Zanzibar Stone Town & Prison Island Tour Review: Tortoise Edition

Planning a trip to Zanzibar? You see, one excursion you’ll probably find all over the place is a combined tour of Stone Town and Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. This sounds like a classic outing, bringing together Zanzibar’s vibrant history with a little bit of wildlife interaction – giant tortoises, to be specific. Now, I recently took this tour myself, and I’m here to give you, like your really in-depth look at what to anticipate, some helpful insights, and just maybe a couple of things you might want to keep an eye on.

First Impressions of Stone Town

Stone Town, so it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, does offer you narrow alleyways, bustling markets, and buildings that seem to whisper stories from long ago. My tour usually kicked off here, and you’ll probably quickly discover that, it’s almost immediately a full sensory experience. You walk this way, through labyrinthine streets with vendors selling everything from spices to brightly colored fabrics, with the air is very much thick with the scent of cloves and the sound of Swahili chatter.

The architecture, often a mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European styles, tends to be really interesting. You’ll spot ornate wooden doors with intricate carvings and balconies overlooking busy streets. As a matter of fact, my guide, it’s almost right away told me a bunch of stories about some of the buildings we passed, including the house where Freddie Mercury was born. Those stories, just a little really helped to bring the town to life.

Potential Downsides: The thing is, Stone Town does tend to be crowded, and it’s almost usually easy to get turned around in those narrow streets. Be prepared to be approached by vendors – sometimes very persistent ones. It’s a bit important to dress respectfully, mostly keeping your shoulders and knees covered, out of, like your respect for the local culture. It’s also a little nice to have small bills on hand, so too it’s easier to pay for souvenirs or tips. Seriously, though, maybe agree on prices before purchasing anything to keep everything crystal-clear, in a way.

Heading to Prison Island

After exploring Stone Town, a traditional dhow typically carries you over to Prison Island. This is usually a relatively short boat trip, and it’s a chance to enjoy the views of Stone Town from the sea. Now, as you approach Prison Island, it’s clear that it appears quite different from the hectic atmosphere of Stone Town.

Now, contrary to its name, Prison Island wasn’t seriously a fully functional prison for very long. The island was, in fact, intended to house problematic convicts, but that, I mean, it never actually materialized in that manner. Instead, its a little used as a quarantine station, as I was saying, primarily to address yellow fever outbreaks in Zanzibar, basically. That said, the history of the island is there, very much etched into its infrastructure, if you wander this way.

A Change of Pace: Prison Island can be somewhat of a refreshing break from the bustling Stone Town, but I really would make the most of the calm, really. You, like your might be getting to the island only to discover the crowds from Stone Town have made it this way, too.

Meeting the Giant Tortoises

Without a doubt, the biggest draw of Prison Island could be the tortoise sanctuary, you’re probably find all over the place. It is currently home to a population of Aldabra giant tortoises, which actually originate from the Seychelles. I was thinking, like your experience could be so sweet, honestly. These gentle creatures are so old, sometimes well over 100 years, and they seem almost indifferent to human presence. The really great thing is that the tortoises get to live in a, pretty, relatively big enclosed area where guests are able to watch, so, in fact, interacting with the animals in ways that seemed ethical.

Now, you can usually get close enough to, kind of pet them (gently, please!) and offer them leaves, in other words, snacks they absolutely seem to adore. That, I mean, could be very therapeutic just observing their calm movements and kind expressions, right? There are lots of attendants on hand to tell stories on their origin as well to share some wisdom, really. Plus, that makes it simpler, too it’s always been easy to take incredible photos.

Animal Welfare: I’m so serious, ensure you’re only participating in activities that are sensitive to the animals, basically. Some tourists, you, like your might not take any instructions at all, as a matter of fact. Don’t attempt to ride the tortoises (I, sort of saw someone try), and be, just a little mindful of their space and overall demeanor. They’re old and should usually be approached in this way.

The Remnants of the Prison

You might expect the abandoned prison buildings on Prison Island, that is that the history to do with it, and, of course, the tortoises as you explore this excursion. You see, the thing is, while not incredibly grand, the dilapidated buildings actually supply a look into the island’s past, basically. Cells where prisoners were scheduled to get housed stand quietly – a somber reminder of that purpose.

You should walk, alright. Guides typically share insight on what actually the structure seemed like during its operational days, together with its move into as, mostly, a quarantine center. Actually, wandering about this location usually leads you into moments of solemn reflection; and thinking with this comes really brings a much deeper comprehension for Zanzibar’s heritage, kind of. So, don’t assume this isn’t meaningful, alright?

Historical Empathy: It is so essential to address these spots reverently and realize all the historic weight these sites truly possess. I understand this, in fact, is something lots of people don’t reflect on during any excursion in the past. This part needs you to treat all with courtesy during the travel experience.

Snorkeling and Relaxation

So, numerous Prison Island tours usually combine things up a little and then add time for snorkelling. In actual fact, the waters surrounding Prison Island do seem, kind of, incredibly crystal clear and actually teem with marine life, or so I was reading. You, like your, might get supplied with equipment along with being taken out a, slightly bit even farther from shore by a boat. When you leap in it opens up, pretty, in reality rapidly as another realm of brilliant coral and unique aquatic animals really!

For people not feeling snorkeling, you’ll often have a selection in relation to sitting over any sand. The beach actually offers many chance over sun-drenched relaxing coupled with savoring a soft island breeze; and perhaps the rhythmic ocean’s murmur sounds. Seriously; make it as some other chance when getting soaked through through Zanzibar ambiance altogether right!

Things You Need to Understand: Whenever snorkel then do notice current and all sorts ocean ecosystem around because if one cares so seriously the trip appears better; also ensure just how perfectly that gear seems designed also secure with. It must stay entertaining from inception onward although it needs often being safe/ respectful besides what really matters is fun here, you!