In days past, Zanzibar was known as a spice island, exporting cloves, vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom across the world. The spices were brought over from Asia and South America and flourished in the tropical climes. Nowadays the plantations are a trib¬ute to the island’s past, swapping spices for tourism, combining both in a spice tour, one of the most popular excursions on the island.

Walk through the spice farm with your guide. Touch, smell and taste different spices and tropical fruits. Try to guess which is which, from the crushed leaves, the fruit, shoots and vines and creepers crawling up the trees. Learn about their properties, their origins and their use as medi¬cines and in food and drink.

A visit to a spice farm village gives you an insight into local life and the op¬portunity to try some Swahili dishes, taste the fruits in season and try some spiced tea. An optional lunch is avail¬able at Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge, a special menu, prepared with the best of the seasonal fruit and spices introduced to you during the tour.

Depending on the season you are visiting, you can find anything from vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, nut¬meg, turmeric, lemon grass, cloves, ylang ylang, cumin, garlic, ginger, coriander, pepper, allspice, tamarind, chilli, oregano and more! Fruits can include banana, pineap¬ple, jack fruit, custard fruit, oranges, star fruit, tangerine, passion fruit, mango, avocado, pear, papaya, grape fruit and many others.

Advisable

• Comfortable closed walking or hiking shoes and pants.
• Sun hat and sun cream