Mamas of Zanzibar: Unique Cultural & Culinary Experience
5.0
39 Ratings
Zanzibar

Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle of Zanzibar and indulge in delicious traditional cuisine with Mamas of Zanzibar. Experience a non-touristy, authentic, and engaging cultural adventure!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • V6X8+CP5 - 09:00 Arriving + Greet and Meet
    09:15 Menu Introduction + Day Routine
    09:30 Heading to Local Market
    10:15 Back at Pishi HQ to prepare for cooking
    10:30 - 11:30 Prepare cooking Items + Cooking Classes
    11:30 - 12:00 Free time as we arrange for lunch + Explore the neighbourhood + Discover the boutique Shop + Henna Painting
    12:15 Lunch…
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What's Included
  • Authentic hands-on training by a traditional Zanzibari woman
  • Finish with a delightful home-cooked lunch
  • Complimentary glass of juice included
  • Explore the local fish market
  • Take-home easy-to-follow recipes
  • Variety of drinks available
  • Tasty snacks provided
What's Not Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
Meal Options
  • Fresh Fish - Fish from the local market
  • Grounded Cassava Leaves in Coconut - Served with Rice
  • Sweet Banana in coconut
Additional Information

Ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the native lifestyle of Zanzibar, bonding with the charming locals and savouring the mouth-watering Island dishes? Hope for an authentic and less commercialized Zanzibar adventure?
Welcome aboard to Mamas of Zanzibar :-) Here, we reveal a side of Zanzibar which is typically untouched by travellers - a community life…

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Location
V6X8+8H Zanzibar
Our Home. Enter the road to Ngalawa Hotel at Meli Nane. Follow the dirt road past the bump, on the first turn, go right. Head down the small slope, right infront there is a house with a red gate. Please call us when you reach here to come collect you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(39 Ratings)
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Nicole_h
Oct 7, 2024
Thank you!! Everyone should Experience this tour while in Zanzibar. 100000/10. - I would travel far and wide to experience this tour again. Maskat and the mamas made me feel like family.
Review provided by Viator
Samantha_m
Sep 25, 2024
Fabulous experience…best thing we did! - We had a fabulous morning with marvellous mamas, so friendly and welcoming. We shopped at the market for our ingredients then all prepared the most delicious meal. If you’re considering booking, do it! You won’t regret it!
Review provided by Viator
Deanna_h
Sep 22, 2024
Unforgettable experience!! - The Mamas of Zanzibar Cooking Experience was absolutely incredible from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, everyone was so warm and welcoming, making us feel like part of their community. The day started with a walk to the local market, which was such an authentic experience. We picked out the freshest ingredients, learning about the local produce as we went along. What made the experience even more special was returning with the mamas to actually prepare the food ourselves. They were so patient and knowledgeable, guiding us step-by-step through traditional Zanzibar recipes. Along the way, they shared their personal stories and the rich history of their culture, adding so much depth to the experience. The food we made was beyond delicious—flavorful, vibrant, and authentic. I can't express enough how amazing it felt to be a part of this. I would recommend this 1,000 times over to anyone who loves food, culture, and unique experiences. Truly unforgettable!
Review provided by Viator
William_d
Sep 3, 2024
Best experience in Zanzibar - A great story of how the Mama’s of Zanzibar started. It was also the best meal we had on our trip. Overall, a fantastic experience.
Review provided by Viator
784juliettea
Jul 19, 2024
Highly recommended experience ! - We loved the Mamas of Zanzibar experience! The Mamas were all very welcoming and friendly. After having been dressed in traditional clothing we went to the local market to get the ingredients needed for cooking the dishes. Back at the kitchen we had coffe and snacks and we prepared a lot of tasty dishes that we enjoyed all together later. The food was delicious and the whole experience was so wholesome. The story behing Mamas of Zanzibar is touching and we enjoyed being part of the comunity for a day. Next time we’re in Zanzibar we’ll visit again! Thank you Mamas!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vicki_w
Jul 9, 2024
Wonderful Culinary Experience in Zanzibar - What a fun culinary experience this was. The Mamas were such a joyous bunch of ladies. I enjoyed every minute & great insight into local life plus the food was delicious. Would totally recommend this tour the best tour i did during my stay in Stone Town.
Review provided by Viator
S4465acrachelb
Jul 7, 2024
Wonderful experience - A truly wonderful experience, full of soul and fun. Had a great time going to the market, learning how to use an mbuzi, sharing cooking skills and seeing how women prepare food for their family. Our lunch was one of the tastiest meals we had during our holiday. This community based project directly improves the lives of the women involved. You'll have a memorable time, so do go along.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O3669xuellenb
Jul 1, 2024
Highlight of our holidau - We visited Masket and the Mama's of Zanzibar, and had a lovely morning cooking with them as well as learning about their lives and culture. Masket was happy to arrange for us to be picked up from our hotel, which made things a lot easier for us. When we arrived we received a very warm welcome from the mamas and soon got involved with making chapatis, preparing coconuts and vegetables, and cooking rice and fish dishes. The mamas made us tea, coffee and snacks, which we shared during breaks in the cooking. At the end of the morning we ate lunch with Masket, her family and the mamas. The food was delicious, we'll definitely be making the chapatis at home! Masket shared her and the mamas story, the work they're doing to improve the lives of those in the community is amazing, and it was great to be able to support this. We felt so safe and welcomed throughout the whole time, Masket and the mamas put so much effort into good hygiene and hospitality throughout the class. At the end we bought a khanga with a Swahili phrase on it, which turned out to translate as "marriage can be a livelihood if you manage it" which matched us being on honeymoon! The trip was one of the highlights of our holiday, it was relaxed, we learnt so much from the mamas and really enjoyed being part of an authentic experience. Asante sana!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisaby532yc
Jun 20, 2024
The best cooking class in Zanzibar! - Incredible experience, we were so well received, beyond a cooking class it is a real immersion in the daily life of the Mamas. It was a moment of sharing, authentic, in joy and good humor. I recommend with my eyes closed, thanks again to Mamas of Zanzibar!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fehintolaa5
Oct 9, 2024
Good experience, don't wear nails - I enjoyed this experience, although I could have enjoyed it more if I got to cook. Unfortunately, they didn't allow me to do as much with my friend because I had on fake nails. I cook at home with my nails, and while I understand the potentially hygienic implications of fake nails, I believe a disclaimer should have been included while booking. I was wearing press ons. If I had known beforehand, I would have removed them. Or, I could have skipped altogether.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $109
From $109
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).