Mamas of Zanzibar: Unique Cultural & Culinary Experience
5.0
29 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: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bububu - 09:00 Arriving + Greet and Meet\n09:15 Menu Introduction + Day Routine\n09:30 Heading to Local Market\n10:15 Back at Pishi HQ to prepare for cooking\n10:30 - 11:30 Prepare cooking Items + Cooking Classes\n11:30 - 12:00 Free time as we arrange for lunch + Explore the neighbourhood + Discover the boutique Shop + Henna Painting\n12:15 Lunch Time \n13:00 End of lunch + Experience End\n\nGo to our website for other experience choices and better rates.\n\n**day may not go as above planned as classes depend on the group stories and extra fun activity may pop up :) \n\nKaribu Tena
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 that’s genuine, sanitary, enjoyable, tasty and family-friendly.

We’re a bunch of enthusiastic Zanzibari women, thrilled to offer a glimpse of our daily way of life and our rich culinary heritage. You’ll receive hands-on training in cooking traditional Zanzibari food at our homes, while learning about it.

We are happy to accommodate vegetarians and make provisions for special dietary needs.

Karibu Kupika - Time to Cook!

*Kindly refrain from taking away pictures without permission from your Mamas!

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
(29 Ratings)
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Bobaf96il
Feb 18, 2024
Mamas of Zanzibar... Zanzibar Cooking class! - My wife and I took a cooking class with the Mamas of Zanzibar, a project that helps women in the village secure a better future. They were all so welcoming... from helping us to explore the local market to teaching us how to prepare a coconut to cooking - and eating - a fantastic meal. Kudos to Muscat for putting together such a brilliant activity and Hi! to all the mamas from Bebe and Baba. We will never forget our time spent with all of you, and maybe we can do it again some day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurabholsen
Jan 25, 2024
Recommendable! - Fantastic experience! You really experience the local culture and get an insight into life on Zanzibar among the locals. An experience to remember!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nickandpooja
Jan 11, 2024
One of the most unique Zanzibarian experiences! - Last week my husband and I had the pleasure of cooking with the Mamas of Zanzibar. It was an unforgettable experience - both for its authenticity as well as the warmth and love that the mamas bought to the cooking experience! The day began with shopping for traditional ingredients at the local markets - coconuts, fruits, fresh fish and vegetables - followed by a hands on lesson in cleaning and preparing the ingredients, which also included making coconut milk from scratch - a messy but worthwhile experience :) After a delicious breakfast, we marinated the vegetables and fish and were taught step by step how to cook each of the nine dishes that were to be our lunch for the day! My husband and I learnt a great deal about the carefully balanced flavours that make up Zanzibar cuisine and by the end of the day felt ready to cook our own dishes! We also had the opportunity to learn about local Zanzibarian culture and tradition, as well as the changing attitudes towards gender norms and religious practices. The mamas were patient, kind and incredibly generous with their knowledge and we hope to return again soon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E1034wlgabrielm
Dec 29, 2023
Our best experience in Zanzibar! - Attention, exceptional experience! A true immersion in the daily life of the Zanzibaris. The Mamas are unique, welcoming you with infinite kindness and one of the best fruit juices you've ever tasted. You will accompany them to the local market to choose vegetables, fish, and everything you'll cook. Back home, you're treated to a spicy coffee, a pure pleasure to discover. Then the cooking class starts: opening and scraping coconuts, working with vegetables, bananas, all amidst laughter and smiles. Everything is perfectly clean and hygienic, with frequent hand washing encouraged, constant floor sweeping, and meticulously scrubbed utensils. They pay great attention to hygiene. The meal itself is incredible, with nearly 10 typical dishes blending on your plate, each better than the last. We enjoyed every moment. The hostess-in-chief, Mascate, an entrepreneur, has brought the Mamas together for this concept. After 18 years in various roles in the island's top hotels, she created this concept to offer something truly local and authentic. You won't find this anywhere else! Guaranteed. A timeless moment. By far the best experience we had on the island. It's a bit more expensive than other cooking experiences, but it's truly worth it! You leave with small gifts, everything designed to make the experience memorable and fantastic. Thank you, Mamas, for everything, we won't forget you soon! See you soon. Gabriel & Astrid
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N6408hxclaired
Oct 19, 2023
A must do in Zanzibar - We found Maskat and the Mamas over the internet and booked the experience because of the great reviews. We can confirm that they are 100% true. We were welcomed very warmly by the Mamas and had the feeling that we were part of the village immediately. The visit to the market was so authenic in the traditional clothes. Also Maskat shared a little bit about the back story of the project and the Mamas, it’s truly incredible what the’ve built! The money is used for a good cause and it feels great to contribute. We cooked lots of different dishes and all of them were delicious, especially the fresh chapati and the fish stew! Maskat also organized a transfer to the Mamas and to the next hotel for us. We really enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend it to get an insight in the swahili culture and local living. A must-do when visiting Zanzibar! Thank you Mamas ❤️ PS: It’s best to book directly over their website.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anna
Oct 7, 2023
100% recommended!!! - It was an incredible experience! The moms were super nice and put a lot of effort into it. I can recommend this event 100%: simply authentic and the best food you can get in Zanzibar!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ominer21
Oct 1, 2023
Heart of Zanzibar: A Culinary & Cultural Odyssey - My wife and I stumbled upon a gem that truly encapsulates the heart and soul of this island paradise: Mamas of Zanzibar. This isn't just a culinary journey; it's an authentic immersion into the island's rich cultural tapestry. What makes Mamas of Zanzibar stand out is its unfiltered portrayal of Zanzibari traditions. With every dish served, there's a tale from the island's  history, and a sprinkle of its vibrant culture. The local mamas, with their warm smiles and stories, made us feel like we were part of a close-knit family gathering rather than tourists on a brief escapade. The authenticity of the experience is unrivaled. It's not just about tasting food, but understanding its origins, the hands that crafted it, and the generations that have passed down these treasured recipes. From the spices that perfume the air to the traditional cooking methods employed, everything screams genuine Zanzibari culture. In summary, if you're seeking more than just a meal but a deep, enriching connection to the essence of Zanzibar, the Mamas of Zanzibar is a must-visit. My wife and I left with full stomachs and fuller hearts, carrying with us memories and flavors that we'll cherish for a lifetime. Highly recommended for those who crave culture and authentic experiences.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari29661188703
Sep 29, 2023
Excellent - We has a fantastic trip to Zanzibar organised through Alfa Zulu travels. The hotels and resorts were Excellent. We had a gala time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
271barbaram271
Sep 16, 2023
The Mamas are the real deal! - This experience is not to be missed. Three sisters and husbands and a Swiss family and a family from Denmark decided to learn how the Zanzibari’s cook. The food was unlike anything I had eaten before. The Mamas are neighbors, 5 women who welcomed us enthusiastically. Cooking was done by the Mamas over small charcoal stoves. Most preparation was done by us….opening coconuts, making charlatan bread, cutting up pumpkin. It was fun and busy. We sat outside under a covered patio on stools or the floor. We took lots of pictures and talked to the women about their lives.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tamarapfi
Sep 13, 2023
Best time - It was the most authentic experience we could wish for! Lots of laughter, good vibes and interesting people to meet at mamas of zanzibar. Would 100% recommend to do the cooking class.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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