Zanzibar Spice Tour: A Complete Guide

Why Zanzibar Is Called the Spice Island

Zanzibar's spice trade dates back centuries, with the island once producing the majority of the world's cloves. Today, spice tours are one of the most popular activities for visitors.

What You'll See on a Spice Tour

A typical spice tour visits plantations in the island's interior where you'll see, smell, and taste:

Cloves — Zanzibar's most famous export

Vanilla — fresh vanilla pods straight from the vine

Cinnamon — peel bark directly from the tree

Black pepper — growing on climbing vines

Nutmeg & cardamom — aromatic and beautiful

Turmeric — the golden root

Lemongrass — used in cooking and tea

Tropical fruits — jackfruit, breadfruit, starfruit, and more

What to Expect

Most spice tours last 2–3 hours and include:

Guided walk through a working spice plantation

Tasting session with fresh spices and fruits

Demonstration of how spices are harvested and processed

Optional visit to a local village

Opportunity to buy fresh spices at local prices

Best Time for a Spice Tour

Spice tours run year-round, but the harvest season (July–October) offers the most aromatic experience. Morning tours are recommended to avoid the midday heat.

How to Book

GoZanzibar offers combined spice tour and transport packages. Book your transfer to the spice plantations and enjoy a hassle-free experience with pickup and drop-off at your hotel.