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ZANZIBAR SPICE CO.
Hi, I'm Bilal.
You are welcome in Kisongoni Village: my home and the heart of our spice garden. The best Zanzibar day tour if you're looking for a truly authentic experience.
Join me for spice farm tours, traditional village experiences, and hands-on Zanzibar cooking classes where you'll learn to cook with fresh local spices in traditional East African recipes.
It's my privilege to share the authentic tastes, exotic aromas, and cultural stories of our Tanzanian village with you.
Karibu sana!
About
Zanzibar's
Spices
Black pepper Introduced to Zanzibar from India, becoming a valuable crop due to its high-quality flavor profile. Known as the “King of Spices,” black pepper’s sharp and spicy kick complements the warm flavors of cloves and cinnamon. Its cultivation was expanded under British colonial influence, helping cement Zanzibar’s spice export economy.
GingerWith its strong, spicy warmth, it was introduced via the Indian trade routes. It’s both a culinary and medicinal staple in Zanzibar, often used to make spiced tea or to season fish and curry dishes. Its cultivation on the island increased during the spice trade boom, and today, it’s a key ingredient in local healing practices and Swahili recipes.
Cardamom Known as the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom is grown on the island’s shady, humid plantation farms. It has a deep aroma and is essential to traditional Swahili dishes and teas. Cardamom’s popularity grew during the trade routes that brought Indian influence to Zanzibar, embedding it deeply in the island’s culinary culture.
Nutmegand its aril, mace, were introduced to Zanzibar from the Banda Islands by Arab traders. Nutmeg’s warm, nutty aroma and slightly sweet flavor are key in both local and international recipes, while mace is prized for its delicate floral taste. The dual-harvest nature (nutmeg seed and mace covering) makes this a particularly valuable spice in Zanzibar’s spice repertoire.
Cinnamon Zanzibar grows the “true cinnamon” variety, which has a milder, sweeter flavor than cassia cinnamon often sold in Western markets. It was likely introduced by the Portuguese or early Arab traders, and the bark is still harvested by hand. Both the bark and leaves are highly prized, adding unique flavors to Zanzibar’s cuisine and herbal remedies.
TurmericThis vibrant yellow spice is valued for its earthy flavor and medicinal properties. Used in Swahili cooking, it also has a historical role in traditional medicine, being a natural anti-inflammatory. Known locally as “manjano,” turmeric has thrived in Zanzibar’s fertile soil and humid climate, making it a beloved ingredient in both local and Indian-inspired dishes.
Cloves These are the cornerstone of Zanzibar’s spice history. Brought by Omani settlers in the 19th century, clove plantations helped make Zanzibar the world’s leading clove exporter by the late 1800s. Even today, clove trees cover much of the island, with a harvest season that permeates the air with a distinctively warm, sweet aroma.
VanillaAlthough vanilla is native to Mexico, it was introduced to Zanzibar by the French and now grows well in the island’s tropical climate. Cultivating vanilla is labor-intensive, as each flower must be hand-pollinated, giving vanilla its status as one of the world’s most expensive spices. Its subtle, sweet aroma adds a unique touch to Zanzibar’s spice palette, especially in desserts.
Kisongoni
Village
Our Visitors Say
We did the spice tour with Bilal today and had a really great time. He knows everything about the different types of spices and fruits and explains it really well. You can tell how much effort he puts into it. We ate so many fruits and the best mangos we’ve ever had!!
Sophia, Germany
Karibuni Sana!
You are very welcome here.
Tours below:
Individual Tours
SPICE TOUR
VILLAGE TOUR
COOKING CLASS
Discover the fragrant world of Zanzibar’s spices, where you can see, smell, and taste cloves, cinnamon, pepper, turmeric, cardamom, ginger and many others in their natural form.
1 hour
$10/person
Experience the heart of our culture with a guided walk through Kisongoni Village. You'll meet residents, visit community spaces, and get a glimpse of daily island life and traditional crafts.
1 hour
$10/person
Join a cooking demonstration led by Bilal and family, where you’ll prepare traditional Zanzibari dishes using fresh, island-grown ingredients cooked in traditional ways, in the courtyard our own home.
2-3 hours
$25/person
