Experience · Zanzibar · Culture & food
Stone Town and Spice Farm
Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City, is a maze of narrow lanes, carved wooden doors and centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European history. A local guide brings it to life, before you head inland to the spice farms that made the island famous.
Enquire about this experienceDuration
Full day · about 7 hours
Starts from
Any hotel on Zanzibar
Best time
Year-round
Ideal for
History lovers, food lovers and families
History and spice
Stone Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its blend of cultures and architecture. On foot with a local guide, you wind through alleys too narrow for cars, past ornate brass-studded doors, mosques, temples and busy coffee stalls. You visit the Old Fort, the seafront, and the Darajani market, where fish, fruit and spices are traded. A sobering stop at the Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of the former slave market, tells the story of the East African slave trade and its abolition. After lunch you drive to a spice farm in the countryside, where you see, smell and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom and black pepper growing, and try tropical fruit in season.
Your experience
How the day unfolds
Can be split into two half days if you prefer a slower pace.
09:00 · Hotel pick-up
Meet your local guide and drive to Stone Town.
09:30 · Lanes and doors
Walk the old town, from the Old Fort to the seafront.
11:00 · Former slave market
Visit the memorial and cathedral on the site of the old market.
12:00 · Darajani market
Fish, fruit and spice stalls in the busiest market on the island.
13:00 · Lunch
Swahili lunch in town, then drive inland.
14:30 · Spice farm
Taste spices and fruit on a farm before returning to your hotel.
Included
— Local Stone Town guide
— Entrance fees on the walking route
— Spice farm tour and tasting
— Lunch
— Private transfers
Not included
— Drinks with lunch
— Spices and souvenirs
— Tips
Book this experience
Tell us where you are staying and which day suits you, and we will arrange a private guide.
Enquire now