Spice Tours in Zanzibar

An essential ingredient in a Zanzibari's everyday life, is 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 a spice tour just outside Stone Town is a fantastic way to see the countryside, take in rural Zanzibar and connect with its people.

Spice tours in Zanzibar include a guided walking tour of villages and spice plantations, a walk through the jungle as your guide climbs trees, seeks out specific plants and cuts off various barks, letting you see, feel and taste everything.

A Zanzibar spice 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.

Zanzibar spice tours usually end 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.