About this experience
Discover the rich heritage of Swahili cuisine and spice cultivation on the Swahili Spice Experience in Zanzibar. This immersive tour takes you to local spice farms where you can see, touch, and taste an array of spices like cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. Local guides provide insights into the cultivation and uses of these spices in traditional dishes and cosmetics. Enjoy a Swahili-style meal prepared with fresh spices, offering a true taste of East African culture. This experience beautifully intertwines history, culture, and gastronomy, showcasing Zanzibar’s legacy as the 'Spice Island'.
- Visit local spice plantations and learn about spice cultivation
- Taste a variety of spices and enjoy a Swahili-style meal
- Guided insights into traditional uses of spices in cuisine and medicine
- Experience the culinary highlight at Arnoldi's, rated 5 stars on Google
At a glance
- Duration: 4 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Main course + dessert + Spice Coffee or Spice Tea
Not included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- If you choose the self driving option, there is no transport included.
- Only coffee or tea is included, besides the lunch itself.
Itinerary and highlights
Your "Swahili Spice Experience" begins with a guided tour of one of Zanzibar's most famous spice farms.
Trained guides will show you how the spices grow and invite you to guess what you are seeing.
They will explain the processes the spices undergo before they are ready for sale at the market.
Engage your senses—smell and taste pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and much more.
A visit to a Zanzibari spice merchant gives you the chance to buy spices to take home; you won't find them any fresher.
"Arnoldi's on the Cliff" (rated 5 stars on Google) offers a stunning setting overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Your Spice Experience concludes here with a culinary highlight.
Embark on a culinary journey through Swahili cuisine and discover many of the spices you just saw growing on bushes or trees.
For dessert, enjoy Zanzibari *Kalimati*—a sweet, fluffy delight that ensures you won't forget this day.
"Spice Coffee" or "Spice Tea" is, of course, included in the price.
Do you have a rental car or prefer to make your own way there? Book the affordable "Self-Drive" option—featuring the same program described above, but with you driving yourself.
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See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please be there 10 minutes prior departure Old Fort Tourist Information
- For pickup please choose the according option in the booking process. You can also choose the self drive option where e don´t provide any transport but will give you instructions
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- The Swahili Spice Experience
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
You can also choose the self drive option where e don´t provide any transport but will give you instructions
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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