Review: Mnemba & Prison Island Trip with Lunch, Zanzibar

Okay, so you’re pondering about this day trip in Zanzibar that hits up both Mnemba Island and Prison Island, huh? A trip that tosses in some lunch? I get that! Well, so I figured I could lay out all the ins and outs, because it is almost certainly one of those things that seems good, but you want to know *just* how good before handing over your vacation cash. Let’s have a look!

First Impressions: Setting off to Paradise (kinda!)

Right, so my day began super early because I wanted to get ahead of the crowds. Basically, what happened was that the transfer picked us up right on time from the hotel. A bit sleepy? Yes. Pretty hyped about where we are going? Double yes! So we headed off to where all these boats hang out waiting to take tourists away, and it’s fair to say, the vibe was full of energy! Seems everyone is always eager to catch some sun and do some snorkeling, or just general Zanzibar-ing.

Mnemba Atoll? Honestly, the pictures don’t even do it justice! This tiny island has incredibly clear turquoise waters around it. We traveled out on a traditional dhow. The gentle sway of the boat and the salty breeze just starts to ease you into that vacation mindset. It’s a bit like the ocean is giving you a big, warm hug before you even jump in! Plus, like you might anticipate, it’s gorgeous getting a tan!

Snorkeling at Mnemba: An Underwater Playground

Alright, so this is the main draw for heaps of folks! Like, when you finally get to Mnemba, it’s clear this is what people are jazzed about. The atoll is really just this massive, protected marine area, just chock-full of coral and colorful fish, which, by the way, if you’re a decent swimmer or like being adventurous in water, is perfect, that!

So, very quickly, I pulled on my snorkeling gear, and plopped right into the water. What happened next? Just “bam!” Suddenly you find yourself surrounded by schools of fish. Like literally *everywhere*. These, I reckon, are vibrant coral formations too. So the visibility is just superb, basically! Plus the water is super warm. You might just forget you’re not a fish yourself after a bit! Because there were turtles cruising by and dolphins playing around in the distance, it really feels like something special. The crew knew all the great spots, which meant we skipped areas that were getting hammered with people. We instead had some more personal time with the reef.

Prison Island: History with a Side of Giant Tortoises

Now, alright, after all that snorkeling, we motored over to Prison Island (also called Changuu Island), that! Yeah, I understand, that name sounds pretty grim, doesn’t it? Here’s the skinny: they built this joint in the 1860s for prisoners, however, guess what? They never used it that way. Which seems a little bit silly, that it was built but then left. What it became known for are those massive Aldabra tortoises, which is something that’s actually pretty interesting to see.

So basically, what happened was these tortoises were a gift from the British governor of the Seychelles way back when. Nowadays, they just roam freely, that is unless they’re asleep! They lumber all around. Now you, like many other visitors, could just watch them chomp on greens and get some great selfies with them, since they love having their shells scratched! Besides the tortoises, which in themselves are fun, there’s the actual prison ruins to explore, too, basically! I went on to have a little walk around.

There’s also, like, a serene beach where you can unwind a bit or take another dip if you’re still up for it. The history mixed with the chill beach vibes makes it an odd, yet captivating stop.

Lunch and Logistics: What to Expect

After all that exploring and swimming, you will have some rumbling tummies! When lunch time came, they took us to a spot on one of the small islands where a buffet was served, so expect that.

Think: grilled fish, rice, yummy Swahili sauces, so much tropical fruit and things like that. Not Michelin star dining? Not by any stretch! Still, totally tasty and exactly what you need after a day of salty air and sun, since they seem pretty adept to catering to all sorts of diets. Whether you’re into seafood or want veggie options, no biggie. The drinks were refreshingly cold, very welcome in the Zanzibar heat. The seating areas might be communal. If you like meeting new people when traveling, this is good news!

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

Here is what I reckon, like; If you want a mix of underwater exploration, a splash of history, a meeting with gigantic tortoises, and a tasty lunch all rolled into one, this day trip hits all those marks! Because some tours get cray-cray with huge crowds? Definitely think about booking one with a smaller group! The earlier you start? Just means fewer people at those primo snorkeling spots.

Alright, for people who aren’t strong swimmers, there’s almost certainly gear you can borrow. I was told they give life jackets for anyone who wants one. Keep hydrated (it’s almost, like, *really* obvious!) and bring sunscreen with super high SPF (because the sun in Zanzibar… phew!). Plus, take some cash with you for any souvenirs from Prison Island. (Those tortoise keychains? Too cute!). This excursion isn’t necessarily the most remote or the most solitary experience, so expect that. Still? If you’re keen for a packed day with a bunch of what Zanzibar has to offer, very highly recommended! After a few hours you will not feel robbed of cash, that is unless, well, you have lots of money. What you want will probably become what you got.