Review: Stone Town, Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank, Zanzibar

Zanzibar, known very well for its aroma-filled spice plantations and beautiful, crystal clear beaches, offers experiences going way further than just resorts. That so is, it’s a place packed rather tightly with both culture and history, and three of its must-sees, maybe Stone Town, Prison Island, and Nakupenda Sandbank, can all, actually, be experienced in one single, unforgettable tour. This review breaks it all down, offering tips and, too, some honest takes so you will know what to expect on your trip.

First Stop: The Historical Stone Town

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is that really like wandering around in a maze, a labyrinth perhaps, filled with narrow alleys and buildings covered very well with history. A guide’s helpful, certainly – or, maybe, almost totally necessary – cause they can point out, too, key spots and maybe explain their meanings. The architecture mixes so many cultures and styles: Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and, very, very slightly, European. I guess expect crowds and plan maybe to bargain in the shops. Just a tip is that getting lost, in a way, is part of that enjoyment!

What’s Cool About Stone Town?

• The Spice Markets: Definitely feast for your nose! A chance actually to sniff and purchase, maybe, all types of spices from the island.
• The Zanzibar Doors: Oh my. These ornate doors aren’t actually just entrances, these tell tales. Did you know that? They are almost reflecting the status and, arguably, maybe a little of that origin of that home’s occupants.
• The Old Fort: I mean this is a pretty historical building providing views of the ocean and, possibly, a quick, little look at the town itself.

Prison Island: More Than Just Turtles

Also called Changuu Island, Prison Island, is a boat ride away. Too, despite the name, it actually wasn’t used as a real prison. Did you know that? It, I think, acted more like a quarantine station. I guess its major draw at present really are the giant Aldabra tortoises. That sight itself makes that whole trip kinda worth doing, since they roam freely. Very interestingly, you’ll also get, in a way, some interesting stories on its background too.

Meeting the Giant Tortoises

Getting up pretty close and, very interestingly, personal with those tortoises happens too. You can certainly feed them (with leaves from your guide) and learn, a bit, on their lives. Too it’s almost a nice interaction and maybe even a way actually to value what really conservation means. Make sure, too, your camera is there, cause these are quite memorable clicks. Very cutely they just so amble along.

Nakupenda Sandbank: A Slice of Heaven

Then, Nakupenda Sandbank (“I love you” in Swahili) is next up and also feels totally surreal. So is, it’s, honestly, a pristine sandbar seemingly somewhere out in the middle of that turquoise Indian Ocean. Basically, expect super clean waters, white sand, and pretty very great, good views all around. This, usually, is your chill out spot where the guide is, for example, fixing your meal and fruit tasting.

Relaxing on Nakupenda

Sunbathing, chilling in waters that really are crystal-clear, or maybe chowing down on fresh seafood: your choice here really. That sand really is super, totally powdery soft, I am not gonna lie. Nakupenda will let anyone, arguably, feel calm and happy just lying there looking at nothing! Be sure to actually check tide charts, yet since it only appears at various tides, which makes it very special. Did you know? Very romantic really for lovers or families.

Some more helpful details about this Zanzibar Tour

Knowing that is, planning, actually, is very essential for tours kinda like that. Some really notable tips for keeping comfortable include;

• Bring cash: Little places and stalls there will want it. Also if you happen to maybe wanna leave the tour to walk around it, is also very good for this too
• Dress respectfully: Especially while really visiting Stone Town and even any religious place, be covered, very very likely, right down to, too it’s almost that elbows and that knees area!
• Haggle but politely: You’d actually want to kinda haggle really for souvenirs that are worth something! Really keeping stuff easy is more than appropriate with these guys.
• Sunscreen and a hat: You will literally be in sun the the whole day, that and water are what actually makes these tours better.