Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour: Taste, Smell & Pick the Spices That Gave the Island Its Name
Zanzibar was once the spice capital of the Indian Ocean, and the farms are still the best place to see where cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg come from. Here the guide hands you a leaf, a bark or a seed and asks you to guess what it is.
The spice farm tour is a half-day favourite with families, couples and anyone who wants to understand the island’s food and history.
Duration
Half day (2–3 hrs)
Tour Type
Cultural
Difficulty
Easy
Age
All Ages
Meals
Swahili Lunch (optional)
Drinks
Included
Guide
Local Expert
Pickup
Available
Overview
A farmer-guide walks you through the plantation, cutting and breaking spices so you can smell them fresh from the plant. You taste tropical fruits in season, learn how many spices were used as traditional medicine and see how a coconut climber scales a palm with a loop of rope.
Many farms also offer short crafts: expect a palm-leaf hat or bracelet made on the spot, which is a favourite with children. At the end you can buy spices directly from the growers, often at fairer prices than in town shops.
An optional Swahili lunch is served on the farm with rice, curries and coconut-based dishes. Tell us in advance about dietary needs.
Mosum Tours & Safaris is a Zanzibar-based operator with more than ten years of experience in ground handling. Our guides and drivers live on the island, know it well and are on WhatsApp from 8 AM to 9 PM every day.
Highlights
Fresh spices
Smell and taste them at the source
Tropical fruit
Seasonal tasting along the trail
Swahili lunch
Optional, cooked with farm ingredients
Local knowledge
Guides who grew up on these farms
Spice shopping
Buy direct from the growers
Traditional medicine
Plants used in island remedies
Coconut climber
A quick demonstration
Palm-leaf craft
Hats and bracelets made on the spot
Itinerary
Pickup
We collect you from your hotel and drive to a farm on the edge of Stone Town, a short ride for most visitors.
Welcome and farm walk
Meet your farmer-guide and start the walk through the plantation, tasting as you go.
Spices and fruits
Learn to recognise cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla and lemongrass, then sample the fruit of the season.
Demonstrations
Watch a coconut climber at work and see a palm-leaf hat take shape in a few minutes.
Lunch or shopping
Eat a Swahili lunch on the farm if you booked it, or buy spices to take home.
Return
Ride back to your hotel, or continue to Stone Town or the beach.
Price
Includes
- Professional guide
- All farm activities and tastings
- Bottle of water
- All government fees
- Hotel pickup and return (available for an extra cost)
Best Time to Visit the Spice Farm
This experience runs all year. The dry months, June to October and December to February, are the most comfortable for being outdoors. When it rains the paths can be muddy, so wear shoes with grip and bring a light rain jacket.
What Guests Say
The best tourist guide in Zanzibar!!
Very nice visit to Stone Town with Mohamed. Good explanation and Mohamed is very knowledgeable about Zanzibar's history. Recommended.
We were attended by Mohamed who provided us with impeccable service. Great driver, super polite and helpful! In addition to knowing Zanzibar very well and being a great guide!!!
Erg goede gids, wist veel te vertellen van Stonetown. Goed gezelschap!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the spice tour?
Most visits take two to three hours at the farm. With a lunch and the transfer, it becomes a half-day activity.
Is lunch included?
The Swahili lunch is optional and priced separately. Tell us when you book so the farm can prepare it.
Is it good for children?
Yes. Children enjoy tasting, sniffing and making the palm-leaf crafts. The paths are flat and shaded.
Can I buy spices?
Yes, directly from the growers at the end of the tour. There is no pressure to buy.
Can I combine it with Stone Town?
Absolutely. The spice farm and a Stone Town walk make an easy day, and the farms are close to town.
What should I wear?
Light clothes and closed shoes or sandals with grip. A small insect repellent helps in the shade.
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Book This Tour
Tell us your dates and group size and we will confirm availability, pickup time and the final price. Prefer to chat? Message the Mosum Tours & Safaris team on WhatsApp.