Spice Farm and Prison Island
Spices in the morning, tortoises in the afternoon
- Location Spice farms and Changuu Island, Zanzibar
- Duration Full day, approximately 7 to 8 hours
- Tour type Private or shared
- Availability Daily
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
Land and sea in one day, and a good pairing for anyone who wants the island’s two signature experiences without a long drive.
The morning runs in the countryside, on a working spice farm where cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper grow beside tropical fruit. The two-hour walk is hands on. Your guide handles the plants as you go, and explains how each spice is used in Zanzibari cooking, in herbal medicine and in ceremony. Fruit is cut and served as you walk.
In the afternoon you head to Stone Town to catch the boat over to Changuu Island, about thirty minutes across the channel. There you visit the foundation caring for the colony of Aldabra giant tortoises, walk through the 1893 prison and quarantine buildings, and then have time to swim, snorkel and sunbathe on the small white beach.
Pack your swimwear under your clothes in the morning so the afternoon runs without a change of plan.
Highlights
- Two-hour walk through a working spice plantation
- Taste vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves at source
- Seasonal tropical fruit tasting
- Boat to Changuu Island across the channel
- Aldabra giant tortoises and the 1893 prison buildings
- Swimming and snorkelling from the island beach
Itinerary
- 08:30
Hotel pickup
Collection and the drive into the countryside.
- 09:30
Spice farm walk
Two hours through the plantation, smelling and tasting as you go, with a fruit tasting to finish.
- 12:00
Transfer to Stone Town
Drive to the seafront and a break for lunch.
- 13:30
Boat to Changuu Island
A thirty-minute crossing.
- 14:00
Tortoises, ruins and the beach
The tortoise foundation, the prison buildings, then free time to swim and snorkel.
- 16:00
Return
Sail back to Stone Town and transfer to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Spice farm and island entrance fees
- Return boat transfer to Changuu Island
- Snorkelling gear and life jacket
- Spice and fruit tasting
- Bottled water
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
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Around 08:30.
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
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun cream, hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Small notes in Tanzanian shillings or US dollars
- Camera
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for Stone Town
- Swimwear worn under your clothes
- Towel
Important information
- Wear your swimwear from the start so the afternoon runs smoothly.
- Lunch on Changuu Island is available as an extra.
- Farm paths are earth and grass. Closed shoes are more comfortable.
- Tortoise feeding is supervised by the sanctuary keepers.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is lunch included?
Not by default. A seafood lunch on Changuu Island is available as an extra, and there is also a break in Stone Town.
How long is the boat crossing?
About thirty minutes each way, in generally calm water.
Is there anywhere to change?
Facilities on the island are basic. Wearing swimwear under your clothes is easiest.
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