Home / Adventure Activities / Zanzibar, the Spice Island

Zanzibar, the Spice Island

After two days of mostly travelling in the truck, we arrived at a campsite close to Dar Es Salaam, facing the Indian Ocean. We didn’t get a chance to visit the city, but passing through was quite chaotic and there was a lot of traffic.

On that campsite we had a first taste of how nice it is to camp right in front of the beach. We went for a swim in the calm warm waters, and prepared for the next day.

The following morning we left camp later than usual, at 10:30, since our ferry to Zanzibar was only at 12:30. Our camp was in a peninsula, so we took a short ferry across to Dar Es Salaam. Despite being a very quick journey (less than 10 minutes) it saved us a lot of time, and allowed us to see how the locals cross to and from the peninsula, for less than $0.10 USD.

Zanzibar Island

Taking the boat to Zanzibar went better than expected, since some members of our group were scared of getting seasick. The ferries were very modern and stable, taking about two hours to cross. The price is $30 USD each way and was included in our trip (there are cheaper slower ferries, and it is also possible to fly to Zanzibar).

Best Tours to Zanzibar:

  • Tour Length 39 days
    Group Size Max 16
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Livingstone
    Countries Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia
    Overview This Nairobi to Livingstone Comfort Tour provides a comprehensive insight into East Africa’s finest highlights and gives you a glimpse of what Southern Africa has to offer. We explore the rippling Masai Mara and flat plains of the Serengeti. See the monumental Ngorongoro Crater and the magnificence of Mt Kilimanjaro. Relax on the sun-kissed beaches on the tropical island of Zanzibar, view the picturesque Lake Malawi and the powerful Victoria Falls.

    Price from

    R145,053

    View Tour Check Availability

    Nairobi to Livingstone and Gorillas Comfort Tour (39 Days)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    23 Mar 2024 → 30 Apr 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    20 Apr 2024 → 28 May 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    18 May 2024 → 25 Jun 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    15 Jun 2024 → 23 Jul 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    13 Jul 2024 → 20 Aug 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    10 Aug 2024 → 17 Sep 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    07 Sep 2024 → 15 Oct 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    05 Oct 2024 → 12 Nov 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    02 Nov 2024 → 10 Dec 2024

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    30 Nov 2024 → 07 Jan 2025

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
    28 Dec 2024 → 04 Feb 2025

    From

    R161170
    Check Availability
  • Tour Length 28 days
    Group Size Max 16
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Dar es Salaam
    Countries Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
    Overview 28 Day Nairobi to Zanzibar Overland Comfort Tour includes gorillas, game parks and beach trek in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania National Parks and Zanzibar beaches.
    • Price Beat Guaranteed
    • 10% early bird discount (6 months or more)

    Price from

    R122,310

    View Tour Check Availability

    Gorillas, Parks & Beach Trek Comfort Tour (28 Days)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    23 Mar 2024 → 19 Apr 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    20 Apr 2024 → 17 May 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    18 May 2024 → 14 Jun 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    15 Jun 2024 → 12 Jul 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    13 Jul 2024 → 09 Aug 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    10 Aug 2024 → 06 Sep 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    07 Sep 2024 → 04 Oct 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    05 Oct 2024 → 01 Nov 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    02 Nov 2024 → 29 Nov 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    30 Nov 2024 → 27 Dec 2024

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
    28 Dec 2024 → 24 Jan 2025

    From

    R135900
    Check Availability
  • Tour Length 12 days
    Group Size Min 1 Max 22
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Zanzibar
    Countries Kenya, Tanzania
    Overview Live out your own Lion King moment in East Africa as you head from Nairobi to Zanzibar on this amazing adventure, camping under starry skies. Explore the remarkable Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater as you safari in open roof 4x4's spotting rhinos and lions. Wander Stone Town's cobble streets, with fragrant spice notes filling the air while sampling the local cuisine. Complete with lazy beach days, before sailing off into the sunset on a traditional dhow while reflecting on your memorable African journey.

