Super Zanzi Premium (3-in-1): Prison + Nakupenda + Stone Town

The “3 in 1” tour is a fantastic opportunity to see the main places of interest that are a must-see. The route of the tour of one day includes visits to three key sites of the archipelago. Positive emotions and vivid impressions are guaranteed!
Let’s not drag out the preface too long and go into more detail about each of the attractions you are about to encounter.
Prison Island – Zanzibar Prison Island (also known as Changu, Turtle Island, Prison or Prison Island) – for its very modest size has a very fascinating history.
Before the British came to Zanzibar, Arab slave traders were the masters of this part of the land. Prison was a staging post where captives were held before being transferred from one slave owner to another. The first minister of Zanzibar, Lloyd Matthews (a British naval officer sent to stop rebellions against the government and to stop the slave trade), thought it would be a very convenient and safe place to hold prisoners. But his idea was not destined to be realised. He built the prison, of course, but the prisoners never made it. Because of strong outbreaks of fever, the bastion was used as a quarantine zone for lepers, which was later closed. However, the name “island-prison” was firmly established.
Today Prison is a large protected area that is home to the giant Seychellois land tortoises, the Aldabras. In 1919, 4 tortoises were sent as a gift by the Governor of Seychelles, which were breeding quite actively and significantly increasing their population. But unfortunately, the people of Zanzibar gradually captured the tortoises for sale and consumption, thus putting them in danger of extinction. Nevertheless, thanks to an intensive fight against poachers, today the “Seychelles gift” has a population of several hundred individuals.
Turtles feel perfectly well in the reserve and do not cease to delight tourists. Their age is indicated on the shell, and at the moment the oldest turtle is approaching its two hundredth anniversary. It is not forbidden to feed the turtles, and during the morning and afternoon hours all visitors are given the opportunity to feed them with lettuce leaves.
The turtles enjoy being petted: if they are stroked on the neck, they stretch out quite a bit, swaying on their long legs. It is a very cute and amusing sight. A pleasant addition to the trip will be a meeting with graceful peacocks, strolling leisurely along the paths between holidaymakers. The most beautiful are the males with colourful feathers, which attract special attention of young guests.
The vanishing island of Nakupenda A romantic place with an equally romantic name. Translated from Swahili, Nakupenda means I love you. Chic beaches with soft white sand, emerging at low tide and sinking into deep waters at sunset. Masks and flippers await underwater enthusiasts. Countless sea urchins and starfish as well as schools of small fish inhabit the area around Nakupenda. Awnings are stretched on the territory of the island to protect holidaymakers from the scorching sun, and the preparation of lunch begins. By this time, everyone is usually quite hungry, so the local delicacies, exuding mind-boggling flavours, make you swallow your saliva impatiently. But you don’t have to wait long. Fish, squid, octopus, prawns, lobsters and light snacks, cold beer and the refreshing breeze of Nakupenda’s hospitable beach! Love Island is the perfect place to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and other milestones…..
Stone Town, (Swahili for “ancient city”) is the oldest part of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists are greeted by a labyrinth of narrow streets, some of which cannot even be squeezed through by an ordinary car. The spectacular architecture strikes the imagination by mixing elements of Persian, Arabic, Indian, African and European styles.
Here is the house where Freddie Mercury, the famous lead singer of Queen, was born and spent his youth. During the walking tour you will see the Forodani Gardens, where street food festivals are held in the evenings, and the Old Fort, which served as a prison and torture centre in the 19th century. The short tour of the historic centre ends with a visit to the House of Wonders, the city’s main architectural building. Until 1964 – before the unification of Zanzibar with Tanganyika, this building was the residence of local sultans.
To top off a busy programme, everyone has the opportunity to visit the colourful Darajani market, known for its abundance of aromatic spices and outlandish fruits.