SPICE TOUR
- Country: Tanzania
- Location: Zanzibar
- Language Spoken: Swahili
- Area (Km): UNDEF
- Visa Requirement: yes
A spice tour is a multi-sensory, ~3-4 hour excursion in rural Zanzibar that explores its history and ongoing cultivation of spices and tropical fruits
A spice tour is a multi-sensory, ~3-4 hour excursion in rural Zanzibar that explores its history and ongoing cultivation of spices and tropical fruits, including cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and jackfruit.
Tourists journey through plantations with guides, engage with local farmers, learn about the historical spice trade, and often enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch and fruit tasting as part of the experience.
What to expect on a spice tour
- A sensory walk through the farm: An experienced local guide will lead you on a walking tour through a lush spice farm. You'll get to see how different spices and tropical fruits grow and learn about their cultivation, uses, and history.
- Engaging the senses: A key feature of the tour is the ability to interact with the spices directly. Guides will encourage you to taste, smell, and touch spices right from the source, giving you an unforgettable aromatic experience.
- Diverse spices and fruits: You can expect to encounter a wide variety of plants, including:
- Spices: Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, and ginger.
- Tropical fruits: Papaya, jackfruit, custard apple, mango, and rambutan.
- Cultural demonstrations: Many tours include demonstrations of traditional techniques. This can feature a coconut palm climber performing the Swahili song "Jambo" as he scales a tree and brings down fresh coconuts for visitors to try.
- Culinary experience: A number of tours offer a cooking demonstration or a traditional Swahili lunch, allowing you to taste the spices used in local dishes like pilau rice.
- Opportunity to buy spices: At the end of the tour, you can often buy fresh, local spices, soaps, and other products directly from the farm.
