Stone Town & Prison Island Tour Review: Fish Market & Lunch
Okay, so you are considering a day trip in Zanzibar, and this “Stone Town Tour with Lunch, Prison Island, plus the Night Fish Market” thing caught your eye? It’s a popular choice, offering what feels like a whole Zanzibar sampler platter rolled into one experience. I went on it, and I’m here to give you the lowdown, the bits they mention in the brochure plus those details they tend to, well, not mention. Was it worth the time and money? Is that something that will totally depend on what you are hoping to get out of it. This is what you really should consider before handing over your hard-earned cash.
First Stop: Stone Town, a wander through history
Stone Town, which is really the cultural heart of Zanzibar, almost feels like stepping back centuries. Expect narrow, winding alleyways—think of a maze, plus the aromas of spices, street food cooking, and the constant buzz of everyday life. Be warned, though: you’re virtually guaranteed to get lost, or at the very least disoriented, even with a guide. And that’s kinda part of the charm. This portion usually features spots such as the former slave market (a very sobering experience), the House of Wonders (which, it’s almost sad to say, isn’t all that wondrous these days), and the childhood home of Freddie Mercury. You might also be dragged into various souvenir shops. Your mileage will seriously vary when it comes to how engaging you think all this is; it kind of depends on your guide plus how many other tourists are vying for the same oxygen in that tiny alleyway at that exact moment. Don’t be afraid to peel off and wander a bit on your own. Be smart and respect local customs, so it’s beneficial to dress appropriately, and be mindful of the call to prayer.
Prison Island: Tortoises and Chilling History
From Stone Town, a relatively short boat trip will take you to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. The name, it is almost misleading because this place was never seriously a prison. Instead, it was initially intended to quarantine the sick back in the 1860s. Ironically, today, its claim to fame isn’t really that dark history but rather the giant Aldabra tortoises. They are magnificent creatures, some easily over a century old, and yeah, you usually can get up close and pet them, which many folks definitely appreciate. Other than the tortoises, there’s a beach that tends to get overly crowded plus some old prison buildings that, to be honest, don’t have tons to see or explore. The snorkeling around the island is something you will very probably want to skip; the water is frequently murky. While the tortoises are interesting, just think hard about how much boat time and crowds you are willing to put up with just to see them. Also, is that a great deal more appealing than finding the tortoises somewhere else, so that’s also a point worth thinking about, or taking them out of their enclosure!
Lunch: A Moment to Refuel
Most tours bundle in lunch at some point, typically at a restaurant either in Stone Town or, potentially, on Prison Island itself. Really, temper your expectations significantly. It is often a buffet-style arrangement featuring local fare, maybe such as rice, beans, some kind of stewed meat or fish, plus fruit. It is not likely to win any culinary awards, yet it does the job in terms of filling you up. Consider it fuel, which is alright, because you will be burning calories as you navigate Stone Town’s streets and try to politely dodge persistent souvenir hawkers. I have definitely had worse lunches while traveling; basically, view this as a means and not an end in itself. As a quick note: If you have any dietary restrictions, just ensure you communicate those beforehand! Some of those pre-arranged tours will only offer fish as the veggie choice, even though fish is a meat, which isn’t that fantastic if you’re hoping to stay true to yourself!
Night Fish Market: An Aromatic, Chaotic Finale
The night fish market in Stone Town is something that is entirely its own beast, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Basically, as the sun goes down, the area next to the harbor transforms into a bustling open-air seafood bonanza. Fishermen bring in their daily catch, vendors fire up their grills, plus the air becomes thick with the aromas of grilling fish, the shouts of vendors, and literally hordes of people vying for the freshest catch. Expect some controlled chaos, but with an underlying buzz that some folks find completely exhilarating. You are very probably going to see sea creatures you have never seen before, so be ready to point and ask. Also, don’t be shy about haggling for a better price on your chosen seafood; that’s simply part of the game. Is that going to be an overwhelming sensory experience? Really, but that’s almost part of its unique appeal.
The Good, the Bad, plus the Fishy: Final Verdict
This Stone Town, Prison Island, and night fish market tour; is that a solid way to sample some highlights of Zanzibar in a single day? Maybe, if you are short on time and want a little of everything. Be completely aware that it’s not going to be some super in-depth exploration of any one aspect. The Stone Town portion could feel rushed, Prison Island may be too crowded, and the lunch, well, isn’t amazing. The night fish market; that is really a toss-up based on your tolerance for crowds plus seafood smells. Also, make absolutely certain that this “tour” lines up with how you like to travel. So many find it frustrating to be herded around in a group, or spending precious time in gift shops. The convenience has an undeniable value, particularly for a solo traveler or someone more comfortable having the logistics taken care of. All the same, do not feel that it’s your singular only option to get a sense for Stone Town and its surrounding attractions. You can actually hire a taxi to get around for the entire day and make deals at reasonable prices with individual fishermen on the beaches. Basically, are you that sort of person? Then go for the package option.