Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour
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 $20 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, 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
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (5)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $20 per person
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 ther
What you get
- Seasonal fruits
- Transport by private vehicle
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
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
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 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe 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.
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
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)
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)
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
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
- 10+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $20 to $103
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour cost?
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Prices start at $20 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?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". 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?
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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?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Zanzibar Aromatic Spice Farms Tour?
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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?
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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?
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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 Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included, 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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