From Stone Town: Spice Tour of Zanzibar

If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar, you won’t want to miss the Spice Tour, as it is one of the most popular tours on the island. This 2.5-hour tour will take you on a journey through the spices and fruits of Zanzibar. You’ll learn about the history and uses of spices, as well as discover some tropical fruits you may have never seen before. Read on to learn more about how to plan your Spice Tour of Zanzibar.

Experience

This tour will immerse you in the heady world of the spices of Zanzibar. You will visit a small plantation where you will see where spices grow, including cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, Zanzibar’s cardamoms, cinnamon, curry, menthol, pepper, tamarind, and ginger. You will also see tropical fruits such as papayas, mangoes, and jackfruit. The tour guide will show you how these plants are grown and explain the different uses of each spice and fruit.

Highlights

The Spice Tour of Zanzibar has many highlights that you won’t want to miss. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Explore a small plantation where you can see how spices grow
• Learn what herbs and spices were originally used for
• Discover and taste some fresh tropical fruits
• End the tour with a visit to the spice shop on the farm, where you can buy fresh spices to use in your cooking at home

Full Description

The Spice Tour of Zanzibar takes approximately 2.5 hours, during which time you will visit a small plantation and explore the world of spices and fruits. Your knowledgeable tour guide will explain how the plants are grown, their history, and their uses. You will also be able to see how the spices are processed, which is fascinating in itself.

As you explore the plantation, you will come across different spices and fruits, including cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, Zanzibar’s cardamoms, cinnamon, curry, menthol, pepper, tamarind, ginger, and more. Your tour guide will explain the unique features of each spice and fruit, and you will have the opportunity to taste some of the fruits.

The Spice Tour of Zanzibar is not just about spices, though. You will also learn about the origins of spice plants and herbs and some uses to which they are put. For example, the neem tree leaves were used locally as a traditional cure for malaria and indigestion, while the iodine tree is still used to fight infections in wounds.

The tour culminates in a visit to the spice shop on the farm where you can buy fresh spices to use in your cooking at home. You can also purchase other souvenirs such as baskets, carvings, and jewelry.

How to Plan Your Spice Tour of Zanzibar

Booking your Spice Tour of Zanzibar is easy, and you can do it online. Simply visit the GetYourGuide website, select your preferred date and time, and follow the instructions to complete your booking.

The Spice Tour of Zanzibar includes the entrance fee, a guide, and all government taxes. It is also recommended that you bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera.

Conclusion

The Spice Tour of Zanzibar is a must-do activity if you’re traveling to Zanzibar. It is a unique and educational way to learn about the history and uses of spices and fruits, and you’ll have the opportunity to taste some fresh tropical fruits along the way. Book your tour today, and experience the magic of the Spice Tour of Zanzibar.

An Insider’s Guide to Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a magical place, full of rich culture, history, and beauty. It’s no surprise that many people come to explore this island paradise. There are many popular attractions like the Prison Island, Stone Town and the beaches. However, in this insider’s guide, we will unveil some hidden gems, local cuisines, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make your trip even more unforgettable.

Local Attractions: Off the Beaten Path

Although Zanzibar has a lot of well-known tourist attractions, there are some lesser-known treasures that won’t disappoint. In the southeast of the island, there is a small fishing village called Kizimkazi. This village has a unique attraction, where you can swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Another attraction in this area is the Kizimkazi Mosque, which is one of the oldest mosques on the island.

Another hidden gem is the Jozani Forest Reserve. It’s a sanctuary for the endangered red colobus monkeys, with a reserve offering a guided tour and trekking through the forest.

Dining Spots: Taste the Culture of Zanzibar

Zanzibar cuisine is a fusion of various influences like Arabic, Indian, and African on ingredients such as seafood, spices, and fruits. In Stone Town, the Forodhani Market is an evening seafood fair with many food vendors serving fresh grilled seafood like octopus, lobster, and fish. Zanzibar Pizza is a unique savory snack that can be found at any street food vendor in Stone Town’s narrow alley.

If you want to treat yourself to a more formal restaurant setting, The Rock Restaurant in Pingwe offers an unforgettable dining experience. It’s built on a rock in the ocean, which can only be reached when the tide is low.

Cultural Experiences: Embracing the Local Traditions

Zanzibar is a cultural melting pot, and this is evident through its architecture, art, music, and customs. One of the most significant events in Zanzibar’s cultural calendar is the Mwaka Kogwa Festival. This four-day celebration takes place every July in Makunduchi, where locals engage in traditional games, music, dancing, and feasting to welcome the new year.

In Stone Town, the Palace Museum was once the residence of the Zanzibar rulers and is now home to Zanzibar’s rich history and culture. The House of Wonders is another iconic landmark in Stone Town, representing Zanzibar’s distinctive blend of Arabic and Swahili architecture.

Local History: Fascinating Stories from the Past

Zanzibar’s history is vast, with influences from Arab traders, the Portuguese, and the British. While you are exploring Stone Town, visit the Old Fort, which was built by the Oman Arabs in the 17th century. During the British colonial era, it was used as a prison and now hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

Another interesting historical site is the Maruhubi Palace ruins, once a fully operational complex during the Sultan’s reign. Today, its ruins and artifacts recall a bygone era.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: For a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

For a unique and breathtaking experience, a hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable way to explore the island’s beauty from above. Floating over the island at sunrise is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

If you want to venture away from the island’s shores, Chumbe Island Coral Park offers an eco-tourism experience where you can snorkel through coral reefs, see marine wildlife and sea turtles.

In conclusion, there are many attractions to explore in Zanzibar. Visiting the less-touristy spots gives an intimate glimpse of its culture, history, local life and memories that will last a lifetime.