The Spice Tour - Zanzibar Tanzania

As the ferry glides into Zanzibar, an island off the Tanzania coast, one cannot help but imagine what the cargo of the ferry might have been were it the 1800’s. Probably tusks of ivory, some salt, cloves and African slaves being herded by their Arab owners.

Zanzibar Island is an enthralling melting pot of Arabic, Indian and African cultures as a result of being colonized by many powers ranging form the Chinese, Persians, Arabs to the British. This legacy of having different occupying powers has led to a diverse cultural mix reflected in Zanzibar’s architecture, culture, religion and cuisine. The Island has emerged from a turbulent past in its role as a trading centre for spices, slaves and ivory

The Zanzibar archipelago comprises Unguja Island, Pemba Island and about 50 islets. Zanzibar (Unguja), the biggest of these islands is 85 kilometres in length and 39 kilometres wide at its broadest point. The turquoise waters, white sands, palm trees and the friendly Zanzibar people confirm my belief that I have come to a unique place. But all about the beaches later. On arrival at Zanzibar one can almost smell the spices that are grown here in the air. Zanzibar is known for its production of different spices hence the title ‘spice island.’

So a visit to one of the spice gardens is recommended. On this visit one can learn in a relaxed atmosphere about spices, their uses in cooking/cosmetics and how trade in slaves was encouraged by going on Spice tours. Some of the available spice plants include the Durian tree. The Durian tree is a strange one. Its fruit has a queer smell but the same fruit has a very pleasant taste. Never have I witnessed the two senses of taste and smell so disproportionate. One will also see the iodine tree or the bleeding tree. If a slight cut is made on the iodine tree trunk a deep red liquid begins oozing out. One can also see the cloves which Zanzibar at one time was the leading world producer producing about 75% of the total world supply. The cloves were so vital to Zanzibar’s economy that the whole island would close for the harvest. Activities that required finances, like repairing houses or social activities like weddings depended on the wages from those two or three weeks’ work of harvesting.

There are also coconut trees of two varieties, the short coconut tree and the tall variety. There is also a tree with green berries. If a few of these berries are rubbed against each other in a wet palm, a soapy foam begins to form. These berries can be used as an alternative to soap. They are known as soap berries. There is also a tree with yellow and green hanging fruits that look like tiny guavas. When the ripe (yellow) fruit is sliced open, a black nut covered with a red mace is found inside. This seed is the Nutmeg. It is regularly used in Zanzibar to flavour porridge. The famous Henna tree is also found in Zanzibar. The Henna tree’s crushed leaves are used to make the popular Henna dye used by women to make elaborate patterns on their palms and on the soles of their feet. Henna is a vital part of a Zanzibari woman’s decoration. In fact, a bride in a wedding ceremony will feel uneasy if she has not adorned her palms and soles of her feet with elaborate henna patterns. However henna requires plenty of patience because it takes almost the whole day to dry. And one needs to minimise movement when henna is applied so as to avoid smudging the intricate patterns and turn a decoration into an unpleasant pattern on the hands or soles. Tourists usually opt for the quicker drying Indian ink.

Other spices that are present include ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, tamarind, menthol and ylang yang. There are more fruits including paw paws, jack fruit, pomelon and grapefruit.

After seeing the beautiful beaches, pristine waters, enjoying the warm climate and taking the spice tour, I can now understand why Zanzibar weaved her charm and seduced kings into abandoning their subjects and moving their seat of government away from home to Zanzibar. This birthplace of Freddie Mercury, Yes….. Freddie Mercury the former lead singer of QUEEN is indeed an enchanting place one must visit.