Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Zanzibar with this Half-Day Darajani Market Tour from Matemwe, a cultural experience that takes you deep into the island’s largest and oldest local market. Known as the beating heart of Stone Town, Darajani Market is where the true Swahili lifestyle unfolds—colorful stalls, aromatic spices, tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and handcrafted treasures.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the beaches and discover Zanzibar’s authentic culture through food, people, and everyday island life.

Zanzibar shopping tour 1

Tour Highlights

🏙️ Explore Darajani Market—the busiest local market in Zanzibar

🥭 Taste exotic fruits & learn about local spices

🐟 See fresh seafood, vegetables & traditional foods

🛍️ Shop for souvenirs, spices, textiles & handmade goods

🗣️ Learn Swahili culture, history & daily lifestyle

🚐 Round-trip transfer from Matemwe included

📸 Perfect for photographers, food lovers & culture seekers

Full Tour Description

Your day begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Matemwe, followed by a scenic drive to Stone Town, where Darajani Market is located. Along the way, your guide introduces you to Zanzibar’s rich history, trade routes, and spice culture.

Arrival at Darajani Market

Once you arrive, step into a world full of color, sounds, and aromas. Darajani Market—founded in the late 1800s—is the center of local life in Zanzibar.

You will explore different sections of the market:

Tropical Fruits Section

Discover fresh seasonal fruits such as:

Mangoes

Lychees

Rambutan

Jackfruit

Passionfruit

Sugarcane juice

Your guide helps you taste and learn their local names and uses.

Zanzibar Spice Stalls

Visit spice shops offering:

Cloves

Cinnamon

Turmeric

Ginger

Cardamom

Black pepper

Masala mixes

Learn how each spice is used in Swahili dishes and traditional remedies.

Seafood & Local Food Area

Witness fishermen selling:

Octopus

Tuna

Squid

Snapper

Prawns

You’ll also explore local food stalls selling:

Chapati

Mandazi

Urojo soup

Coconut bread

Optional tasting is available.

Souvenirs & Handcrafts

Explore shops selling:

Kanga & Kitenge fabrics

Wooden carvings

Handmade jewelry

Zanzibar coffee & tea

Natural soaps & oils

Your guide helps you bargain like a local.

Additional Stops (Optional)

Depending on your interest, you can add:

A short walk through Stone Town’s narrow streets

A visit to the Old Fort

A stop at the Anglican Cathedral / Slave Market Museum

(You can customise the day based on your preferences.)

What’s Included

Hotel pick-up & drop-off (Matemwe)

Professional local guide

Bottled water

Fruit tasting

Market tour & cultural explanations

Shopping assistance

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes

Light clothing

Cash for shopping

Sun protection

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience connects you with real Zanzibari culture—its food, people, traditions, and rhythm. The Darajani Market tour is a great way to understand the island far beyond its beaches, making it a must-do for cultural travelers.