SPICE TOUR Zanzibar

Spice Tour Zanzibar: A Journey of Aromas and Flavors

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, a name that reflects its rich history and culture as a major producer and exporter of spices such as clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. The spice trade was introduced to Zanzibar by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and later flourished under the Omani sultans who ruled the island for over two centuries.

Today, Zanzibar still grows and sells a variety of spices, herbs, and fruits, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of its spice farms.

A spice tour Zanzibar is one of the most popular and rewarding activities that you can do on the island. It is a great way to learn about the history, culture, and cuisine of Zanzibar, as well as to enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of its flora and fauna.

A spice tour Zanzibar will take you to a local farm, where you will be guided by a knowledgeable and friendly guide who will show you how the spices, herbs, and fruits are grown, harvested, and used. You will also get to sample some of the fresh and delicious produce, and even try some traditional dishes cooked with the spices.

What to expect from a spice tour Zanzibar

A spice tour Zanzibar is a fun and educational activity that will take you to a local spice farm, where you will see, smell, touch, and taste various spices, herbs, and fruits. A typical spice tour Zanzibar lasts for about 2.5 hours, and includes the following:

Transfer: Most spice tours in Zanzibar include a transfer from your hotel or accommodation to the spice farm and back. The transfer takes about 15 to 30 minutes each way, depending on the traffic and the location of the spice farm.

Introduction: Once you arrive at the spice farm, the guide will give you a brief overview of the spice tour Zanzibar. Our guide will also give you a basket and a hat to use during the spice tour Zanzibar. The basket is for collecting the spices, herbs, and fruits that you will sample, and the hat is for protecting you from the sun and the rain.

Walk: The main part of the spice tour Zanzibar is the walk through the spice farm, where you will see how the spices, herbs, and fruits are grown, harvested, and processed.Our guide will explain the names, origins, uses, and benefits of each plant, and show you how to identify them by their leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, or barks.

You will also get to smell and taste some of the fresh and dried produce, and learn how they are used in cooking, medicine, cosmetics, and rituals.

Some of the plants that you will see on a spice tour Zanzibar include:

Clove: Zanzibar is famous for its clove production, which was once the main source of income for the island. Clove is a dried flower bud that has a strong and aromatic flavor.

It is used as a spice in food and drinks, as well as a medicine for toothache, sore throat, and digestive problems.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a seed that is enclosed in a hard shell, which is covered by a red membrane called mace. Nutmeg has a warm and sweet flavor, and is used as a spice in desserts, beverages, and savory dishes. It is also used as a medicine for insomnia, pain, and inflammation.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a bark that is peeled from a tree and dried into sticks or powder. Cinnamon has a sweet and spicy flavor, and is used as a spice in pastries, tea, coffee, and rice. It is also used as a medicine for diabetes, cholesterol, and infections.

Vanilla: Vanilla is a pod that is harvested from an orchid and cured in the sun. Vanilla has a sweet and fragrant flavor, and is used as a flavoring in ice cream, cakes, chocolate, and perfume. It is also used as a medicine for stress, anxiety, and depression.

Cardamom: Cardamom is a pod that contains small black seeds. Cardamom has a pungent and citrusy flavor, and is used as a spice in curries, rice, and tea. It is also used as a medicine for bad breath, nausea, and asthma.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a root that is ground into a yellow powder. Turmeric has a bitter and earthy flavor, and is used as a spice in soups, stews, and sauces. It is also used as a medicine for inflammation, arthritis, and skin problems.

Black pepper: Black pepper is a berry that is dried and crushed into a powder. Black pepper has a hot and peppery flavor, and is used as a spice in almost every dish. It is also used as a medicine for colds, coughs, and digestion.

Ginger: Ginger is a root that is sliced or grated into a paste. Ginger has a spicy and zesty flavor, and is used as a spice in stir-fries, soups, and tea. It is also used as a medicine for nausea, motion sickness, and arthritis.

Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a grass that is chopped or bruised into a paste. Lemongrass has a lemony and refreshing flavor, and is used as a spice in curries, salads, and tea. It is also used as a medicine for fever, headache, and infection.

Coconut: Coconut is a fruit that is cracked open to reveal the white flesh and the water inside. Coconut has a sweet and nutty flavor, and is used as a food and drink in various forms, such as milk, oil, cream, and sugar. It is also used as a medicine for dehydration, skin, and hair.

Lunch: After the walk, you will be treated to a delicious lunch at the spice farm, where you can enjoy some of the traditional dishes cooked with the spices that you have seen and tasted. The lunch usually consists of rice, chapati, curry, salad, and fruits, as well as some local drinks, such as coconut water, ginger tea, or spiced coffee. The lunch is a great opportunity to savor the flavors of Zanzibar and to chat with your guide and fellow travelers.

 

PShopping: After the lunch, you will have some time to shop for some souvenirs at the spice farm.

Some of the dishes that you can try on a spice tour Zanzibar are:

Seafood curry: A rich and creamy dish made with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and other spices, and cooked with fresh fish, shrimp, squid, or crab. Seafood curry is a popular dish in Zanzibar, as the island has abundant and diverse seafood resources

Fish biryani: A fragrant and flavorful dish made with basmati rice, saffron, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices, and layered with fried fish, potatoes, eggs, and raisins. Fish biryani is a common dish in Zanzibar, as it reflects the influence of Indian cuisine on the island

Grilled lobster: A simple and delicious dish made with fresh lobster, butter, garlic, lemon, and parsley, and grilled over charcoal. Grilled lobster is a delicacy in Zanzibar, as it showcases the quality and freshness of the lobster.

Zanzibar pizza: A street food snack that resembles a stuffed pancake, made with flour, eggs, cheese, onion, tomato, and meat or vegetables, and fried on a hot plate. Zanzibar pizza is a popular food among locals and tourists alike, as it offers a variety of flavors and fillings .

Spice cake: A sweet and moist cake made with flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and a blend of spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla. Spice cake is a traditional dessert in Zanzibar, as it showcases the island’s spice heritage .

Some of the frequently asked questions about spice tour Zanzibar are:

What to expect from a spice tour Zanzibar?

You can expect to see, smell, touch, and taste various spices, herbs, and fruits on a spice farm, guided by a knowledgeable and friendly guide. You can also expect to enjoy a delicious lunch cooked with the spices, and shop for some souvenirs at the spice farm

 

What to bring and wear for a spice tour Zanzibar?

You should bring and wear comfortable and appropriate clothing that will protect you from the sun, the rain, and the insects. You should also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm. You can also bring water shoes or flip-flops if you plan to swim or snorkel after the spice tour Zanzibar

What else can I do in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is a beautiful and diverse island that offers many attractions and activities for visitors. You can enjoy the stunning beaches and coral reefs, where you can swim, snorkel, or dive. You can also visit the historical and cultural sites, such as Stone Town, the House of Wonders, and the Slave Market. You can also experience the local cuisine and nightlife, which are influenced by the Arab, Indian, and African cultures. Zanzibar is a place that will enchant you with its charm and diversity.

How to book the Spice Tour Zanzibar

Booking a Spice Tour Zanzibar is easy and convenient. You can either call us directly +255747211680 or chat with us on WhatsApp

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