Mamas of Zanzibar - A Unique Cultural & Culinary Experience
Description
Would you like to experience the local lifestyle in Zanzibar, get closer to the beautiful people of Zanzibar and the delicious exotic Island cuisines? A more meaningful and a non - touristy experience in Zanzibar? Welcome to Mamas of Zanzibar :) - Lets us unlock a side of Zanzibar that travellers don't normally get to experience. A community lifestyle in Zanzibar, that is authentic, hygienic, enjoyable, delicious and fun for all ages! We are a group of passionate Zanzibari women eager to share our daily lifestyle and rich cultural dishes with you! You will learn and taste Zanzibari traditional food, and get a hands-on training from our homes. We are vegetarian friendly and are happy to cater to special dietary requirements. Karibu Kupika - Welcome to Cook! ***Please don't steal Pictures from your Mamas!
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Reviews(63)
This was the highlight of our trip to Zanzibar. The whole experience was enjoyable, interesting, educational and the food was delicious. All the women were warm and friendly, they welcomed us with singing and dancing. The trip to the market was great, it felt like shopping as a local. There was a big emphasis on hygiene and lots of hand washing. I have arthritis and l did want to join in sitting on the floor, but maybe a small stool would have made things easier at times. I'm sure if l has said anything a stool would have appeared from somewhere. My husband was given a chair, but it did feel more immersed in everything when working on the mats. It was so worthwhile, we all loved it. There was 4 in our group.
Shared with experience with 7 of the “mamas.” Great chance to dress in local customary attire and walk to the market. Interactive preparation and fun to help with cooking, learned some recipes to take home and try. Would definitely recommend.
This was truly an AMAZING, one in a lifetime experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting Zanzibar! I took this cooking class with 5 other friends and we each had such a phenomenal time. It is so much more than just a cooking class, but rather a full culturally immersive experience. Maskat and the Mamas welcomed us with open arms and warm hugs (literally!). From greeting us with traditional songs and dance to teaching us how to shop at the local market to being extremely patient and encouraging as we learning different culinary techniques, this experience was top tier from beginning to end. Getting to hear the story of how Mamas of Zanzibar came to be and the impact that have had specifically for Zanzibari women was they cherry on top. This experience will leave you with a full belly and an even fuller heart. There aren't enough words to describe how amazing this was so you really must go experience it yourself!
The Mamas were so sweet and embraced us in open arms. We learned so much about how they make food. Making food was Mr favorite part. Omg and their greeting song is a vibe!
Great experience. I felt like I was with family. The food and company was amazing.I highly recommend.
This excursion was amazing! We were able to be immersed into the culture from getting dressed in their garments, walking to the market, buying then cooking the food. We were greeted with a beautiful song sung by all the mamas. It was truly an amazing excursion. Saying it was amazing is an understatement. 100000% recommend. Thank you again Mamas for this unforgettable experience.
If you are looking for an experience that fosters female empowerment, societal impact, entrepreneurship, and a better understanding of the daily lives of true Zanzabarians, Mamas, it is extraordinary. Yes, the food was fantastic, but this is way more than the food; it is about understanding the daily life of women in this society. From keeping a home, food shopping, to meal preparation, to community childraising, Mamas is not for the faint of heart. If you are expecting a resort-style experience, don't go. If you want to understand better those who make your resort-style experience, and where and how they live daily, Mamas is a small window into their world. You will cook, you will shop, you will chop, you will roll, you will stir, you will fry, you will eat, you will laugh, you will learn, you will grow. Mama’s will change you - for the better.
Thank you so much for this deeply moving and insightful review. Your words truly capture the heart of what Mamas of Zanzibar stands for. We are grateful that you embraced the experience beyond the food — taking the time to understand the daily lives, strength, and beauty of Zanzibari women. We try our best to keep Mamas of Zanzibar as genuine as your are in our homes, and our community. Cooking together, shopping together, sharing stories, laughter, and lessons — these moments are what create genuine connection and empowerment on both sides. Knowing that the experience inspired learning, growth, and a deeper appreciation of the women who make Zanzibar what it is means everything to us. Thank you for walking with our Mamas, for honoring their work, and for allowing this journey to change you for the better. You will always be welcome back. Maskat
Just amazing. So sweet, welcoming and 100% authenticate. Oh and the food was better than any restaurant food you can get. Cooked with love and kindness. We took our 13 year old son and 17 year old daughter. Both loved it and would definitely do it again.
Asante sana, Michael, for such kind and heartfelt words. We’re so happy you felt the warmth, authenticity, and love that goes into everything we do — and yes, food cooked with love always tastes better. It truly means a lot to us that your son and daughter enjoyed the experience as well. Sharing this day with families and seeing young people connect with our culture makes it even more special. Thank you for being part of Mamas of Zanzibar. From me and all the Mamas, we are genuinely grateful and would love to welcome you again anytime. Maskat
Great! Women are very kind, smiling, generous! I had the experience with my daughter of 10 and all the excursions, it is this day that she preferred.
Thank you so much for this wonderful message. We are very happy that you and your daughter shared such a special day with the Mamas. Their kindness, smiles, and generosity truly come from the heart. Knowing that this experience was your daughter’s favorite of all the excursions means so much to us. Thank you for spending this time with us. From me and from all the Mamas of Zanzibar, we are sincerely grateful. Maskat
Fun! Fabulous and Delicious! Great smiling way to learn about local culture and foods. A must for anyone who likes cooking!
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re happy you had fun and enjoyed the food and the smiles. Sharing local culture through cooking is exactly what we love to do, and it means a lot that you felt that joy with us. Thank you for cooking, learning, and laughing alongside the Mamas — we’re truly grateful. Maskat
