Portuguese merchants first brought herbs and spices to Zanzibar in the 16th century, sourced from their territorial holdings in India and South America.

This experience involves a guided stroll through a spice farm, or ‘shamba,’ where you will observe different types of fruits, spices, and herbs being grown and harvested. Your guide will explain each crop’s purposes and uses.

Get ready to smell and taste a variety of spices, fruits, and herbs like clove, lemon grass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jack fruit, cardamom, cassava, and oranges. Following the tour, a traditional Swahili lunch will be served on the farm, giving you an opportunity to savor the unique combinations of spices and try some in-season fruits.

The tour concludes with a visit to a spice stand selling freshly packaged spices (cash purchases only). The cost of the tour covers gratuities for the farm workers, so there’s no need for additional tips.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult