Zanzibar Tour: Spice Farm and Prison Island Review

If you’re thinking about a trip to Zanzibar, chances are the Stone Town, Spice Farm, and Prison Island excursion is popping up everywhere. We gave this famous combo a shot and, really, you want the real lowdown, the sort of stuff you don’t find in those cookie-cutter brochures? That’s exactly what you’ll discover in this review. I want to walk you through what made it memorable, what was so-so, and a couple of handy tips I wish I’d known sooner. Get set to explore the real deal behind those sun-drenched photos, basically, no filters, just genuine insights.

Setting off for Stone Town

First thing’s first, so it’s off to Stone Town we went. I found the drive itself, that, well it offers this interesting peek into Zanzibar life away from the resorts, the view being of lively local markets to folks just going about their day. Very soon you notice the architecture start changing when you arrive, and like your dropped into an almost different point in time. Really, with buildings constructed of coral stone, you’re instantly greeted by a really twisting, practically curving network of paths and avenues.

What stood out the most, that, was wandering about the narrow alleyways. Each turn has a story, so you stumble upon carved wooden doors laden with decorations. The blend of cultures is, I mean, like, really obvious, yet you have Arab, Persian, African and even European influences all merging to create a style unique only to Zanzibar. We explored some landmark destinations such as the House of Wonders, the previous Sultan’s palace, which boasts the large verandas I’ve ever seen, as a matter of fact. Then you’ve got the Old Fort, a tangible look into the island’s frequently turbulent past.

Now, do allow for getting a bit lost. It’s actually part of the charm, that, of Stone Town. It gives you permission to uncover all those out-of-the-way stores, the scent of spiced coffee, the artisans at work. When we did stop for a caffeine boost, so it was in a tiny cafe in one the backstreets, it tasted particularly fabulous when you get a front-row seat to day-to-day life swirling by.

Aromatic Adventures at the Spice Farm

It’s very time to engage the sense of smell! Moving out of Stone Town, a short drive leads you right to the center of Zanzibar’s well-known spice farms. The moment you show up, the aroma is pretty intense; a crazy fragrant mix of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dozen more spices. I honestly had no idea that many different spices were grown right here.

A local guide takes you around, basically pointing out each plant and explaining how they grow, how they’re used, also even their medicinal uses, by the way. It’s not just seeing them but also getting to touch, smell, as well as taste each spice – that, so it really brought the entire thing to life. Imagine biting straight into a fresh clove or attempting to guess spices by just their scent. The tasting experience really helps you get an entirely different perspective.

The guides, by the way, they aren’t short on entertainment. I mean we observed a person climb a super tall coconut tree while singing a Swahili song, it’s almost like it wasn’t even a big deal to them! I want to say these fellas crafted hats, ties, and baskets all of palm leaves while you were still standing there. Clearly, a pretty strong reminder of the island’s resources, what the islanders are known to do, how it links the folks to the property all around.

A small tip from my tour experience: go prepared to buy. The spices actually are incredibly fresh plus typically much more affordable than what you’ll see in the tourist shops. Be careful to bring modest money just in case, it’s quite simple to start purchasing various things given their fantastic scents and vivid colors.

Prison Island: History Meets Giant Tortoises

After our visit to the spice farm, so the trip switched gears all over to Prison Island, otherwise called Changuu Island. What, at one time, was planned to become a prison (it never actually became one), this isle has got this interesting history, plus it is the place to a colony of giant tortoises.

The boat journey to the island is relatively quick, that, with clear blue waters which provide, like your own postcard-worthy scenes all around. Coming onto the island, you see how calm it is, I’m talking completely tranquil from the busy roads we left behind. The old prison building will be there for you, it almost sets this pretty somber mood. You may see it for what it actually is, like your learn concerning the building’s record which varies from getting used as a yellow fever quarantine station rather than a penitentiary.

So, you can argue, the true draw will be the giant tortoises. These awesome animals were really imported from the Seychelles, so it is actually mind-blowing to see them up-close. Several of these are really old, which makes getting the chance to literally pat these animals a truly memorable encounter. Respecting these magnificent animals and the place these live in is, you see, paramount. Make sure to stay with the specified area and pay attention to the guide’s directions to assist in looking out for their well-being. Remember these tortoises can potentially nibble, that is they’re fed carefully and safely.

Things I Liked and Didn’t Like

No tour is, so too it’s completely without its pros and cons. With reference to this Zanzibar excursion, I observed there were lots of aspects I truly appreciated but others that may well use just a little improvement. First, it is so the mix of tasks is fabulous. From the tangible history in Stone Town for the sensory overloaded journey on the Spice Farm combined with also the peaceful appeal of Prison Island, each location provides this various view of Zanzibar.

Actually, the spice farm really was a success, because I obtained the opportunity to understand lots of the island’s key business, while simultaneously engaging my feelings in ways I not at all anticipated. Furthermore, experiencing these tortoises, which are impressive creatures, was seriously unforgettable.

Having said that, Stone Town will get quite congested, especially once cruise ships will be in dock. This gets more difficult, therefore that weaving through throngs of individuals frequently stole out from the appeal. Similarly, whilst I personally liked understanding the uses and types of distinct spices, the tour really felt just a bit commercialized; I saw what appeared to be regular pressure to actually purchase following demonstration.

I’m going to mention here that, I do know that supporting local areas is obviously essential, yet, so to experience it should be much more laid-back, in other words I was hoping to see less strain and also more openness.

Tips and Tricks for Your Tour

If, after reading, this adventure is something you want to experience, well I can pass down, more or less, a little knowledge before going.

• Put on appropriate garments: For Stone Town, it is best to dress pleasantly, but, also it is advisable to ensure the shoulders and legs are covered in reverence to that culture. In spice plantations, comfortable, solid footwear can assist since you stroll round the farms.
• Bargain respectfully: It goes without saying when acquiring spices or souvenirs, bargaining is anticipated, still be well intentioned and sensible using the offer. Deal it with an appealing mindset and also a win-win understanding could potentially be created.
• Keep hydrated and also protect from sunlight: Zanzibar sunlight really can be potent, take many water with you and use sunscreen frequently. A hat might protect your head and face, really, especially when you happen to be outside.
• Cash is crucial: While several locations take charge cards, more compact businesses or neighborhood sellers may prefer money. Be sure to possess enough of small denominations for much easier deals.
• Verify the excursion includes: Discover perfectly just what the cost involves, it’s almost like transportation charges, admittance fees, meals. Find out about invisible expenses making allowances for appropriate budgeting.

Is It Worth Your Time and Money?

So, is this famous Zanzibar trip genuinely worth some time? I guess if you like combining a little bit of learning, some cultural sights and you get pleasure from sensorial experiences, clearly yes. While you may come across the tourist crowds or, in other words the relentless selling strategies at the Spice Farm, it’s pretty easy to appreciate many distinct parts this journey provides.

Actually, between experiencing Stone Town’s appealing design, filling up with the various fragrances through the spice farms, plus getting acquainted with giant tortoises on Prison Island, it’s almost like something exists for pretty much every type of visitor. With suitable preparation together with some patience it actually could certainly develop into an unforgettable point of this vacation in Zanzibar.

Generally, I do not really be sorry for opting for this journey: It provides a very all-encompassing and wealthy review of just what will make Zanzibar a really spectacular destination. You do have to know that the island happens to be about its magnificent shorelines as well as luxury resorts, too, I mean that its wealthy past as well as organic gems are equally deserving for exploration. This Zanzibar tour, honestly, delivers each of the above.