Explore the cultural heritage of Zanzibar

Visitors feeding a giant tortoise on Prison Island

PRISON ISLAND TOUR

Used briefly as a prison for rebellious slaves and then as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases, Prison Island is now a picturesque island home to a colony of giant tortoises. Visitors to the island can enjoy a stroll around the island or snorkeling in the gin-clear turquoise waters. The nearby sandbank, Nakupenda Island, is also worth a visit. From Xanadu, it is about 1-hour drive to Stone Town and another half an hour ride by boat.

Spice Farm Tour

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island which derives from its former important status as a spice exporter, a trade that still exists but has been declining in recent years. Spice farms offer an interesting insight into the local cuisine, showing exotic spices in their natural habitat while also offering the guests a taste of the Swahili cuisine. The spice farms are about 60-70 minutes drive from Xanadu.

Spice farm guide showing leaves on a branch

Fresh vegetables displayed at a Zanzibar market

Market vendor sorting bundles of fresh herbs

Baskets filled with dried spices and grains at a market

Spice farm guide smelling leaves on a plant

Fresh green leaves held during a Zanzibar spice farm tour

STONE TOWN TOUR

Stone Town is the historic quarter of the main city of Zanzibar and a fascinating maze of alleys with each corner displaying another narrative of its Arabic and European history. Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being an outstanding example of a Swahili trading town, the early 19th century city offers famous attractions such as House of Wonders, Forodhani Gardens, and the Anglican Cathedral which was one of world‘s last open slave markets, as well as a range of markets, souvenir shops, and restaurants. A guided tour of the historic centre of Stone Town is a must for every visitor to Zanzibar and is about 1 hour drive from Xanadu.