Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Swahili Cooking Class Experience

Summary

Private Zanzibar Spice Tour and Swahili Food Workshop

You’ll get your hands dirty harvesting spices and cooking real Swahili dishes alongside locals on this private Zanzibar tour. Taste everything fresh—from vanilla pods to coconut milk—and learn stories behind every flavor. It’s not just a tour; it’s an invitation into daily island life.

What’s the experience like?

The air hit me first—warm, thick with the smell of crushed cloves and something sweet I couldn’t place. We’d barely stepped off the van when our guide, Juma, handed us a sprig of fresh cinnamon leaf to rub between our fingers. He laughed when I guessed wrong (I thought it was bay leaf). The farm itself isn’t huge, but every corner hides something new: glossy nutmeg seeds, vanilla vines curling up old trees, peppercorns dangling in little green clusters. There’s this gentle hum from bees somewhere nearby and the occasional rooster crowing in the distance. If you’re into food or just curious about where flavors come from, this place is a goldmine.

After wandering through rows of cardamom and picking at starfruit straight from the tree (tart, juicy—nothing like the supermarket), we met Mama Africa under a shady mango tree. She’s got this easy laugh that makes you feel like you’ve known her for years. She showed us how to strip cassava leaves for stew and crack open coconuts with one swift whack—my attempt was less graceful, but she didn’t mind. Making coconut milk by hand is messier than I expected; my hands smelled like sweet cream for hours after. Lunch was simple but full of flavor: rice pilau spiced with what we’d picked earlier, cassava greens simmered in coconut milk, and grilled plantains on the side. Before heading out, a young guy shimmied up a palm tree barefoot to grab us fresh coconuts—cold juice right from the shell hits different when it’s that hot outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zanzibar Spice Farm and Cooking

• Visit organic spice farm tour
• Meet Mama Africa and cook Swahili food

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?

Yes! The farm paths are flat and wide enough for strollers or wheelchairs, and everyone can join in at their own pace.

Can I buy spices to take home?

Absolutely—there’s a small shop at the end where you can pick up freshly packed spices straight from the farm.

What if I have food allergies?

No problem—just let your guide know ahead of time so they can adjust recipes or ingredients during the cooking session.

What’s included

Your private ride to and from the farm is sorted. All entrance fees are covered, plus lunch made right there with what you help harvest. Taxes are included too—no surprises at checkout.