Spice Tours in Zanzibar

An essential ingredient in a Zanzibari's everyday life, is in the island's connection to spices and herbs. Zanzibar and spice is a romantic entanglement that dates back to the 16th century. Apart from being an important commodity on the trade routes, spices are used in traditional dishes, as cures for ailments and even for dyeing traditional ceremonial outfits for weddings and festivals.

Essentially a trip to the farmlands just outside Stone Town, a spice tour is a fantastic way to see the countryside, take in rural Zanzibar and briefly connect with its people.

Guides take you on a walking tour of villages and spice plantations, walking you through the jungle as they climb trees, seek out specific plants and cut off various barks, letting you see, feel and taste everything.

The tour is a sensory experience and you'll be introduced to cinnamon, ylang-ylang, nutmeg and vanilla in their raw forms. The guides will educate you on each spice while local children follow you on the tour handing you palm-leaf accessories such as ties, rings, bracelets and glasses.

The tour usually ends with a meal that includes all the spices you've tasted, and often includes a visit to the Kidichi Persian Baths. The baths were built in 1850 by Sultan Seyyid Said as a gift to his Persian wife.

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