Zanzibar Stone Town: History walk & spice farm with guide

Summary

Step into Zanzibar’s tangled history, then taste the island’s spice secrets

You’ll wind through Stone Town’s historic alleys with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story, touch centuries-old walls at the Old Fort, then head north for hands-on tasting at Zanzibar’s largest spice farm. Expect laughter over lunch and real conversations with locals — plus sensory moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“That door was built for an elephant,” our guide Musa said, pointing up at the House of Wonders in Stone Town. I squinted at the massive entrance — honestly, it did look wide enough for something much bigger than me. The old city felt like a maze, all narrow alleys and faded coral walls, with the air thick and salty from the sea. We wandered past women in bright kangas chatting quietly, and every so often I’d catch the scent of cloves or coffee drifting out from somewhere unseen. Musa told us about sultans and sailors, but also about his own childhood here — how he’d sneak mangoes from the market as a kid. I liked that part best.

The Old Fort was next, its stone walls rough under my hand (I touched it just to see). Inside, local artists had set up little stalls — paintings, carved wood, jewelry. It was noisy in a good way: kids laughing, someone tuning a guitar. Musa mentioned Freddie Mercury was born just around here; I tried to hum “Bohemian Rhapsody” but got shy halfway through. There’s something about walking these streets that makes you feel both like an outsider and somehow right in the middle of things.

After lunch (spicy rice and grilled fish at a tiny spot Musa recommended), we drove north to the spice farm. The air changed — greener, heavier somehow. A farmer named Salim handed me a leaf to crush between my fingers; it smelled sharp and sweet at once. We tasted fresh ginger (hot!), watched cinnamon bark being peeled off in curls, and tried to guess spices blindfolded — I failed miserably at nutmeg. Li laughed when I tried to say “karafuu” in Swahili; probably butchered it. But everyone was patient, even when rain started drumming on the tin roof above us.

I still think about that moment: standing under banana leaves while the rain came down hard, listening to Salim explain how every spice has its own story here on Zanzibar Island. The tour wasn’t perfect — my shoes got muddy and I forgot sunscreen — but honestly? That made it better somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stone Town and Spice Farm Tour

• Visit House of Wonders
• Explore Old Fort
• Learn about Freddie Mercury's birthplace
• Tour Spice Farm

Top questions

How long does the Stone Town & spice farm tour last?

The tour lasts about 6–7 hours including transportation time.

Is bottled water included during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is provided for participants.

Do I need to be very fit for this day trip?

No, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What historical sites are visited in Stone Town?

You’ll visit the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) and Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe).

Will we see how spices are grown on Zanzibar Island?

Yes, you’ll visit a large spice farm outside town to see growing and harvesting up close.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to pickup points.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout the tour as well as transportation between Stone Town and the spice farm; you’ll be guided by locals who share stories along the way before returning in the afternoon.