerse themselves in its rich heritage and history. The Spice Tour was both an education and lots of fun. The highlight for me was the Stone Town Tour. My guide, Masoud, was extremely knowledgeable about Zanzibar's political, social and cultural history and made the whole experience very entertaining and engaging. The tour operator was very accommodating and understanding and I thoroughly enjoyed the day I had in Zanzibar. I heartily thank everyone who made the day what it was.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Asante sana Siphiwe. Have a great day.
Shayla_S, Aug 2023
Had an excellent time on this tour. Filled up my day with great information and got some great photos. The spice tour and Stonetown walking tour was very informative. My tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. Overall great way to spend some time in Zanzibar. Book the tour!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you Shayla
jonathanhopwood, Mar 2023
This was a great tour. We didn't manage to do all of it because we had to travel out of Stone Town so we missed the Prison Island visit but the spice farm (4 hours) and the Stone Town tour were well worth the time and money. 4 hours might seem like a long time to spend at a spice farm but it was so informative and engaging that the time flew. It was really eye opening seeing all the spices I use to cook with in their non-packeted form. Lunch is at the spice farm (the fruit is incredible). The Stone Town walking tour covers a lot of territory and you don't really stop and go inside anywhere for any extended period.
Two cautions on this tour: (1) There are a lot of people to tip. Bring tip money (small bills). We found ourselves a little short at the spice farm and I felt bad about having the scrounge money together to tip. We actually had to ask our guide to tip other people that had helped us on the tour who were no longer around. (2) We were picked up by someone who gave very little information. We weren't even sure that we were on the right tour until we asked him where we were going.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you Janathan for your feedback we like to hear and thoroughly value your opinions. Stay safe and have a good day.
Nini_C, Mar 2023
Wow!!!! what an excellent tour. We learned about the plants, fruit, and spices with. our tour guide Black was very informative and the lunch meal was delicious. After spending a few hours at the spice farm we meet up with another excellent tour guide Mady who took us around stone town and prison island. He was also very helpful and informative teaching us about Tanzania history. This tour was excellent for the price and it's a whole day tour so be prepared to walk, learn and be tired at the end. But it's all worth it.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you nini
Fergus_D, Mar 2023
Our guide on this tour was Mady. I highly recommend him. His knowledge and enthusiasm for Zanzibar's history is fantastic and greatly adds to this tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you Fergus. Stay safe and wishing you a better future.
Medjine_L, Dec 2022
Tour was pretty good - Enjoyed the tour guide. I would wish in general to add in the description your drive and tour guide are two separate folks, since you have to tip them both (optional but who isn't going to tip) just so folks are better prepared. The Spice Tour was pretty fun and Stone Town as well. As a solo traveler I appreciated my guide asking if I wanted to take pictures!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Asante sana Medjine
Donna_S, Nov 2022
Mady was a fantastic guide.
Usually the tours try and rush you, but not Mady, he kept on saying Poly, Poly( which translates to slowly,slowly) so we were able to see things and he explained everything and we had the best time and tour
I would highly recommend this tour. The spice market was fantastic and stone town is wonderful and glad we had a guide, you could get lost.
Prison island was great we were coming back by boat and the sun was setting and it was a great end to a great day
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thanks Donna_S we really appreciate your feedback. Stay safe.
Tariah_W, Oct 2022
Mady was an amazing tour guide! We had such a great time at all the activities. We got to taste the spices and fruits, had an amazing time exploring stone Town, learned so many facts about the slice trade and got to feed the tortoises in prison island! We chose not to do snorkeling to spend more time shopping. Mady was very patient with us as we went through everything and kept us laughing and smiling the entire time!
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Asante sana. We indeed appreciate your contribution. Stay safe and connected.
Sue_K, Sep 2022
Mady is a great guide, hassle free easy to understand and extremely knowledgeable. We started at a Spice Farm (which was one of my favorite parts) and he made exploring the different plants interesting. Then we had a lovely city tour and gained a better understanding Stonetown and its history. Finally we took a nice trip to see the tortoises. With this tour we had an opportunity to see all the main attractions which provided more free time to use as you’d like and it’s perfect if you don’t have many days in Stonetown. Mady is an excellent guide! And Thomas is a super driver!
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Deeply appreciate. Asante sana.
Madalina_M, Feb 2022
Let's just say that we received 10 times more than expected, let me tell you why 😊.
• We started our journey visiting the spice farm. We were very impressed by the vast knowledge everyone seemed to have. We learned how connected people are with nature and how to better use everything the nature has to offer (doing fabric and stuffing for pillows, making medicine, different use of spices, fruits and vegetables in food, etc.).
PS: The food is something else. I think that out of all the places I visited in my life, here I had the best food ever!
• Our second stop was Prison Island. I have to admit, originally I was not excited about this part and how wrong I was. While the construction there was never used as a prison, it’s hard to imagine how it can be used for anything depressing as it is a bit of paradise (history, architecture, landscapes, etc). The pheasants, little dear and giant old tortoises are also beautiful and please, if you visit them, do not try to sit on them ☹, respect the animals, the place and the people there.
• The last part was Stone Town and this is where we had our biggest surprise and have to give big credit to Hamad (Mady) our guide. While explaining the history of the city and places we visited is something you expect, the details and additional information provided from his own personal research is what impressed us the most.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Hello
We thank you for your good expected feedback always Mady is doing great. Stay safe and connected wishing you happy life and great day.
Asante sana
Sharronda_A, Sep 2021
The lunch on the spice tour was incredible. We enjoyed walking the streets of Stone Town and shopping from the locals. The boat ride to prison island was absolutely beautiful and we love seeing over 100 year old tortoise. Our guide was the absolute best. Knowledgeable, patient and funny.
Response from Host, Sep 2021
As we absolutely know that, the good job and beautiful things need to be appreciated. Likewise, we would thoroughly like to say thank for your good expected results, what a nice review you gave us to help keeping moving on. Stay safe and turned. Have a great day.
Asante sana.
Florence_G, Sep 2024
Très intéressant, nous avons appris beaucoup de choses différentes aussi bien au niveau de la culture des épices que de l'histoire de Zanzibar. Il y a plusieurs guides, pas de soucis, vous êtes pris en charge et à chaque étape.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Merci
Tabea_P, Aug 2022
Bei dieser Tour sieht man in relativ kurzer Zeit das Wichtigste in und um Stown Town. Würde die Tour definitiv weiterempfehlen.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thank you.
Blandine_J, Feb 2022
Le guide Ali était très bien et connaissait énormément de choses avec un français impeccable. Dans l’ensemble, notre expérience a été très bien. Nous avons été déçus du gérant car nous avons du payer notre propre taxi pour la journée complète alors qu’il était censé être inclus, uniquement parce que nous avons trouvé le chauffeur nous-mêmes.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Merci bouqup
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Spice Tour + Stone Town Tour + Prison Island
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