🌿 Taste of Zanzibar: A 3-Day Gastronomic Journey Off the Beaten Path

Discover Zanzibar through its kitchens, spices, and coastal rhythms.
This isn’t your typical tour. “Taste of Zanzibar” is a hands-on culinary experience that takes you deep into the heart of local life — into family homes, village spice gardens, and even out onto the sea — to show you how food, culture, and tradition intertwine in everyday Zanzibari life.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Home Cooking in Mama’s Kitchen

Experience: A cultural and culinary immersion in a traditional Zanzibari home.

• Warm welcome and hotel pick-up by your local host

• Visit to a local home in a rural village

• Learn to prepare classic dishes like coconut curries, cassava, or chapati — cooked the traditional way

• Enjoy a shared meal with Mama’s family

• Learn about family traditions, roles, and stories of Swahili daily life

• Return to hotel

Duration: Approx. 4–5 hours
Meals: Full traditional lunch included
Group Size: Small groups (2–8 guests) for intimacy
Languages: English-speaking host (Swahili interpreted as needed)
Dietary Options: Vegetarian & gluten-free available — please advise in advance
What to Bring: Comfortable modest clothing, camera, curiosity

Day 2: Spice Blending & Pilau Cooking with Donge Boy

Experience: Craft your own spice blend and cook the iconic Zanzibari pilau.

• Hotel pick-up and scenic drive to Donge village

• Guided walk through a local spice garden: touch, taste, and identify spices fresh from the tree

• Learn traditional spice-blending techniques from Donge Boy, a local spice master

• Create your own signature pilau spice mix (take-home sachet included)

• Join a cooking session to prepare authentic Zanzibari pilau using your blend

• Share a community-style meal in a village courtyard

• Return to hotel

Duration: Approx. 5–6 hours
Meals: Lunch included
Group Size: Max 10 guests
Languages: English guide with local assistant
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, no pork, halal-friendly
What to Bring: Closed shoes, hat, reusable water bottle

Day 3: Sandbank Chapati Class & Indian Ocean Picnic

Experience: Learn to make chapati on a sandbank in the middle of the sea.

• Morning boat pick-up from local beach jetty (exact location confirmed on booking)

• Sail to a remote sandbank that appears at low tide — your open-air kitchen for the day

• Chapati cooking class: knead, fold, and fry Zanzibari-style chapatis on portable grills

• Learn traditional accompaniments like tamarind chutney or spiced veggies

• Enjoy a barefoot lunch picnic on the sandbank with fresh tropical fruit

• Return boat ride to shore and hotel drop-off

Duration: 4–5 hours (tide-dependent)
Meals: Light lunch & fruit included
Group Size: 2–6 guests (intimate setting)
Languages: English-speaking crew
Dietary Options: Vegan-friendly chapatis
What to Bring: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, waterproof bag, sense of adventure

✅ What’s Included

• Daily hotel pick-up and drop-off (within Stone Town or nearby)

• All cooking sessions and classes

• All meals mentioned in the itinerary

• Guided spice garden tour

• Boat ride and sandbank fees

• Local chefs, hosts, and interpreter support

• Take-home spice blend and recipe card

❗ Not Included

• Accommodation

• Additional drinks or meals outside the itinerary

• Tips for local guides (optional but appreciated)

🎯 Who This Package Is For

• Travelers who want authentic, local cultural experiences

• Foodies seeking to learn hands-on from real locals

• Small groups, couples, and solo explorers who love connection

• Anyone looking to step outside the commercial, crowded tour circuit

💰 Package Price: $390 USD per person

Minimum 2 guests – private or semi-private experience
Custom quotes available for families or groups of 5+.

💬 FAQs

Q: Can I participate if I don’t cook?
Yes! You can observe and join in where you feel comfortable. Everyone enjoys the food at the end.

Q: Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, children aged 10+ are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Chapati day is especially fun for them.

Q: Can I buy more spices?
Yes, additional organic spice packages are available to purchase directly from the village co-op.

🌺 This is your invitation to slow down, eat well, and connect.
Ready to taste the real Zanzibar?