Made In Zanzibar: Handicraft & Music Tour
Zanzibar, Tanzania
From USD 50.00
Office phone number: +255 777 480 019
Made In Zanzibar: Handicraft & Music Tour
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Say ‘jambo’ to the most accomplished craftsmen and women, artists and musicians that Zanzibar has to offer on this handicraft/musical-themed adventure. A stunning melting pot of cultures for centuries, this region boasts an impressive artisan craft culture. We will introduce you to painters, carpenters, henna artists and musicians as we unlock the cultural, historic and musical secrets of Stone Town and beyond. Have a go at creating your own piece of art and jam with local musicians on this unique and engaging tour.
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Highlights
- Meet the talented artists behind Zanzibar’s thriving handicraft community and learn about their life and work
- Have a go at henna painting and wood carving under the expert eye of a local artisan
- Discover the fascinating story behind Zanzibar’s beautifully elaborate (and unique) carved wooden doors
- Visit the region’s only music school, chat with musicians about their music heritage and have a go at playing a local instrument
- Stroll through historic Stone Town with an expert local guide, find out more about the area and get some insider tips on what else to see and do while you’re in town
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- This tour champions the preservation of local music culture by taking travellers to the Dhow Countries Music Academy, the only music school in Zanzibar and paying them a small fee for the privilege.
- The centre actively promotes and protects local music heritage and offers students a wide range of instruments to learn and master, which this tour helps to maintain.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
In front of the Old Fort main entrance in Stone Town.
Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) is located in the Forodhani area in the heart of Stone Town, right next to the Forodhani Park (Forodhani Gardens).
View on Google Maps
- Starting time: 9.00 AM
- Ending point:
In front of the Old Fort
Language: English
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, water, handicraft souvenir to take home
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Your journey begins outside the Old Fort, Stone Town’s most famous landmark. Your guide will spend some time helping you to get orientated and will talk to you about the flourishing craft culture in Zanzibar before we set off towards our first stop.
Henna is a traditional dye made from the Laconia plant which is used to decorate the body with elaborate patterns and is extremely popular with local women in Zanzibar. You will have an opportunity to paint your own pattern onto canvas under the expert guidance of a local henna painter amongst the beautiful surroundings of the historic Fort. After you’ve had a practise, you are welcome to try it on your skin too (optional).
Next up, we’ll stop at a vibrant local studio to chat to a group of local painters, find out more about their work and admire their creations.
Carpentry is next on our agenda, still a vital and flourishing vocation in Zanzibar. If you’ve been in town for a few days, you may already have noticed the abundance of decorative, heavy wooden doors, something that the region is famous for, you won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the world. On this tour, you’ll get to meet the talented artisans behind these works of art. With the guidance of a local carpenter, you will also get a chance to carve your own little piece. You must be patient though, as this old handcraft is not as easy as it looks! You will be given a small souvenir gift by the carpenter so that you’ll always remember your time with us in Stone Town!
Finally, we’ll dive into the world of Zanzibar and Swahili music at the local Dhow Countries Music Academy, the only music school in Zanzibar. The centre actively promotes and protects local music heritage and offers students a wide range of instruments to learn and master. During our visit you will hear about the history of the institution and the different local music styles that they proudly preserve, such as taarab, kidumbak and ngoma. After your lesson in Tanzanian music history, you will be invited to choose an instrument and to throw yourself into the rhythms as we practise a piece together with the friendly local students that study at the academy!
Your guide will lead you back to the Old Fort in the centre of Stone Town, just in time for lunch, and will be more than happy to share their local food recommendations with you. Before you go, don’t forget to also ask for more tips on what else to see and so during your stay in Zanzibar.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local, English-speaking guide, water, handicraft souvenir to take home
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: We recommend that you wear modest dress for this tour (no short skirts or shorts) and comfortable walking shoes.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page. Please note, if you are bringing a toddler, we would recommend that you bring a pram/buggy as the tour involves quite a lot of walking
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Local contact
Office phone number: +255 777 480 019
Email address: info@zanzibarurbanadventures.com
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