Mamas of Zanzibar: Unique Cultural & Culinary Experience
5.0
50 Ratings
Zanzibar

Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle of Zanzibar and indulge in delicious traditional cuisine with Mamas of Zanzibar. Experience a non-touristy, authentic, and engaging cultural adventure!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • V6X8+CP5 - 09:00 Arriving + Greet and Meet
    09:15 Menu Introduction + Day Routine
    09:30 Heading to Local Market
    10:15 Back at Pishi HQ to prepare for cooking
    10:30 - 11:30 Prepare cooking Items + Cooking Classes
    11:30 - 12:00 Free time as we arrange for lunch + Explore the neighbourhood + Discover the boutique Shop + Henna Painting
    12:15 Lunch…
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What's Included
  • Authentic hands-on training by a traditional Zanzibari woman
  • Finish with a delightful home-cooked lunch
  • Complimentary glass of juice included
  • Explore the local fish market
  • Take-home easy-to-follow recipes
  • Variety of drinks available
  • Tasty snacks provided
What's Not Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
Meal Options
  • Fresh Fish - Fish from the local market
  • Grounded Cassava Leaves in Coconut - Served with Rice
  • Sweet Banana in coconut
Additional Information

Ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the native lifestyle of Zanzibar, bonding with the charming locals and savouring the mouth-watering Island dishes? Hope for an authentic and less commercialized Zanzibar adventure?
Welcome aboard to Mamas of Zanzibar :-) Here, we reveal a side of Zanzibar which is typically untouched by travellers - a community life…

