Zanzibar Private Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Trip Review

Thinking about a trip to Zanzibar? Then, you might have heard something about Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank. Basically, they are two spots folks often club together for a day excursion, and honestly, they’re quite worth seeing. I’m going to share some insights from personal explorations, to help you sort of figure things out. The intention here isn’t to offer you any form of a booking service or advise on any deals with tours, it’s just offering you something friendly so you can read and plan for your excursion.

What’s the Buzz About Prison Island?

So, Prison Island, officially known as Changuu Island, has got a surprisingly storied history. Ironically, it wasn’t really a prison. Though, it was intended to serve that function back in the 1860s, and that never quite happened. Actually, it wound up as a quarantine station, so it’s almost the place where people who were ill got isolated, basically hoping the separation could prevent outbreaks on the mainland.

Today, it’s very, very different, Prison Island is more famous for its chill vibe, the giant tortoises roaming all over the place, that, too, there is some awesome snorkeling to be done there. The tortoises are just ancient, it feels a bit like you’ve time-traveled! You can feed them, too it’s almost, and take some pretty great snapshots. The old quarantine buildings? You get to have a poke around. The vibe on Prison Island is very educational as you will learn the sad origins of why this place was once used, also quite peaceful in some respects, that, actually, is quite nice.

Meeting the Tortoises: A Gentle Encounter

Actually, getting up close with those giant tortoises could be a bit unforgettable. I mean, they’re huge! Plus, you can learn that some of these reptiles are way over 100 years in age. Watching them munch on the greens or just sort of slowly plodding about is quite a treat. Very, very careful when you get close, though. These ancient creatures should be treated with a whole load of respect and kindness, obviously. And do listen to your guide. They will actually give the lowdown on interacting in a safe way with these calm residents.

Snorkeling Around Prison Island: An Underwater Glimpse

So, don’t pass up snorkeling when you’re near Prison Island. The waters have crystal-clear visibility that are just lovely and are filled with a wide collection of tropical fish, very vibrant coral, and other amazing sea critters. It really does depend on visibility that day, yet when the sun is beaming bright, it shows itself as pretty great!

You’ll want to rent gear if you did not bring your stuff, like your own, from your boat or a local vendor on the island. The boat people should know what kit is up for hire, and make sure, too it’s almost, your stuff does properly fit before you push off. If it is that you have never been snorkeling prior to your trip, just sort of stick to the shallows and maybe sort of try swimming away slowly to get a nice comfortable rhythm going. Basically, just a casual peek beneath the surface should be so refreshing, you may want to take more peeks again!

Nakupenda Sandbank: A Slice of Paradise

Right, Nakupenda Sandbank? Expect nothing short of gorgeous views. Very, very few locations could possibly match its incredible feel. “Nakupenda” translates to “I love you” in Swahili, which, let’s face it, is like the perfect sentiment to name a sandbank so stunning. When you get here you will find out it really is picture-perfect!

Because it is essentially a temporary island which does emerge only at certain periods as dictated by the ebb and flow of the tide, the sand is quite white, the water, too, that wraps all around, is so clear, and it’s so unbelievably relaxing. Seriously, picture yourself chilling on soft sand, completely encircled by the blue of the Indian Ocean; really, that’s Nakupenda. You may be interested that there’s literally no shade. You might be sunbathing like some lizards basking but, with all seriousness, please protect yourself with sunscreen or shade.

Things to Do at Nakupenda

Aside from sunbathing in very few pieces of clothing, what more could you possibly do there? Nakupenda might seem bare, yet don’t sort of write it off just yet. I mean, soaking up sun beams, swimming, snorkeling around the sandbar are, of course, all a go, yet what creates trips unforgettable are actually the extra touches the tour crew brings along. So, they tend to bring fresh sea eats, like grilled seafood, as an instance, that you can gorge on right there. Like, your feast with those calming waves just there by you!

A fair few outfits, that actually run these trips, add beach umbrellas for the sake of having some cool comfort. Very, very good as you will definitely appreciate a shaded section away from the full glare of the blazing sun.

Booking Your Trip: Private or Group?

Picking the option is a bit like picking something you really like, Private trips give the ability to tweak the tour according to precisely what suits your group. Therefore, if what would relax you involves pausing somewhere extra time or passing other spots totally, it is do-able. Basically, this is excellent for couples just keen on some solitude or families and friends that like keeping to themselves.

Small group outings are frequently a less pricey method to take the same thing in, also it can sort of give a chance to mix in the vibes that those like yourself are giving off. Plus, if going solo then you’ll make new friends!

What to Bring: Gearing Up for Sun and Sea

To fully profit from the trip, think regarding taking: a quality sunscreen(factor 30+), swimwear and an extra shirt to cover you up; eyewear and head covering like caps and a sunhat, and obviously, the trusted cam to keep hold of those once-in-a-lifetime sightings.

Besides all that, possibly sling some aqua sneakers into that baggage as that bank’s white-sand stretches could well have stinging hotspots within the water. Very, very simple, this is more than probably enough, and you may already possess something of these stated items! And maybe you’re a little safety mindful and like to have basic medical stuff on the go.

Costs and Timing: Planning Smart

About rates? All of it relies regarding choosing single or shared outing plans, too, during what season you venture into. Just a little looking could provide you rates so you can better weigh those holiday spending plans.

Best stints of time of doing are almost often somewhere inside months of June till October during dry periods, or possibly January as well as February, anytime it is somewhat dry after main spells of flooding season.

So, give consideration to high tide, as a final element, when working plans round your holiday schedule: at a certain hour you would encounter reduced beachfronts, actually. At what point one ventures could well sculpt what you view also.

Respect and Responsibility: Touring Ethically

Always sort of play reasonable; show respect toward environments plus local communities: keep Prison beaches spick-and-span after tours! Never ever hassle tortoises also!

Supporting eco-friendly practices through regard of one’s environs aids locations stay stunning to more who venture next!

FAQ About Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank Tour

Is the Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank tour suitable for children?

Yeah, surely. Very, very tiny children and toddlers are not advised since they may require close supervision to keep them risk-free regarding those boat safaris plus during aquatic events.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

You should ask ones trip directors with this beforehand- lots times ones fare come given in total agreements so this needs getting organised earlier for comfort’s purpose/ less costs throughout expeditions, actually.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

Most excursions continue through wet spells though this surely hangs from rigorous heat so plan things depending about regional advice when such happenings could become widespread on some occasions when security could get at risk from high surges about ocean current surges/ intense blizzards making explorations totally suspended altogether!

Are there restrooms on Nakupenda Sandbank?

Hmm. I’d assume don’t take a whiz without any facilities available there… it’s nothing more than shoreline therefore head regarding your trip directors before departure.

How far in advance should I book the tour?

Basically to ensure oneself ones reservations attempt creating those some working weeks/ days particularly whenever moving near holidays also. (This may ensure better flexibility.)

Right then, you need to read to the end and have learned everything, good, that you are going now and actually see these beautiful places for yourselves!

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