    Price from

    R47,405

    View Tour Check Availability

    12 Day Nairobi to Zanzibar Adventure

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    31 Mar 2024 → 11 Apr 2024

    From

    R47405
    Check Availability
    21 Apr 2024 → 02 May 2024

    From

    R47875
    Check Availability
    19 May 2024 → 30 May 2024

    From

    R47405
    Check Availability
    02 Jun 2024 → 13 Jun 2024

    From

    R49300
    Check Availability
    09 Jun 2024 → 20 Jun 2024

    From

    R49300
    Check Availability
    16 Jun 2024 → 27 Jun 2024

    From

    R53225
    Check Availability
    23 Jun 2024 → 04 Jul 2024

    From

    R50280
    Check Availability
    30 Jun 2024 → 11 Jul 2024

    From

    R49790
    Check Availability
    03 Jul 2024 → 14 Jul 2024

    From

    R51200
    Check Availability
    07 Jul 2024 → 18 Jul 2024

    From

    R51200
    Check Availability
    14 Jul 2024 → 25 Jul 2024

    From

    R52220
    Check Availability
    21 Jul 2024 → 01 Aug 2024

    From

    R52730
    Check Availability
    28 Jul 2024 → 08 Aug 2024

    From

    R52220
    Check Availability
    04 Aug 2024 → 15 Aug 2024

    From

    R52730
    Check Availability
    11 Aug 2024 → 22 Aug 2024

    From

    R51200
    Check Availability
    14 Aug 2024 → 25 Aug 2024

    From

    R51200
    Check Availability
    21 Aug 2024 → 01 Sep 2024

    From

    R52220
    Check Availability
    25 Aug 2024 → 05 Sep 2024

    From

    R51710
    Check Availability
    01 Sep 2024 → 12 Sep 2024

    From

    R51200
    Check Availability
    08 Sep 2024 → 19 Sep 2024

    From

    R51200
    Check Availability
    15 Sep 2024 → 26 Sep 2024

    From

    R49790
    Check Availability
    22 Sep 2024 → 03 Oct 2024

    From

    R49790
    Check Availability
    29 Sep 2024 → 10 Oct 2024

    From

    R49300
    Check Availability
    06 Oct 2024 → 17 Oct 2024

    From

    R49790
    Check Availability
    13 Oct 2024 → 24 Oct 2024

    From

    R49300
    Check Availability
    20 Oct 2024 → 31 Oct 2024

    From

    R49300
    Check Availability
    27 Oct 2024 → 07 Nov 2024

    From

    R47405
    Check Availability
    10 Nov 2024 → 21 Nov 2024

    From

    R47405
    Check Availability
    17 Nov 2024 → 28 Nov 2024

    From

    R47405
    Check Availability
    01 Dec 2024 → 12 Dec 2024

    From

    R47405
    Check Availability
    15 Dec 2024 → 26 Dec 2024

    From

    R49300
    Check Availability
    22 Dec 2024 → 02 Jan 2025

    From

    R49300
    Check Availability
    29 Dec 2024 → 09 Jan 2025

    From

    R49300
    Check Availability
    05 Jan 2025 → 16 Jan 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    26 Jan 2025 → 06 Feb 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    09 Feb 2025 → 20 Feb 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    23 Feb 2025 → 06 Mar 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    09 Mar 2025 → 20 Mar 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    06 Apr 2025 → 17 Apr 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    20 Apr 2025 → 01 May 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    18 May 2025 → 29 May 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    01 Jun 2025 → 12 Jun 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    08 Jun 2025 → 19 Jun 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    15 Jun 2025 → 26 Jun 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    22 Jun 2025 → 03 Jul 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    29 Jun 2025 → 10 Jul 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    06 Jul 2025 → 17 Jul 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    09 Jul 2025 → 20 Jul 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    13 Jul 2025 → 24 Jul 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    20 Jul 2025 → 31 Jul 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    23 Jul 2025 → 03 Aug 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    27 Jul 2025 → 07 Aug 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    03 Aug 2025 → 14 Aug 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    10 Aug 2025 → 21 Aug 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    17 Aug 2025 → 28 Aug 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    24 Aug 2025 → 04 Sep 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    31 Aug 2025 → 11 Sep 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    07 Sep 2025 → 18 Sep 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    14 Sep 2025 → 25 Sep 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    21 Sep 2025 → 02 Oct 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    28 Sep 2025 → 09 Oct 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    05 Oct 2025 → 16 Oct 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    12 Oct 2025 → 23 Oct 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    19 Oct 2025 → 30 Oct 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    26 Oct 2025 → 06 Nov 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    09 Nov 2025 → 20 Nov 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    23 Nov 2025 → 04 Dec 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    07 Dec 2025 → 18 Dec 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    14 Dec 2025 → 25 Dec 2025

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    21 Dec 2025 → 01 Jan 2026

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    28 Dec 2025 → 08 Jan 2026

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability
    11 Jan 2026 → 22 Jan 2026

    From

    R49765
    Check Availability

Since we arrived well past our usual lunchtime, everyone was quite hungry. After a quick check-in at the Safari Lodge hotel, we headed for our first activity, the spice tour. Fortunately the first part of the activity was lunch!

