About this Swahili cooking class
Swahili cooking on Zanzibar brings together coconut, spices and seafood from centuries of Indian Ocean trade. A local host shows you how a family meal comes together, from grating fresh coconut to rolling chapati.
You cook, then sit down to eat what you made. With the market option, you buy the ingredients together first.
Highlights
- Grate coconut and blend spices by hand
- Cook coconut fish curry, pilau rice and chapati
- Optional morning market visit
- Eat the lunch you cooked
Swahili cooking class itinerary
Timings are a guide.
- 10:00Meet your host. Market option: walk to the market to buy ingredients.
- 10:45Start preparing: coconut milk, spice mix and dough.
- 12:00Cook the main dishes.
- 13:00Sit down to lunch.
- EndRecipes to take home; transfer back if booked.
Your private options
Private class
Your own host and menu.
With market visit
Buy the ingredients together first.
All our Zanzibar activities are private: only your group takes part. Upgrades are quoted on request.
Transfer from your hotel
The tour price above does not depend on where you stay. Getting to the start is priced separately, per vehicle for up to 6 guests, return. If you stay near the start, pickup is included.
| Your hotel area | Trip starts at | Return transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town & airportStone Town, Shangani, Mbweni, airport area | Stone Town | Included |
| West coastFumba, Chukwani, Bububu, Mtoni | Stone Town | $90 |
| South-east coastPaje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Michamvi, Dongwe | Paje / Jambiani / Michamvi | Included |
| North coastNungwi, Kendwa | Stone Town | $130 |
| North-east coastMatemwe, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, Pongwe | Stone Town | $120 |
| South tipKizimkazi, Makunduchi | Paje / Jambiani / Michamvi | $80 |
Not sure of your area? Tell us your hotel name and we confirm the price. See all transfer prices.
What's included
- Local cooking host
- All ingredients
- Lunch and soft drinks
- Printed recipes
- Pickup from hotels in the South-east coast or Stone Town & airport area
Not included
- Transfer from other areas (see transfer prices below)
- Tips
Add-ons
- Market visit
- Spice farm visit beforehand
- Hotel transfer
Children and groups
Children are welcome and enjoy rolling chapati. Knife work is supervised. Group rates are available for six or more travellers.
Booking and cancellation
Send us your date, number of travellers and hotel. We confirm availability and the full price in USD before you pay. Changes and cancellations follow our booking terms. If weather or sea conditions make a trip unsafe, we reschedule or refund it.
Swahili cooking class FAQs
Can you cater for allergies?
Tell us when you book. Coconut, fish and nuts are common, so allergy menus need a private class.
Is it vegetarian-friendly?
Yes. Vegetable curries and beans in coconut are common Swahili dishes.
Is this a demonstration or hands-on?
Hands-on. You do the cooking with the host's help.