Excursión de comida y especias en Zanzíbar con almuerzo tradicional suajili

Pick up was prompt and as advertised. My guide was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. His assistant was enthusiastic and fun, though he spoke less English. The walk around the spice farm was fascinating and ended with a singing coconut tree climber. Then it was time for a cooking lesson and lunch, followed by a local seasonal fruit tasting. Of all the other people wandering the farm, I was the only one getting a private cooking lesson and lunch and it was well worth it, as the cassava leaves we cooked were delicious and it also included a lesson in Katanga wearing the local scarves and fabric wraps from my chef, which was a lot of fun. I didn't visit a cassava farm as stated, but did stop at the local village to see the traditional wattle and daub style, thatched houses. One thing to note, there are a couple of opportunities to shop on the farm and there is a certain level of expectation that you will but something. Also, the guide, the assistant, the chef, the singing climber and the driver all expect to be tipped, so it is worth having smallish denominations in Tanzanian Shillings to hand. Likewise in the village, if you want to photograph the people, they also expect some kind of reparation - all of which is fair, it is just something to be aware of and prepared for. All in all, a great morning out. Would do this again.

This was a fascinating tour and experience. Walked around and identified spices in their raw natural state, followed by a coconut tree climbing singer and lunch. Very interesting.. possibly more so for females.

The tour itself was great- BUT: I was the only paticipant. I had a guide, an "assistant guide" (he made some presents) and a guy climbing up an coconut tree. All expected a tip/ I was asked to tip them!!
Very disappointed!!

I enjoyed the spice tour a great deal. I didn't have lunch but I did enjoy going out into the field with two of the beautiful local women as they went about some of their chores. I appreciated the fact that they were so willing to allow me into their homes and share apart of their day with me.

I did quite a bit of research on spice tours and even had one offered to me by the guided tour I was on for the week but I'm really glad I stuck with my initial decision and went on this one. From what I can tell it's pretty much the only one that goes to a local's home and farm where you get to interact with the family, really see how they live and even sample a bit of food grown from their land and cooked right there with you in their cooking hut. That's all before you even get to the spice farm! The spice farm itself was also very educational and just a lovely walk through nature to be honest. Ending it with a traditional Swahili lunch was icing on the cake and from observing other groups nearby I could tell we were the only ones afforded that treat. So for me, this added lots of perks and extra benefits on top of the typical traditional spice tour which is offered by a million other providers and often more expensive than this. Can't go wrong in my opinion...this is the only way to go for a spice tour in Zanzibar!

The tour was a really amazing experience! You are really connected to the people, the village, the farm and the food. It was very interactive. Upon arrival we were greeted and immediately taken to the farm where we would pick our food for the cooking lesson. We were told how the Cassava plant grows and what parts are eaten. I assisted in picking only the red leaves as I was instructed. We returned to the village kitchen and sampled the root of the Cassava plant which is often eaten raw. Then the fun part began, the leaves were washed and put into a mortar and pestle and the pounding began. Onions, peppers and other seasonings were added to the leaves as a fresh coconut was being shelled right in front of us. It was grated and made into coconut milk, which was then added to the leaves. After a few minutes it was done...The fresh Cassava leaves were delicious! To participate in the preparation from start to finish was a very rewarding experience. Our Spice Tour was equally enjoyable and rewarding. We learned so very much about the many things grow there, their uses and the medicinal value. Our tour ended with a light lunch of a traditional Zanzibar food which consisted of Pilau, more Cassava leaves, vegetable curry, coconut bananas and a sampling of various teas and fruit. I would highly recommend this tour those of you who really want to get a Taste of Zanzibar!!!!!!

Great guides on bus and at the spice farm. Very interesting and knowledgeable on all the spices. Loved the traditional Swahili lunch so glad booked this tour. Not rushed plenty of time to ask questions and explore. A young lad climbed the coconut tree and sang the most amazing song and beautiful voice. We all received a hand made gift woven out of leaves. Excellent!!

We truly enjoyed spending time with our guide as well as the family in the village. The lunch was delicious, first time eating jack fruit! We learnt and laughed a lot. Absolutely worth it!

Very informative tour. From how those in the village cooking demonstration was great. The Spice FarmvTour was fun and informative. I learned a lot.

Very entertaining excursion. The folks were knowledgeable, kind, great cooks and shared a very close up experience with the folks in the country side.....AWESOME