Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank: Your Zanzibar Excursion Review
Thinking about soaking up some sun and maybe getting to know some gigantic tortoises in Zanzibar? You might, actually, wanna consider the Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank excursion. It’s pretty popular, too it’s almost become a right of passage for anyone swinging by this Tanzanian paradise. But, honestly, what’s the real deal? I’m sharing my thoughts on this popular day trip, pointing out what worked, what could’ve been better, plus some must-knows before you book it. This way, you can figure out if it fits what you’re after on your vacation.
A Bit of History: Prison Island’s Story
Before it became, like your regular tourist stop, Prison Island actually has quite the, well, unexpected history. Also referred to as Changuu Island, back in the 1860s, the sultans considered it a spot to stick troublesome slaves before shipping them off. Sounds, maybe, a bit grim, huh? Later, the British thought they would put up a prison there, you know, that’s how it scored its name. Funnily enough, a proper prison building very, very nearly happened. They did start building, actually, but it never really housed any prisoners. Instead, for a while, it turned into a quarantine station, mainly for those catching yellow fever. Which is kind of ironic, but there you have it!
Meeting the Giants: The Tortoises of Prison Island
Right, so, the biggest draw of Prison Island, for most folks anyway, has to be the Aldabra giant tortoises. These magnificent reptiles aren’t originally from Zanzibar; they came from the Seychelles as, that, a gift at some stage. Anyway, they just kept breeding and breeding. Some of these guys are pushing past the 100-year mark – now that’s seriously old! There’s something genuinely awe-inspiring about standing next to such an old creature. The sanctuary setup is pretty good, very good actually; you can get pretty close, too it’s almost as if you can feed them (though following the staff’s instructions is, definitely, key here for the tortoises’ health and safety). That said, be prepared for, like your slightly, whiffy smell and watch where you step!
Nakupenda Sandbank: Paradise Found (Or Is It?)
After Prison Island, many excursions make their way to Nakupenda Sandbank. This is, kind of, your quintessential tropical paradise, in a way it’s this pure white sandbar that peeks out of the ocean. Now, when the tide’s out, it’s amazing – crystal-clear water all around. Loads of tours lay out lunch spreads there – think fruit platters and freshly grilled seafood. Sounds idyllic, proper idyllic, eh? Yet, it is also very dependent on the tide, when the tide starts coming in, space quickly diminishes, and that feeling of peaceful seclusion starts to fade as other parties bunch closer to one another.
What to Actually Expect on Your Excursion
Most trips kick off, pretty early in the day from Stone Town. A dhow, that’s your traditional boat, will very likely get you there. The boat ride, to be honest, can be bumpy depending on the day, so if you get seasick very, very easily, take precautions. At Prison Island, expect about an hour or so to check out the tortoises and have, arguably, a walk around. As I was saying, Nakupenda time varies; a few trips are scheduled around low tide for the full experience, and some can have lunch included. Make certain to clarify all the, well, details before booking.
Snorkeling, Swimming, and Sun: The Water Activities
Many packages, often, chuck in some snorkeling as part of the trip. Around Prison Island, that area has pretty decent spots to spot marine life, anyway you need to lower your expectations a bit, actually it’s no Great Barrier Reef! You’ll usually spot lots of colorful fish; with just a bit of luck, that is, even turtles. That said, confirm that the gear they supply is up to scratch – I’ve, like your found masks that leak and snorkels that aren’t very pleasant to use on a few trips. Swimming is very nearly a must, naturally especially at Nakupenda; the water is just too appealing to miss!
What to Bring Along
Right, let’s discuss the must-pack items for this trip. Of course, sunscreen is important – that equatorial sun really does pack a punch. You could bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself further. If you plan on swimming or snorkeling, it might be worth taking your own gear to make sure it is alright. Then there are water shoes; those can be very beneficial at Prison Island, the shoreline isn’t that sandy, and sometimes it’s rocky. Then you may want to consider your beach towel, plus a dry bag for keeping electronics and valuables away from getting wet.
The Environmental Impact: Let’s Be Responsible
Tourism certainly helps local economies, yet, it’s also critical to think about its environmental effects. Choose tour operators who, like your demonstrate sustainable practices, for instance, that’s everything from responsibly disposing of waste to respecting marine life. When interacting with the tortoises, it’s, like your always keep your distance, it’s still key not to stress them, also, to follow guidelines provided. In essence, attempt to leave as small a footprint as feasible so future generations can enjoy these spots too.