Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson

Zanzibar , Tanzania

Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson

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About this experience

On this food and spices tour with traditional Swahili lunch, you will learn about the Zanzibari spice culture! A spice tour on a local farm and afterwards a tour in a nearby village are included. A local woman will show you how she does farming, and together you will collect cassava leafs for a local coconut milk based sauce. You will cook the sauce together in her outdoor kitchen, and then eat a whole delicious local lunch in the village, sitting down, as Zanzibaris traditionally do.

Available options

Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson

What's included

Private transportation

Pilau rice, fish, salad, cooked banana, coconut sauce, vegetables and fruits

Exotic fruits tasting

Tea and drinking water

Cooking lesson

Detailed itinerary

We leave from Stone Town (or anywhere else when agreed), and start with a tour on the spice farm. You will smell & taste different spices and fruits, and learn how they are cultivated and used. You will also get cultural insights about how they are used in Swahili cuisine as medication and beauty products.

Then you can enjoy some fresh seasonal fruits before heading to the nearby village with a car (5-minute ride).

Enjoy a short walking tour in the village to see how the houses are built and how people live. Then we meet with a local woman who will show how she cultivates cassava, and you can also try your skills as an African farmer. We collect some cassava leaves, and head to her home for an outdoor kitchen cooking lesson.

The vegetarian sauce requires to first make coconut milk from fresh coconuts, which is the base of many Swahili foods. Then we cook the vegetables, and eat the sauce with a locally cooked delicious lunch outside.

Available languages

Guide guide

AR DE RU EN IT PL FR ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your guide with signboard will be standing in front of the Old Fort Mail door waiting for you.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. This semi-autonomous region of Tanzania offers a unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Top Attractions

Stone Town

The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant markets.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Prison Island

A small island known for its giant Aldabra tortoises and historical significance as a former slave prison.

Historical/Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee and boat ride)

Nungwi Beach

One of Zanzibar's most famous beaches, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Beach Full day Free to access, activities vary

Jozani Forest

Zanzibar's only national park, home to the rare Red Colobus monkey and diverse birdlife.

Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee and guide)

Kizimkazi

A historic village known for its ancient mosques and dolphin tours.

Cultural Half day Moderate (dolphin tour fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Urojo

A spicy Zanzibari soup made with cassava, potatoes, and sometimes meat or seafood, served with coconut and chili sauce.

Snack Vegetarian option available

Coconut Rice

Rice cooked with coconut milk, often served with fish or meat.

Main Vegetarian option available

Zanzibar Pizza

A local street food item made with a thin, flaky pastry filled with eggs, meat, and vegetables, cooked on a griddle.

Snack Customizable to dietary preferences

Biriyani

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and sometimes vegetables, influenced by Indian cuisine.

Main Vegetarian option available

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Island hopping Spice tours Dolphin tours Beach relaxation Sunset cruises Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the island.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Swahili, English
Widely spoken: Arabic, Indigenous languages
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Use common sense and take precautions to ensure a safe trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxi services.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport • 5 km from Stone Town

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Useful for reaching popular destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Stone Town Nungwi Kendwa Jambiani

Day trips

Pemba Island

100 km • Full day to overnight

Known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and spice plantations, Pemba Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Chumbe Island

12 km • Full day

A small island known for its coral reef sanctuary and lighthouse, offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Mafia Island

150 km • Overnight

Known for its remote beaches, excellent fishing, and whale shark sightings, Mafia Island offers a more secluded and adventurous experience.

Festivals

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) • July Mwaka Kogwa • July Zanzibar Carnival • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
Hire a local guide for spice tours and historical sites to gain deeper insights.
Visit the Forodhani Gardens night market for a taste of local street food.
Book a sunset cruise for a romantic and memorable experience.
Explore the island's diverse regions, from the bustling Stone Town to the serene beaches of Kendwa and Jambiani.