Zanzibar is known for it’s spice plantations, many of which were introduced throughout it’s long history as a main port. In Stone Town, Zanzibar’s main city and our stop for the first night, both Arab and Indian influences shape the architecture, the culture and the food. For lunch we had the chance to try many of the local dishes in small portions, in a kind of “degustation buffet”. The food was good in general, but some of the dishes we didn’t really enjoy. It is sometimes hard for me to appreciate food with too many spices, as in Portuguese cuisine we try to amplify the natural flavor of the main ingredients.

Dar Es Salaam

After lunch, we headed out for a tour of the spice plantations, which was both informative and very entertaining, mainly due to our great guide, Ali. Ali spoke very good English, and managed to imitate a proper British accent in some key phrases, getting laughs out of everyone. He showed us around different plants and trees, shedding light on where products we eat come from. For example, I had never stopped to think where cinnamon comes from, but it is the bark of a tree! We smelled and chewed on it, and went on our way to see nutmeg, lemongrass, ginger and many others.

Zanzibar Spice Plantations

Back to Stone Town after the plantations, we had a very short guided tour through the town. It is picturesque, but not as much as our trip guide built it up to be, even in the center there are many dirty, narrow, degraded streets. By the end of that tour the sun was already down, and the night market was buzzing. On a square facing the ocean, the locals put up food stands full of street food. We all had dinner there, each of us wandering around and buying what and where he pleased. After bartering on a few different food stands, me and Margarida ate a chicken and a fish skewer with a garlic bread, all for less than $3 USD (we payed in Tanzanian shillings).

Stone Town

Night Market

The next morning, part of our group headed to swim with wild dolphins in the open sea, we opted for a visit to prison island. Ideally meant to be a prison, this small island next to Zanzibar ended up serving as a quarantine area for those with yellow fever. These days it has a hotel and a sanctuary for giant land tortoises, the reason for our visit! The trip to the island was $10 USD each and another $4 USD for the entry to the sanctuary.

Zanzibar Ferry

We also had a chance to feed these amazing animals! The oldest one there was 194 years old!

Giant land Tortoises

After a short swim next to the island, we headed back to Stone Town, checked-out of the hotel and got into a transfer to Kendwa, in the northern part of the island, which took about 2 hours.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoEjaXpntEZ/

 

For the next two nights, we had a little taste of paradise. The sand on the beach was the whitest and finest I ever saw. The water was not too warm, but easy to enter and still refreshing. There are corals quite close to shore, and included into our tour we had a snorkeling trip which allowed us to see many different and colorful fish.

Kendwa Zanzibar

What we saw of Kendwa was mainly the resorts on the beach, one after the other. Unlike some other places, these resorts are not made up of tall hotels but more traditional low buildings, which makes you forget you are in a tourist destination. The local population also shares the beach with you, as it should be.

Tourist Destination Kendwa

Since meals were not included we also ate out. One of the dinners we had very good grilled fish (about $10 USD for two). One of the lunches we tried to find out where the locals eat, and we did, but unfortunately they didn’t have fish. We had half a chicken, some potato chips and rice for about $4 USD.

On the last evening we did a sunset cruise on a traditional sailboat, with a group of drummers warming our ears. Fortunately this was also included on our overland tour, since I don’t think it was an option we would have done, but it was a great way to end our stay in Zanzibar!

Sunset Cruise

The following day was spent driving back to Stone Town, taking the ferry to Dar Es Salaam, the second ferry to the peninsula and the final drive to camp.

All of these long transfers and drives on the overland trip have a silver lining: we have long hours looking at the scenery and engraving the memories of all the wonders we just experienced.

Visit João and Margarida’s blog – Nomad Plot – to read all about their worldwide travels or visit their Facebook Nomad Plot page and Instagram Account to follow their journey.

About João and Margarida

We’re a young, dynamic, adventurous couple, full of dreams! Traveling the world was always in the back of our minds, and we decided to start now. With this trip around the world, we want to raise awareness about the exponential rise of the waste that ends up in the world’s oceans.
on August 27, 2019
Filed under  Adventure Activities • Africa Blog • Destinations • Tanzania • Travel Articles • What to do 
African Overland Tours Experts
  • First-hand experience
  • Advice and guidance
  • We're passionate travelers

Enquire Now

FEATURED POSTS

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Article