The Island Spices & Herbs

The history of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which are an essential ingredient in a Zanzibari’s everyday life, it is the island’s connection to spices and herbs. Zanzibar and Spice is a romantic entanglement that dates back to the 16th century. Apart from being an important commodity on the trade routes. They can be seen in the plantations just outside Zanzibar town, this is also a fantastic opportunity to see the countryside and rural areas of Zanzibar and also connect with local people. Follow the scent of spices like vanilla, cloves, turmeric, nutmeg and cinnamon, as you drive through the lush greenery of the island’s spice growing areas. Thrown into this heady mix, are those areas where a variety of intriguing plants and shrubs including the iodine plant, henna bush, ylang ylang and the red fruit of the lipstick tree are grown for medicinal purposes and cosmetics. Your senses will be tantalised by the sight, smell, and taste of an exotic cocktail of tropical seasonal fruits, such as green coconut juice, jack fruit, pineapple, banana, and love apple. A walk through the farms as spice farms workers climb trees, seek out specific plants and cuts off various barks, letting you see, feel and taste everything. You will be decorated with palm-leaf accessories such as ties, rings, bracelets and glasses. At the Spice farms, you will have an opportunity to taste some of the exotic fruits of Zanzibar. At the Spice farms are the best place to buy fresh spices directly from the source.