Hadithi - The Story

Discover the power of food, culture, and community in Zanzibar—where every meal is a lesson

Hello I am Maskat—a Zanzibari woman, a mother of three, and a proud custodian of Zanzibar's rich culinary heritage. My story is one of resilience, transformation, and the unexpected beauty that arises from life's hardest challenges.

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After a difficult divorce, I found myself starting over, with only my children and a small savings to my name. We moved to Bububu, a peaceful village where I sought a new beginning. With little more than hope and determination, I rebuilt our lives in a humble one-bedroom home. For over 15 years, I had worked in the hospitality industry in a managerial role, but as a single mother, it became increasingly difficult to balance everything. Eventually, I made the painful decision to leave my career behind and focus solely on my children. I needed a break—a chance to regain my mental and physical strength.

During this time, I found solace in the community around me. Zanzibari culture is built on connection, and it’s customary for women to gather at the baraza—a communal meeting place where we share stories, support one another, and find strength in our shared experiences. As I spent more time with my neighbors, I began to realize that many were facing their own struggles—whether financial hardship, family challenges, or personal loss.

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It was during these conversations that an idea began to take root. I knew one thing for certain: the women in our community were extraordinary cooks. As the keepers of family recipes passed down through generations, they held the secrets to Zanzibar’s soul-stirring flavors. What if we could share these culinary traditions with the world? What if we could bring travelers from around the globe into our homes to learn from us, to cook with us, and to experience the magic of Zanzibar through our food?

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It was a terrifying thought. The courage to bring this idea to life seemed far beyond my reach. But one day, I mustered the strength to speak to one of the women, and she promised to consider the idea. To my surprise, it wasn’t just one woman who showed interest—it was ten. Ten Mamas from the neighborhood, eager to share their stories, their culture, and their recipes. And that’s how The Mamas of Zanzibar was born.

What started as a way to bring together the women in our community has grown into something much more profound. For me, The Mamas of Zanzibar became a personal healing journey. The pain of my divorce, the heartache of being a single mother, and the stigma that sometimes accompanies a broken marriage—all of it found its way into my work. Each day, I would channel my emotions into designing new experiences, curating moments of connection, and celebrating the beauty of Zanzibar’s culinary traditions. When the tears came, I would wipe them away and remind myself: I had an initiative to run. I had a purpose. And with that, the pain would transform into passion, the heartbreak into creativity.

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Divorce, especially in a community like ours, is a deeply isolating experience. In Swahili culture, the woman is often blamed for the dissolution of the family. It can be difficult to find respect or a voice when society sees you as a failure. But with The Mamas of Zanzibar, I discovered a new purpose. Running this initiative became more than just a way to rebuild my life—it became a path to overcoming my own challenges. It was double the work, but it gave me a valid reason to push through my failures. Empowering my fellow Zanzibari women, helping them find their own voices and independence, became the driving force behind everything I did. In lifting them up, I found a way to lift myself.

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The power of women’s empowerment through tourism cannot be underestimated. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism can play a significant role in empowering women, particularly in developing regions. It is estimated that women account for about 54% of the global workforce in tourism, making it one of the few industries where women are represented more than men. Empowering women within this sector has far-reaching effects—not only economically but socially, fostering independence, leadership, and financial security for women and their communities.

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In Zanzibar, we have seen this firsthand. The Mamas of Zanzibar are more than just home cooks; they are women who are creating opportunities, forging paths for others, and reclaiming their sense of agency. By welcoming travelers into our kitchens and homes, we not only teach the art of Zanzibari cooking, but we also teach the value of resilience, hard work, and solidarity. Each meal prepared and shared is a testament to the strength of the women who make it, and every visitor who joins us leaves with not just a recipe but a story of empowerment.

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Now, when travelers from around the world come to Zanzibar, they don’t just learn how to cook—they become part of our family. They walk through the fish markets with us, they share meals with us, and they connect with the very essence of what makes Zanzibar so special: its people. The Mamas teach not just recipes, but life lessons. They share the flavors of our island, the stories of our ancestors, and the warmth of a community that has supported each other through generations.

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Meeting different people from around the world and welcoming them into our culture and traditions has been a profound healing experience. There’s something truly special about sharing the genuine, authentic hospitality and love that Zanzibari women are known for. Through every meal and every connection, I’ve witnessed the power of our warmth, our stories, and the beauty of our shared humanity.

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The Mamas of Zanzibar is not just a cooking class. It’s a celebration of empowerment, resilience, and the profound beauty that comes from embracing both the joys and the struggles of life. It’s a testament to the strength of women, and the power of food to heal, unite, and transform.

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And as for me? I have learned that even in the darkest times, there is light. That light is found in community, in culture, and in the shared joy of cooking together. The Mamas of Zanzibar is my heart, my story—and it’s an experience I invite you to join.

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Welcome to Zanzibar. Welcome to our home. Welcome to the heart of The Mamas of Zanzibar.