Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour in Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour

Outty Ranking 57 4.6 · 5 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $103
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour worth booking?

Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour is a 3-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $103 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (5)
Duration
3 hours
From
$103 per person

The Outty verdict

It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Zanzibar City, with an Outty Ranking of 57. At $103 it sits above the typical similar option ($46), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.

Prices and availability checked

Spices and herbs were originally introduced to Zanzibar by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, brought from their colonies in South America and India. This tour is a walking tour in a spice farm (shamba). While there, you shall see how the spices, herbs and fruits grow and are cultivated. Your tour guide will describe how the crops can be used. You will be smelling and tasting spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as clove, lemon grass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jack fruit, cardamom, cassava and oranges. After the tour you will enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch at the farm. Here is when you can really taste the different ways of using spices and some seasonal fruits that available. The tour finishes with a stop at a spice stall selling fresh packaged spices (cash only). The tour price already includes tips for farm workers, so you don't need to worry about it.

What you get

    About this experience

    Spices and herbs were originally introduced to Zanzibar by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, brought from their colonies in South America and India. This tour is a walking tour in a spice farm (shamba). While there, you shall see how the spices, herbs and fruits grow and are cultivated. Your tour guide will describe how the crops can be used. You will be smelling and tasting spices, herbs and tropical fruits such as clove, lemon grass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jack fruit, cardamom, cassava and oranges. After the tour you will enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch at the farm. Here is when you can really taste the different ways of using spices and some seasonal fruits that available. The tour finishes with a stop at a spice stall selling fresh packaged spices (cash only). The tour price already includes tips for farm workers, so you don't need to worry about it.

    What's included

    Included

    • Seasonal fruits
    • Transport by private vehicle

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Spice tasting, Spice Tour. seasonal fruit tasting

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, ru, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    ZAFRICA TOURS AND SAFARIS

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult

    Photos

    Kizimbani spice farms, Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour in Zanzibar CitySpice Princess posed for photo, Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour in Zanzibar CityOur Spice Guests with our Guide, Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour in Zanzibar CityFruits testing during Spice Tour, Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour in Zanzibar CityOur esteemed Guests with our Guide, Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour in Zanzibar CityOur esteemed Guests with our Guide, Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour in Zanzibar City

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    Virginia D · June 2023

    Fragrant, informative and enjoyable

    Our guide, Zamir from Madeira Travel and Tours of Zanzibar, took us to the Union Spice Farm which operates as part of a local village. The explanations of the spices and their growth stages and uses were very informative. Whilst we walked around the farm, Illi climbed trees to bring down samples and made us beautiful jewellery from the leaves and flowers, a very talented young man. As Australians, we could not take any spices home, but were shown the packaged soaps and perfumes that Australian customs will allow. There was no hard sell, which we really appreciated. Finally, Butterfly the showman performed a show demonstrating the benefits of coconuts and how to engage a multilingual audience.

    Response from the operator: Thanks a lot for your review, we are looking forward

    via Tripadvisor

    R8794IKsylvier · February 2023

    Visit of the spice farm

    Great visit with a francophone guide. It's a must-do. We learn how some of the spices we use every day are grown. We're discovering unknown fruits. Fruit and spice tasting at the end of the tour.

    Response from the operator: Thanks alot for your review, we are looking forward to meet you again

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    MaxAnsia · July 2022

    Spice tour 🌶️🥥🍍🍊

    Yesterday with my girlfriend we went on the spice tour. Our very young guide, who spoke Italian, showed us around the plantations. Every time we were stopped at a plant, it made us smell the leaves from our hand to see if we understood what fruit plant or spice it was. Later he explained the plant which it was and there had been the fruit you could also taste. It was a nice nature tour, no mosquitoes and in the end you could even buy spices. Towards the end of the tour they took us to see the butterfly man climbing to the top of the coconut palms. Then they give you a coconut to drink and eat... delicious. here tipping is almost mandatory

    Response from the operator: Grazie mille, siamo così felici che tu condivida il tuo bel ricordo di Zanzibar con il mondo intero, ovviamente siamo molto felici di ospitarti e servirti per vivere diverse attività a Zanzibar. Zanzibar sta bene e abbiamo colto l'occasione per accogliere tutti nelle nostre isole paradisiache. Molte grazie.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Bruce Thomas Ja... A · March 2020

    A day at a spice farm

    On the whole, the day was a little disjointed with the initial van not being large enough for our party, so we had to wait for an additional van to get there. The spice farm tour itself with James as our guide, was very interesting. He and his "assistant" showed us numerous spices in their natural form, how they grow, how they harvest them and uses for different parts of the plants. The assistant(s) wove hats, ties and headbands from fronds and presented them to us and there was an opportunity at one point to buy soap, lotions or oils and at another point to buy the herbs and spices in different forms. Because of the way it was segmented, it seemed that was always someone that should get a tip, and cumulatively it added up to a high percentage of the tour cost. James and his portion of the tour was very well done and informative....balance of the tour was average

    Response from the operator: Thanks a lot for finally to have your review, it was amazing Opportunity to have you as part of our tour, tip is not always necessary. Anyway we will work hard by following your review. Best Regards, Said Malik

    via Tripadvisor

    wearner1205 · July 2019

    Excellent Way to See your Spices As they Grow

    We visited the Spice farm in Zanzibar in February of 2019. It was a superb introduction to the many spices we use all the time. Who knew the size of a growing vanilla bean or how difficult it is to cultivate and how much manual labor is involved. we saw cloves on the tree, nutmeg, and cinnamon as bark. the guides were knowledgeable and easy to understand. One assistant was an expert weaver of palm leaves. I still have my tie.. this is a winning tour. I recommend it!!

    Response from the operator: It is our pleasure to finally see your review, we still remember the moment of your tour, we are so proud to serve best ever clients of your kind. Thanks for all your advice, we are looking forward to implement it. Thanks Mr & Mrs Earner. Best Regards, Said Malik.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)26
    Value for money (12% weight)28
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)47
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.

    How does Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour compare to similar tours in Zanzibar City?

    +

    It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Zanzibar City, with an Outty Ranking of 57. At $103 it sits above the typical similar option ($46), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.

    Who is Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour best for?

    +

    It suits families and couples best, based on its 3-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Is Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour good value?

    +

    It is a premium pick. It starts at $103, above the $46 typical for similar experiences in Zanzibar City.

    How much does Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $103 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zanzibar City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour take?

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    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zanzibar City is not rushed.

    Is Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zanzibar City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zanzibar City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zanzibar City and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zanzibar City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Zanzibar City?

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    On Outty we rank every Zanzibar City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide, 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour, Stone Town Private Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Zanzibar City?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Zanzibar City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour?

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    Included: Seasonal fruits; and Transport by private vehicle. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 215 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, Russian, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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