Spice Farm, Prison Island and Nakupenda Sandbank
Spices, tortoises and a sandbank barbecue
- Location Spice farms, Changuu Island and Nakupenda Sandbank
- Duration Full day, approximately 8 to 9 hours
- Tour type Private or shared
- Availability Daily, tide dependent
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
The walking spice tour is one of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar, and for good reason. The island was once among the world’s leading producers of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon, and the organic farms still grow a wide variety of plants through the year.
This day starts there, on foot in a shamba, with your guide showing you how the spices, herbs and fruit grow and are harvested. You smell and taste clove, lemongrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, coconut, papaya, chilli, black pepper, jackfruit, cardamom, cassava and orange as you walk.
From the farm you go on to Prison Island, where you hear the history of the 1893 building and meet the colony of giant tortoises. Then the boat sails to Nakupenda Sandbank for a seafood lunch, swimming and time in the shade on a strip of white sand surrounded by turquoise water.
It is a long day covering land and sea, and the best value combination we run for anyone with a single free day.
Highlights
- Walking tour of an organic spice farm
- Smell and taste clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom and turmeric
- Seasonal tropical fruit including jackfruit, papaya and coconut
- Giant tortoises and the history of Prison Island
- Seafood lunch on Nakupenda Sandbank
- Swimming and relaxing on white sand
Itinerary
- 08:00
Hotel pickup
Collection and the drive to the spice farm.
- 09:00
Spice farm walking tour
Through the shamba, tasting and smelling the spices, herbs and fruit as you go.
- 11:00
Transfer to the seafront
Drive to Stone Town to meet the boat.
- 11:45
Prison Island
The island's history and the giant tortoise colony.
- 13:00
Nakupenda Sandbank
Sail on to the sandbank for a seafood lunch, swimming and time in the shade.
- 15:30
Return
Boat back to Stone Town and transfer to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All boat transfers
- Spice farm and island entrance fees, all taxes
- Professional guide
- Snorkelling gear and life jacket
- Seafood lunch on the sandbank
- Spice and fruit tasting
- Soft drinks and bottled water
- Shade tent on the sandbank
Not included
- Lunch and drinks, where not listed as included
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Anything not named under what is included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Spices bought at the farm shop
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Around 08:00, adjusted to the tide.
Meeting point: Hotel reception.
We collect from these areas:
- Stone Town
- Zanzibar City
- Maungani
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Matemwe
- Kiwengwa
- Pwani Mchangani
- Uroa
- Pongwe
- Chwaka
- Michamvi
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Makunduchi
- Kizimkazi
- Fumba
- Mangapwani
What to bring
- Swimwear worn under your clothes
- Towel
- Reef-safe sun cream
- Hat and sunglasses
- Closed shoes for the farm
- Dry change of clothes
Important information
- This is a long day covering three sites. Consider a two-site combination if you are travelling with very young children.
- Times shift with the tide. We confirm your pickup the evening before.
- Wear closed shoes for the farm and swimwear underneath for the afternoon.
- Tell us about seafood allergies or dietary needs when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Is this too much for one day?
It runs eight to nine hours. It is the best value day we offer, but the two-site combinations are more relaxed.
What is included for lunch?
A seafood barbecue on the sandbank with fruit and soft drinks. Vegetarian and other dietary needs are prepared on request.
What should I wear?
Closed shoes for the farm walk and swimwear under your clothes for the afternoon.
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