Jozani Forest, Stone town and Spice farm Tours

Zanzibar, Tanzania.

4 photos

Duration

10 Hours

Max People

100

Min Age

Pickup

Arport/Hotels

Overview

Your tour begins with a pick-up from your hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Jozani Forest, the only national park in Zanzibar and home to the famous Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. During your visit, you will walk through the forest with a guide and learn about the unique wildlife and ecosystem of the area.

After exploring Jozani Forest, you will continue to Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will take a guided walking tour through the narrow streets while learning about the rich history, culture, and architecture of the town. You will see important landmarks such as the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Sultan’s Palace, and the former Slave Market.

Once you complete the Stone Town tour, the journey continues to a local spice farm. Zanzibar is well known as the “Spice Island,” and during this experience you will learn about different spices and tropical fruits grown on the island. You will have the opportunity to see, smell, and taste a variety of spices directly from the plants. At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a traditional local lunch prepared with fresh spices from the farm.

Included/Excluded

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
Jozani Forest entrance fees
Slave Market entrance fees
Local lunch prepared with traditiona Zanzibari spices
Tropical fruits and Mineral Water

Beverage (Alcohol)
Personal spending money for souvenirs
Tips to Driver/Guide
Inside Freddie Mercury House entrance fee

Tour Plan

Itinerary 1 Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani Forest, located south of Chwaka Bay on Zanzibar Island, is the largest natural forest on the island, covering approximately 50 km² (19 sq miles) within the Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park. This low-lying area is characterized by a lush, swamp-like ecosystem prone to seasonal flooding, which supports moisture-loving vegetation such as trees, ferns, and mangroves.

The park is renowned for its population of the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, unique to the region, alongside various other wildlife including Sykes’ monkeys, bushbabies, duikers, antelopes, and giant. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 100 species of both resident and migratory birds, such as guinea fowl, turacos, and kingfishers, while the forest also hosts more than 50 species of butterflies, enhancing its colorful landscape.

The diverse flora features mangroves, sycamore figs, mahogany, palms, bamboo, and several rare medicinal plants. Visitors can explore the mangroves via boardwalks, gaining insight into this fragile ecosystem, which is vital for coastal protection. Jozani Forest offers nature enthusiasts peaceful walks, wildlife encounters, and an enriching experience of Zanzibar’s natural heritage, ideal for those who appreciate photography and eco-adventures.

After exploring the wonders of Jozani Forest, the tour continues to historic Stone Town, where you can immerse yourself in its rich culture, winding streets, and fascinating history.

Itinerary 2 Stone Town Tours

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Zanzibar, showcases a rich history shaped by over a millennium of cultural exchanges and commerce in the Indian Ocean. The town's unique architecture merges Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences, prominently displayed in its coral ragstone and mangrove timber structures, along with intricately carved wooden doors that reflect the stories of affluent merchant families.

Highlights of Stone Town include the vibrant Forodhani Gardens Market, where locals and tourists indulge in an array of street food from 5 pm to 9 pm, and the traditional Darajani Market, ideal for experiencing fresh produce and spices in the early morning. The Old Fort, dating back to the late 17th century, features a gallery, curio market, and an amphitheater, hosting events like the Sauti za Busara Music Festival, which celebrates African music.

The Slave Market and the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral serve as poignant reminders of the island's 19th-century slave trade history and its architectural heritage. Lastly, the Freddie Mercury Museum, located in the home of the legendary musician, offers insights into his early life and cultural background before his rise to fame. Together, these sites encapsulate the extraordinary essence of Stone Town.

Itinerary 3 Spice Farm Tour

After exploring the charm of Stone Town, we continue our journey to a vibrant Spice Farm, where an unforgettable sensory experience of Zanzibar spices awaits you.

The Spice Farm Tour is one of Zanzibar’s most iconic heritage experiences, tracing its roots back to the 16th century when spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper placed the island at the heart of global trade. Spice Farm located just outside Zanzibar Town, the spice farms offer a fascinating insight into the island’s rich agricultural and cultural history.

During the tour, guests explore lush, green plantations while learning about a wide variety of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, turmeric, and more. A knowledgeable local guide leads a walking tour through the farm, explaining how each spice is grown, harvested, and traditionally used for cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. Visitors are encouraged to touch, smell, and taste fresh spices straight from the plants an experience that truly brings the senses to life.

The tour also includes tasting seasonal tropical fruits picked directly from the trees, such as jackfruit, pineapple, and bananas, often enjoyed with refreshing fresh coconut juice. For a fun and interactive moment, guests can watch or even take part in making palm-leaf creations like bracelets, rings, ties, or glasses, adding a lighthearted and memorable touch to the experience.

Optional Lunch

After the tour, you may choose to enjoy a delicious local lunch at the spice farm. The meal is freshly prepared using local ingredients and flavored with authentic Zanzibari spices. After lunch, our professional driver will safely transfer you back to your hotel