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Location
V6X8+8H Zanzibar
Our Home. Enter the road to Ngalawa Hotel at Meli Nane. Follow the dirt road past the bump, on the first turn, go right. Head down the small slope, right infront there is a house with a red gate. Please call us when you reach here to come collect you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(50 Ratings)
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Akuli
Jul 22, 2025
Beautiful Authentic experience - Best beautiful authentic experience, lovely wonderful people and company, beautiful respectful community full of love and kindness, amazing food and culture could not have asked for a better authentic experience, participation in cooking and food shopping very fun atmosphere, learnt a lot about cooking, spices and culture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Solocationer
Jul 21, 2025
Wonderful experience - My visit to Mama's was a great experience. The food was delicious and the women were lovely. It was so educational to learn about the dishes they make and how they are prepared. I am so grateful that Maskat opened up her home to give people the opportunity to do this. Thank you Mama's!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Escape53723018310
Jul 4, 2025
Loved the Mamas - Truly an amazing experience. The Mamas were so welcoming and truly made us feel at home with them. The meal they prepared was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allison_r
Jun 9, 2025
This is so much fun! The... - This is so much fun! The mamas are so sweet and hospitable. I can’t imagine another cooking class in Zanzibar even comparing to this one. Fabulous experience. 100% recommend! Note: Following the google address on Viator will not take you to the place - so it is best to follow the written directions!!
Review provided by Viator
Ladyexecutivekat
May 14, 2025
The power of food to bring cultures and people together - an amazing experience! - A simply amazing experience of entering a community as an outsider and feeling instantly welcome. The sense of sisterhood is strong, although the Mamas take care to make the men feel just as welcome. It was such a privilege to be treated as a friend, to go shopping with the Mamas at the nearby open market, and then be coached through meal prep. Maskat, the founder, is lovely and generous, with her home, her culture, and in sharing her story. It felt like an intimate cultural immersion, culminating in a wonderful meal. It's an experience like no other. I highly recommend this to anyone, especially Westerners, visiting Zanzibar.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Makkus003
Apr 26, 2025
Unique traditional cooking & culture experience - MAMAS OF ZANZIBAR The mama’s of Zanzibar had a warm welcome for us and all people where so kind, friendly and little kids where greating so nice with a sweet smile. You will get in touch with all traditional clothing and a market tour to purchase all ingredients necessary for the cooking. You will get all local insights for main fruits, vegetables and fish. Each step and cooking equipment will be explained cause it’s so unique when you are using it yourself preparing the traditional dishes. The final dishes are tasted so amazing and authentic that is totally different from you get in hotels, a must try! The mama’s producing and selling their own unique spice mixes for the cooked dishes. All in all is this experience so unique and amazing also with the story behind this I can recommend this to anyone who wants to have an unfiltered and authentic look & feel into the Zanzibar life and cuisine! Also suitable for families with kids. STONE TOWN TOUR After the Mama’s of Zanzibar a driver will bring you to Stone Town and a guide will tell you all about the history of the town and the island including a visit to the museum of slavery. Our guide Imran was very good, sympathetic, very knowledgeable and patient. He will take care of you during the tour and adapts if you want to see or buy something specific. Really great experience. All in all one day for both experiences give you a really nice impression how Zanzibar is like, about the life, food and people. I totally recommend this tour! Thanks again Mama’s! 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ivam272
Apr 26, 2025
Heartwarming & Authentic Experience with the Mamas of Zanzibar - My experience with the Mamas of Zanzibar was one of the most meaningful and memorable parts of my trip. It was so much more than just a cooking class—it was a deep cultural exchange filled with warmth, laughter, and learning. We began by visiting the local market to buy fresh ingredients, guided by the wonderful women who shared their knowledge and stories with us. Then we dressed in beautiful traditional kangas, which instantly made us feel part of the community. Cooking side by side with the Mamas was pure joy—we prepared a delicious Swahili meal together, filled with spices, flavors, and love. What makes this experience truly special is the mission behind it: by participating, you’re directly supporting the empowerment of women in Zanzibar, providing them with income and independence. It felt amazing to be part of something so positive and impactful. After a delicious lunch, we continued with a fascinating tour of Stone Town, guided by Imran, who was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the rich history and culture of Zanzibar. This experience is a must for anyone who wants to go beyond the surface and connect with the real heart of Zanzibar. It was uplifting, inspiring, and unforgettable. I left with a full belly, a happy heart, and a deeper understanding of this beautiful place and its people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelleq2025
Feb 5, 2025
Very welcoming experience and lovely food - Fantastic experience , wonderful Mammas welcomed with juice and snacks , took us to the local market to buy produce. Helped to prepare ingredients cooked on the stoves , then sat to enjoy our lunch
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zakeishas2020
Dec 24, 2024
The Most Authentic Experience in Zanzibar - Our time with Moma’s of Zanzibar was nothing short of incredible and truly the most authentic experience we had during our stay. This cooking class went far beyond preparing meals it was a journey into the heart of Swahili culture and traditions. From the moment we arrived, the ladies warmly welcomed us and dressed us in traditional Swahili garments, explaining the rich cultural significance of each piece. This thoughtful introduction immediately immersed us in their world. They then guided us through a vibrant local market, teaching us how to select the best fruits, vegetables, and spices. Every step felt authentic and engaging, making us feel deeply connected to the local community. Back in their traditional kitchen, we were introduced to the intricate art of Swahili cooking. Using charcoal ovens and clay pots, we learned to prepare dishes entirely by hand, from grinding spices with a mortar and pestle to kneading dough on wooden boards. The ladies demonstrated each step with care, explaining the history and techniques behind every dish. Cooking over open flames required patience, precision, and effort, giving us a profound appreciation for the hard work that goes into every meal. This experience was more than just a cooking class it was an eye opening lesson in culture, resilience, and tradition. The dedication of the women of Zanzibar, their artistry, and their warmth left a lasting impression on us. Moma’s of Zanzibar is an absolute must for anyone looking to experience the true spirit of Zanzibar. Thank you for a day we’ll never forget!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Expedition533680
Dec 18, 2024
Fabulous Mamas - This was the friendliest and most charming introduction to Zanzibar’s real family and culture. I’m so grateful for the time we spent cooking and chatting with the Mamas… great food for the tummy and soul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $117
From $117
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).