Combined Trip – Spice Farm, Prison Island & Stone Town

Tour Overview

Spice Farm

Your program will start in the morning after breakfast at 9:30 AM when you will be picked up from the hotel to visit the spice farm where you will explore and see different types of spices and how they grow, plus taste the seasonal fruits. Then you will be heading to Prison Island for water activities and later back to Stone Town for a city tour.

The Spice Tour is one of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar, the Spice Island. Zanzibar was one of the world's leading producers of spices such as clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The tour takes you to an organic farm with a wide variety of plants available year-round. You don't just see, you also touch, smell, and taste.

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 of 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, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconuts, papaya, chili, black pepper, jackfruit, 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.

Prison Island

Prison Island (Changuu Island) is where the giant tortoises are found relaxing on the beach shrubs. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary is a major tourist attraction and the oldest tortoise is 200 years old. The tortoises are not indigenous but are magnificent creatures, weighing an average of 200 kg, with some being over 100 years old. You will enjoy a nature trail and then proceed to Stone Town for a city tour where you can see the historical sites, slave markets, daily markets, narrow streets, and shopping areas.

Stone Town

The historic capital city of Zanzibar is Stone Town, a prominent city with an impressive cultural heritage and history dating back to the 19th century. Zanzibar reflects a mixture of diverse cultural influences from Arabian, Indian, Persian and European cultures. It was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000. This fascinating old city offers so many nice markets, restaurants, and historical sightseeing opportunities.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the history-rich Prison Island and learn about its former residents
• Admire the island's array of wildlife including tortoises, peacocks, and antelopes
• Snorkel in the crystal clear waters in search of coral reefs
• This fascinating old city offers many nice markets, restaurants, and historical sightseeing
• Tour takes you to an organic farm with a wide variety of plants year-round
• Touch, smell, and taste exotic spices and tropical fruits
• Enjoy traditional Swahili lunch at the farm

Important Notes

Departure & Return Location

Hotel pickup from your accommodation in Zanzibar. Transfers to and from your hotel are included.

Tour Includes

• Transfer: hotel pick up and drop off
• Snorkeling gear (Life Jacket, Mask & Flippers)
• Professional Tour guide
• Boat ride
• Entry fees to all attractions

Tour Excludes

• ✕ Lunch
• ✕ Additional beverages
• ✕ Tips and gratuities
• ✕ Optional activities

Activities

• Walking safari (Prison ruins & Stone Town)
• Feeding the Aldabra giant tortoises
• Swimming & Snorkeling
• Boat ride
• Tasting exotic tropical fruits
• Spice farm exploration
• Cooking class (traditional Swahili cuisine)
• Photography

What to See

• The Aldabra giant tortoises
• Nature trail and bird watching
• Prison Island ruins
• Small antelopes and peacocks
• Historic buildings in Stone Town
• Different types of spices and herbs
• Coral reefs and marine life
• Traditional slave market sites
• Local markets and bazaars

Price Details

09:00 AM - Hotel Pickup

Begin your cultural journey with pickup from your Zanzibar hotel.

09:30 AM - Spice Farm Exploration

Visit an organic spice farm where you'll see, touch, smell, and taste exotic spices like clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and tropical fruits. Learn about traditional uses and enjoy a Swahili lunch at the farm.

12:30 PM - Prison Island (Changuu Island)

Take a boat ride to Prison Island. Visit the Aldabra giant tortoise sanctuary, some over 200 years old. Enjoy a nature trail, spot peacocks and antelopes, snorkel in crystal clear waters, and explore the historic prison ruins.

02:00 PM - Stone Town City Tour

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. Visit the slave market sites, daily markets, narrow streets, historical buildings, and enjoy shopping at local bazaars. Learn about the rich Swahili culture and history.

03:30 PM - Return to Hotel

Transfer back to your hotel, concluding your unforgettable cultural experience.