Zanzibar Prison Island Tour: Is That Sandbank Lunch Worth It?

So, you’re thinking of checking out the Zanzibar Prison Island tour, huh? The one that, too it’s almost always includes lunch on a sandbank? You know, a bit of history, a dash of wildlife, plus that postcard-perfect meal in the middle of the ocean kind of situation. Very, very, enticing, but is that whole shebang really as awesome as all that, like the pictures seem? Or is it possibly just another tourist trap looking for your hard-earned cash? I recently gave it a shot myself, and I’m just a little ready to spill the tea.

The Allure of Prison Island: History and Giant Tortoises

First things first, Prison Island actually does have a rather interesting past, not just as a pretty place. The island’s real name is Changuu Island, and in the olden days, back in 1860s that was actually planned as like, you know a prison – surprise, surprise! Thing is that, that was mostly for troublesome slaves, but the plan sort of, really never fully came to fruition the way they wanted. What is really happened is that the island, rather creepily, morphed into a quarantine spot for folks with yellow fever. Talk about a change of plans. In the end, it ended up gaining a new role as a sanctuary. These days? Well, these days it’s super famous as that safe haven for these super old giant tortoises, a lot of them brought all the way from the Seychelles.

Getting up close and actually seeing these ancient creatures, honestly, I think that’s a unique sort of experience, so, too it’s almost worth the trip all by itself. I mean, you are able to, you know, get pretty close (not too close, remember be kind!) and even get to feed them. The coolest part? Very, very, reading those ages written on their shells – seriously makes one contemplate life! The place actually has guides that tell you stories, but honestly the pens themselves aren’t always kept very spotless. Maybe they need a little work to clean the place and they can make it a far, far more educational adventure.

Setting Sail: The Boat Trip to Paradise

Okay, so you leave Stone Town – and let me tell you that place has something in its air — the place just pulses and throbs, almost electrically, really. That journey over to Prison Island on a traditional dhow boat – honestly? It’s part of what makes that tour worth doing. That dazzling blue ocean water, the breeze that feels amazing on your skin, all of it adds a little something special. While that trip usually isn’t long — like thirty minutes — it’s, too it’s almost the thing for getting that scenic intro before you set foot on the island itself.

Yet, bear in mind the boat could potentially get crowded based on that tour company booked, but if possible, try locating one offering something smaller more intimate. You could possibly pay slightly more, arguably, but this may definitely increase and also maximise all you enjoyment level.

Sandbank Lunch: A Feast for the Senses?

And now that is the thing: the sandbank lunch, that part everyone tends to post about on their travelgram feed. I can tell you it all sounds very lush: eating delicious grilled seafood while, you know, standing on powdery sandbars smack dab inside turquoise water, huh? Look it could be an unforgettable experience, just potentially it comes down to your expectations and the reality that, as a matter of fact, it might sometimes bring. I mean those photos seldom show the dozens of other tourists right there all trying to grab at the last prawn, do they?

I have seen some who served this mega array, and very, very, when I say a bunch, like just a boatload, packed full of things just teeming right with fish, lobster plus fruits by buckets! The cooking can really vary too. During the high season, those banks can also be, let us say, packed with masses — think music playing loud plus folks vying like your, for space. Is it a dream eating out in the Indian Ocean? Absolutely is that something! It is arguably kind of messy and a bit loud and those Instagram snaps could need a serious edit after.

Snorkeling and Marine Life: Beneath the Surface

Okay, that’s right after you enjoy a meal? Almost always people want more – how about swimming right with each colorful fish at last. Some tours come right along with that quick snorkeling trip near the island. Water around there is rather crystalline-blue, very, very, thus, usually, one gets visibility is basically pretty good.

That said, don’t picture like, basically, a total Finding Nemo-esque undersea world, really. I mean, coral is greatly influenced by environmental events such as warming waters with fewer swarms around those shallows if, like your, than a really top dive place could usually brag on with pride. Yet snorkeling may be just the thing, right — it presents even newbie swimmers to discover some of those submarine beauties. I actually recommend you confirm the snorkeling aspect just before booking that particular round trip just because several groups seem skip outright including those, so I understand — it is really somewhat you would love, just get those to make sure of that deal.

What to Bring and Other Handy Tips

If thinking regarding embarking regarding that particular Prison Isle getaway right together that sandbar cookout listed, so this is what might seriously increase all overall merriment!

Sunscreen, shades with brimmed lid: Zanzibar sunlight? Does zero prisoners so, too it’s almost gets really intense even midmorning time, arguably always shield ourselves regarding intense sunlight contact may honestly improve each vacationing enjoyments greatly.
Aquatic footwear: Abrasive sandstone? Potentially slippery coral parts as getting throughout those lunch? Getting aquatic slip-ons really helps save your sole coming as via uncomfortable moments during!
Funds specifically smaller costs and even tokens for appreciation: All tours tend being provided however small gestures — to someone offering help regarding image to anyone sharing insights in all tortoise sanctuary might simply generate many distinctions by thanking the team users that keep all these things working nicely.
Camera: Yes! Unbelievable scenery is known as begging really so someone could chronicle recollections! However shield this device that against spatter combined splashes once at those water-logged area!
A sense coming into adventure and open brain: Look things may almost become spotless neither very professionally organized continually nevertheless just remember being supple but yet simply value what which moment holds can frequently transfer average getaway from unforgettable experiences!

In Conclusion: Is the Prison Island Tour Worth Your While?

So, this Prison area jaunt featuring sandwiches offered in the shoreline something may someone give the nod? When a individual goes into something, completely knowing really whatever this gives and yet with, you understand, correct anticipation levels–I might shout the specific indeed!. In the event one likes getting the taste as via just Zanzibar customs, really coming as via somewhat memorable histories really to having prospects close combined personalised having the whole historic elephants featuring the main sandy expanse dinner time, just move forwards!.

Really recall getting flexible also enjoying this is the aspect over visiting rather than concentrating way, really seriously concerning any sort concerning thought associated limitations which may frequently make just several travels feel something over task, however?. Simply have a vacation to any adventures which come!

Key takeaways:

Get closely associated right near incredibly older elephants.
Appreciate spectacular seaside journeys by old styled boats..
Understand prison area histories of a by experienced guides..
Just get ready — perhaps ocean bank eating place location might become really high. traffic locations frequently.
Always include sundial security!

Hopefully what one offers assists during coming inside wise final result by ones following excursions!. Zanzibar is asking!, have fantastic trips!

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