Zanzibar Tour Review: Stone Town, Prison Island, Nakupenda & Mnemba Blue Safari

Thinking about checking out Zanzibar and packing a lot into just a few days? We did something similar and want to give you some tips. So, it’s fair to say, we went for a tour that combined Stone Town’s history, the chill vibes of Prison Island (also known as Changuu Island), the ridiculously amazing sands of Nakupenda Beach, and then a Mnemba Atoll Blue Safari to cap everything off. This whole thing? Well, actually, it turned into a proper highlight of our trip, and I wanted to share all about the experience to help you decide if, potentially, it should be on your list too. It’s something you won’t soon forget, possibly.

Exploring the Historic Stone Town

Our adventure got underway in Stone Town, which is, like your starting point for many Zanzibar experiences. It is a crazy old place with, just a little, its maze of streets filled with so many stories. The architecture is just a mixture – Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and European bits all mushed together into something that is totally Zanzibar. The guide took us all over the place: we had a look at the House of Wonders, wandered through the Darajani Market (proper lively!), and we also checked out the old Slave Market, which was, in a way, quite a heavy experience, really.

What made Stone Town kinda special was, in fact, the little details. Basically, you can lose yourself just wandering. Actually, the elaborately carved wooden doors? Oh, those are something else. And so many narrow alleyways where cats are sleeping in the sun – that, is that, like your real Stone Town experience right there. And yet you might think it’s the little shops selling spices, colorful fabrics, and some paintings. Haggling is part of the deal, seemingly. The guide was, apparently, really good at telling stories, which really, actually, helped bring everything to life.

Recommendations:

Consider going fairly early in the morning (like, maybe, around 8 am or 9 am) to dodge the midday heat and, I mean, the bigger crowds.
Maybe wear comfy shoes because, honestly, you’ll be doing a ton of walking. And it can get slippery after a rain!
Do keep an eye on your belongings, too; it’s just, like your usual tourist advice anywhere, yet definitely worth mentioning.

Changuu Island: From Prison to Paradise

Next on the list? Well, it was Prison Island, which has a, just a little, interesting history. They call it “Prison Island,” alright, but it actually, honestly, never really functioned as a proper prison. So, it was originally meant to be a place to, I mean, hold naughty prisoners, but that is that; it became a quarantine place for people with yellow fever. You go there on a short boat ride from Stone Town, and that’s a beautiful thing too.

The main draw is that you’ll find yourself next to the giant tortoises, many of which are over a hundred years old – like living relics. And so on, you can feed them (they, so to speak, really love the cabbage!) and take photos, yet just be really gentle; in fact, you should definitely respect these grand old creatures. Actually, there’s, very, like your smaller wildlife to see as well, and that’s exciting too, just like peacocks wandering about, that sort of thing.

Now, actually, you can get to do some snorkeling around the island. Very? The water is, very, extremely, like your usual crystal clear and, very, warm. There are so many colorful fish, which is absolutely stunning, as you might think! Renting snorkel gear is cheap and easy; actually, the guides can help you with it as a matter of fact, they tend to be willing to help if you look lost.

Recommendations:

Bring a bit of cash for snorkel gear rental and maybe some snacks.
Apply that sunblock very generously because, in fact, the sun there can be super strong and relentless and it gets you quickly.
Take some time just chilling on the beach; honestly, it’s pretty idyllic and something great too!

Nakupenda Beach: A Sandbank Dream

Then, actually, came Nakupenda Beach. The name actually, literally, translates to “I love you” in Swahili. Now, I am pretty sure you might also find yourself feeling the same way about it. Basically, the spot is really like this pristine sandbank that only exists during low tide. The boat pulls up, and so there you are: suddenly, it’s as if you’re standing in the middle of the ocean on this patch of, I mean, dazzling white sand. As I was saying, the water is, in fact, crystal clear, seemingly perfect for paddling, as you might imagine. This one? One for your Instagram account for sure.

Usually, the tour companies, like, you know, will set up a temporary camp with umbrellas and they also, you know, will provide a seafood lunch. Now, fresh grilled fish, lobster, calamari… It is also served right there on the beach and, honestly, what is not to love? While you’re there, do be sure you just kick back, swim, sunbathe and, so to speak, soak it all up. Actually, you feel really spoiled and, like your most relaxed version of yourself, honestly.

Recommendations:

Take beach shoes as a matter of fact because the sand can get rather hot when it comes down to it and in that sun!
Oh, and a hat. Protect yourself as much as you can. Really do that.
It’s definitely, extremely worth checking the tide times beforehand because, well, you just cannot see the sandbank at high tide. In other words, plan accordingly!

Mnemba Atoll: A Blue Safari Spectacle

The last part? In some respects, the final, really wonderful, splash was the Mnemba Atoll Blue Safari. You need to head up to the northeast coast of Zanzibar for this. What exactly will you get to see there? Well, the Mnemba Atoll is basically a marine conservation area; it is absolutely full of marine life. And yet, getting there is something to savor, the trip across is part of the buzz, if you catch my drift.

Now, actually, the snorkeling here is, like your absolutely next-level stuff. There are bright coral reefs. In addition, you can glimpse loads of different fish; really, everything’s down there. That tends to be a better option than diving, but it is totally cool to do if you’re certified; also, you might even, you know, spot dolphins, as you can imagine. A great spot, I tell you.

Lunch on a nearby island, maybe? So, usually, after all the swimming and, basically, snorkeling, you pull up onto a quiet beach for another freshly grilled seafood meal. Sitting there with the sand between your toes and, so, the sound of the waves? Well, it could be one of the most chill experiences imaginable. Honestly.

Recommendations:

Book with, you know, a responsible tour operator that cares for the environment and so on and respects marine life. Do check reviews carefully before you settle.
Use reef-safe sunscreen, please; these reefs are really delicate.
Consider, in some respects, bringing an underwater camera; so that you, I mean, get some memorable shots, you know.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, in a way. Our experience with the Stone Town, Prison Island, Nakupenda, and Mnemba Blue Safari tour in Zanzibar. Actually, it packed so much in. You get just a little culture, a lot of nature, some history, also just a really lovely experience overall; it is highly recommended.

Did everything go perfectly? Well, actually, there was a slight hiccup; we thought our boat might not turn up and we ended up chasing it, that is to say, they moved the pickup and we weren’t told, as simple as that, and you do need to sometimes be a little insistent about pickup locations, yet there really isn’t much room to criticize them generally.

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