Zanzibar Day Prison Island, Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch

Come and experience a unique place called Prison Island by enjoying the ride to the island on a traditional dhow and learning more about Zanzibar’s history. Prison Island gets its name from the prison built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to be isolated from the island.

The prison was previously owned by an Arab to house his rebellious slaves, the prison was never actually used, and the island is now home to a tortoise sanctuary and a hotel. Prison Island is 20 minutes away from Stone Town by boat and has spectacular coral reefs for you to enjoy. Giant tortoises shuffle through the trees, with the infinite patience that old age brings. Originally thought to be from the Comoros Islands and Seychelles, some of these tortoises are thought to be over 100 years old.

End your day in the true paradise of the Nakupenda Sandbank where you will enjoy a lunch, fruits and soft drink. Nakupenda means “I love you” in Swahili, the local language of Tanzania. The moment you see and step foot on this sandbank you will fall in love with this little island. Discover the beautiful underwater world around this sandbank with snorkelling and greet all the little colourful fishes, other sea life and the most magical reefs.