Spices at Zanzibar

Spice Tour

There is a reason that Zanzibar is called ’The Spice Island’. The Island is world famous for its spices and massive amounts of spices have been exported from Zanzibar to the rest of the world. Spices are a significant part of both the history and economy of Zanzibar.

If you visit the markets around the island, you will see baskets and baskets filled with exotic spices. And if you go on a spice tour, you get a unique opportunity to escape the city life of Stone Town and visit the small local villages of the island.

On these tours you will see everything from small kitchen gardens to large plantations around Kizimbani and Kindichi. During the tour, a guide will introduce the different spices and pick leaves from the spice plants. You will be able to smell, feel, see and taste the exotic spices - for example cinnamon, cardamom, lemongrass, vanilla, pepper and clove – depending on the season, you can smell and taste up to 50 different spices and fruits on a tour.

Besides being guided through the look and taste of the different spices, you will also be treated to stories of local customs and superstition related to the plants of Zanzibar. Furthermore, you will learn how the spices are used in food and medicine.

While taking a spice tour, you have a perfect opportunity to enjoy a local meal so you can experience firsthand how the spices are used in Swahili cuisine.

A spice tour in Zanzibar can last anywhere from half a day to a whole day.