Spice farm Tour
Zanzibar has long been known as the “Spice Island,” thanks to its rich history in the global spice trade. A visit to one of its many spice farms offers a firsthand look at the plants behind the flavors that once drew explorers and merchants from around the world. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla all thrive in the fertile soil of the island’s interior—and they’re still cultivated today using traditional methods. There are even spice farms just 7 km from Kiwengwa, making them easily accessible for a half-day trip.
On a guided tour, you’ll walk through lush plantations while local farmers pick leaves, seeds, and bark straight from the trees to let you touch, smell, and even taste the spices in their raw form. The experience is hands-on and deeply interactive—suddenly, what you knew only from the kitchen becomes a living, breathing plant. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the work behind every spice jar at home.
Spice tours are more than just sightseeing—they’re a window into local life and knowledge passed down through generations. Guides often share stories about the traditional uses of spices in Swahili medicine, cuisine, and rituals. You might also learn how certain herbs are used to make natural perfumes, dyes, or remedies. These insights make the tour not only flavorful but also culturally enriching.
Most tours end with a traditional Swahili meal prepared with spices straight from the farm. It’s a chance to taste the very ingredients you’ve just learned about, in dishes cooked by local chefs. Many farms also sell fresh spice packages, teas, and oils, so you can take a piece of Zanzibar home with you. Supporting these farms helps sustain local communities and keeps Zanzibar’s spice heritage alive.