The Essence of Africa: Exploring Zanzibar’s Spice Farms

Centuries after it was first discovered, Zanzibar is still known as the Spice Island. Revered for its pristine beaches, you are invited to discover that there is much more to this picture-perfect archipelago on the East Coast of Africa. Guests staying at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge by Newmark Hotels & Reserves will be whisked away on a tour of the local spice farms on request.

A Precious Commodity
One of the earliest written accounts of Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja, dates back to the first century AD. This archipelago of islands in Tanzania was a major trade port for hundreds of years, attracting travellers from Arabia, China, and India.

It was a popular stop-off point for traders en route to the Silk Road. Its abundance of cloves, cinnamon, green curry leaves, cardamom, nutmeg, and other precious crops led to Zanzibar being coined the Spice Islands.

With no refrigeration or modern medicine in these early days, these spices were seen as precious for various reasons, from flavouring food and drinks to preserving food and even for medicinal purposes.

Before the sixteenth century, cloves and nutmeg were found exclusively in Zanzibar. The islands were also ruled by Portuguese, Omanis and British, adding to the country’s rich botanical and cultural heritage and making it a treasure trove of fascinating historical sites to explore.

Tour the Spice Farms of Zanzibar
Guests visiting Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge by Newmark Hotels & Reserves can book a day tour of the plantations where these famous spices are grown. From the hotel, you will be transported to the nearby spice farms, where you will learn how spices, herbs, and fruits are grown and cultivated. Your guide will explain how these crops are used in the hotel’s local cuisine.

Immerse yourself in the intoxicating aromas of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and turmeric. Discover the delicate notes of vanilla and cardamom alongside the fiery kick of chillies and black pepper. Fresh herbs like lemongrass mingle with tropical treats like coconut, papaya, jackfruit, cassava, and oranges. To truly tantalise your taste buds, consider adding a traditional Swahili lunch to your experience and savour the exquisite blend of spices as they come together in authentic Zanzibar cuisine.

Tour duration: 3 hours
Includes: Transfer, guide, water, fruit tasting

Book a 2-night stay at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge for just $490 (single occupancy) or $245 (double occupancy) per night and immerse yourself in the island’s culture and history with a guided Stone Town city tour and a fragrant Spice Tour. Enjoy a deluxe bungalow with garden view, daily breakfast and departure transfer included. Optional airport/ferry terminal transfers are also available. Price valid for travel until November 2024. Subject to availability. Block out dates and T&Cs apply.

For a memorable tour of Zanzibar's spice farms, stay at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge, situated on the Sultan’s palace ruins at the ocean’s edge. Book now with Newmark Hotels & Reserves and enjoy the welcoming environment at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge, where luxury meets adventure.