Excursion Maharubi palace ruins & spice plantation tour at Zanzibar

Taking a spice tour in Zanzibar provides a good way to understand why Zanzibar and spices are synonymous. In the 19th century, the Sultan of Oman introduced cloves to the island, which today is Zanzibar's main export product.

Depart from the pier and drive past the house of Dr. David Livingstone, where he stayed while planning his explorations into the interior.

You will visit the ruins of Maruhubi Palace, built by Sultan Barghash, the third Arab sultan of Zanzibar, who used the building to accommodate his wife and concubines. The sultan himself lived in a separate palace in Zanzibar Town. In 1899 the Maruhubi Palace was destroyed by a fire, leaving only a few remains, including some massive stone columns which supported a large wooden balcony which surrounded the upper floor.

Proceed to the countryside, where we offer the first time visitor a look at and taste of the spices grown mostly in off-road regions not easily accessible. You will stop in a luscious green clearing, where examples of spice plants are available for you to smell, taste, touch and see, you will get to see what the products you normally buy in packets or jars in supermarkets look and taste like fresh off the plant. The great variety of spices and plants grown here is used in food flavouring and preparation, cosmetics, dyes and traditional medicines. A local boy will climb up a tall coconut tree while you are walking through the spice area, to reach those plants situated high of the ground, as he then uses his legs to shimmy back down the swaying palm. It is possible depending upon the season to sample some of the edible fruits. Spice packets are available for sale on the rustic tables set up whenever visitors are spotted.

After this experience, you will continue with a visit to the Persian baths at Kidichi, built by the first Sultan for his Persian wife. Then commence your return back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Zanzibar, Dr. David Livingstone House, Marububi Palace Ruins, Spice Farm, Kidichi Persian Baths

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately .45 miles (700 metres) and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilist a wheelchair. Guests must be aware that buses and guides are the best available. Tour vehicles come in various sizes and qualities; air-conditioning cannot be guaranteed. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim therefore guests should dress conservatively with shoulders and knees covered. As climate can be extremely hot and humid, we recommend wearing comfortable closed-toed shoes, cool cotton clothing, sunscreen and a hat. The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Souvenir shop accepts USD, EURO, GBP and credit cards. Photography of Police Officers or persons in uniform is strictly forbidden.