Zanzibar Town
Organised by the dedicated Hamad and other local artists, with an emphasis on quality and distinctiveness, this arts centre and shop provide a refreshing…
Must-see shopping in Tanzania
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Arusha
What started as a small enterprise making beaded necklaces has branched into furniture, paper, clothing and many other products, mostly using recycled…
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Dar es Salaam
At this excellent workshop, artists with disabilities create world-class jewellery, sculptures, candles, stationery and other crafts from old glass, metal…
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Arusha
Quality handicrafts and classy homewares, children's toys and national-park maps – Schwari has picked the best of local crafts to create a fine collection…
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Northern Tanzania
This wonderful community-run concern has taken the local tradition of bee-keeping and transformed it into an income-generating project. It's been so…
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Dar es Salaam
This excellent centre is at the spot where Edward Saidi Tingatinga originally marketed his designs, and it’s still one of the best places to buy…
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Zanzibar Town
This shop sells products from Moto, a Zanzibar-wide handicraft cooperative that supports the island's rural economy by selling bags, sun hats, baskets,…
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Zanzibar Island
Jenga is a social enterprise offering Zanzibari entrepreneurs a platform (both online and in-store) from which to sell handmade products. And what…
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Zanzibar Town
This multifaith community project builds bridges between Zanzibar's minority Christians and the largely Muslim population through its sewing school and…
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Zanzibar Town
A well-curated showcase of eclectic Zanzibari and Tanzanian crafts displayed with details of their provenance and production. Kit yourself out with…
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Zanzibar Town
Shop and social enterprise Fahari combines traditional Zanzibari skills with the cutting-edge expertise of accessories designer Julie Lawrence to produce…
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Zanzibar Town
The cushions, coverlets and throws in Sasik are the work of self-taught Saada Abdullah Suleiman and her team of over 45 Zanzibari women. Their intricate…
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Zanzibar Town
For Zanzibari high fashion head to this store on Hurumzi St. Trained in Switzerland, Doreen has a signature style that effortlessly combines African…
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Zanzibar Town
The phrase 'Aladdin's Cave' can be overused, but not here. Step inside for floor-to-ceiling displays of gifts and souvenirs, and browse with no pressure…
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Northern Tanzania
Run by the local Maasai Women's Bead Co-op, this is the pick of the roadside souvenir shops that you find in this corner of the country. It all revolves…
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Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam's biggest and busiest market occupies several city blocks and the former barracks of the British Carrier Corp. It heaves with people morning…
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Arusha
The large and unmissable Cultural Heritage craft mall on the western edge of Arusha has all the usual souvenirs as well as some less common items…
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Zanzibar Town
This place calls itself an emporium, and it does indeed have a massive range of souvenirs: carvings, clothing, books, ornaments, furnishings, jewellery,…
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Mt Meru Curios & Crafts Market
Arusha
Souvenirs (and a few high-quality items) are here at Mt Meru Curios & Crafts Market, often incorrectly called the Maasai Market. Hard bargaining is…
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Dar es Salaam
This market is packed with vendors, and you can watch woodcarvers at work. Take the Mwenge dalla-dalla from New Posta transport stand to the end of the…
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Zanzibar Town
The friendly Hellen has her shop slightly off the main track, down near the Africa House Hotel. Come here to buy kangas, clothing, basketware, postcards…
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Arusha
This original little Aladdin's cave of a place makes and sells picture frames made of dhow wood. Step inside and start fossicking or talk with the…
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Zanzibar Town
Intricate and original pendants and other jewellery handmade from coins. Ready-to-wear or custom-made, modern or historic, African or international – the…
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Zanzibar Town
As the name implies, a gallery of good-quality paintings and sculpture. A sign outside declares 'All our artists are featured in contemporary art books'.
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Arusha
One of many shops selling tanzanite; this one has set up a little museum about the rare gem, which is mined almost exclusively in the Kilimanjaro area.
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Zanzibar Town
This long-standing gallery has a huge collection of souvenirs, textiles, woodcarvings, antiques, contemporary art, framed photographs and more.
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Dar es Salaam
This waterfront shopping centre features upmarket boutiques plus a craft market, eateries, an ice-cream parlour and fine sunset views.
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Zanzibar Town
Amazing multicoloured toys and sculptures created from broken flip-flops (thongs) collected from dumps and (most importantly) beaches.
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Zanzibar Town
Ready-to-wear and custom-made dresses and skirts from kanga fabric (the colourful wraps worn by women all over East Africa).
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Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam’s best bookshop, with classics, modern fiction, travel guides, Africa titles, maps and more.
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Zanzibar Town
For decades, Parvin Surti and his family have been shoeing Zanzibaris in beautiful, durable leather sandals (US$25 to US$35) in a range of understated…
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Dar es Salaam
Set around a garden courtyard, this small shopping centre is the beating heart of upmarket Oyster Bay. Here you'll find an organic grocer as well as some…
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Arusha
Arusha's largest market is a sprawling, jostling mass of humanity simply going about its business. Watch out for the handcarts filled with wares – they'll…
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Arusha
The chaotic Central Market (aka Soko Kuu: ‘Big Market’) in the heart of the city is worth an hour or two of strolling time. While you might see a few…
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Dar es Salaam
An upmarket shopping mall set around a garden courtyard. There are several restaurants, a supermarket, a children’s play area and a selection of shops,…
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Arusha
Your best bet for national-park books and maps. If the Boma Rd shop doesn't have what you want, try the other branch around the corner.
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Dar es Salaam
For kangas (printed cotton wraparounds worn by many Tanzanian women) and other colourful textiles, try the vendors and wholesale shops in the Mnazi Moja…
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Mwanza
One of Mwanza's best-stocked supermarkets, U-Turn also has many small gift items, such as teas, canned coffee and so on that make good souvenirs.
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Dar es Salaam
A great place for unusual souvenirs, where high-quality giftware, home furnishings, jewellery and artworks are made from upcycled materials.
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