city: Tanzania

Historic Stone Town & Prison Island

A melting pot of African, Indian, European and Arabic influences, Stone Town is a fascinating place to explore. Take a tour of this UNESCO-listed site and you'll be regaled with tales of famous residents, polish your haggling skills in the market, then visit the infamous Prison Island – a former slave colony now home to families of giant tortoise.Follow your guide on a tour of the Zanzibar capital and you'll stop by must-sees like the old slave market and Forodhani Gardens – a small park that boasts big views over the city. Practice your bargaining skills in Darajani bazaar and hear about famous residents of the city such as Farrokh Bulsara – also known as Freddie Mercury. There's also a pitstop at the Tanzanite museum, where you'll explore the history of Tanzania's famous Tanzanite gemstone, a unique treasure found only in the country.With a name like Prison Island, you'll be surprised at what a little slice of heaven this is. Now a conservation site for rare giant tortoise, you can meet the creatures, chill out on the beach and take a dip in the Indian Ocean. And, before catching the boat back to shore, you'll also have time to visit the island's museum, where you can learn more surrounding its history.