What to Buy in Tanzania: Things to Bring Home from Your Trip

When you think about Tanzania, images of incredible landscapes, vibrant cultures, and wildlife likely come to mind. But if you’re lucky enough to visit, bringing a piece of Tanzania back home as souvenir can be one of the best ways to keep those memories alive. 

From handcrafted jewelry to aromatic spices, there’s no shortage of treasures in Tanzania. This blog will walk you through what to buy in Tanzania and help pick the best items on your trip.

1. Handcrafted Souvenirs

Beaded Jewelry and Accessories

Tanzania’s beadwork is a true art form. The Maasai people, one of Tanzania’s most famous ethnic groups, have an incredible tradition of bead crafting. Their jewelry often symbolizes their cultural values and is designed in intricate patterns with specific colors representing different elements of life. You’ll find bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and even anklets in all sorts of color combinations.

These beaded accessories are lightweight and easy to pack, making them ideal souvenirs. You can find Maasai jewelry at local markets or cooperatives where artisans sell their creations directly. Purchasing here ensures that your money supports local communities.

Tinga Tinga Paintings

If you’re drawn to colorful, eye-catching art, you’ll love Tinga Tinga paintings. This unique style originated in Tanzania and is known for its bright colors and almost dream-like depictions of wildlife. Animals like elephants, giraffes, and birds are painted in playful ways with vibrant backdrops. Tinga Tinga paintings make wonderful souvenirs as they’re affordable, lightweight, and easy to transport. These paintings can add a splash of African flair to your home, bringing a little piece of Tanzanian wildlife with you.

Kanga and Kitenge Fabrics

Kanga and Kitenge are two types of fabrics that are as beautiful as they are culturally significant. Kanga fabric usually features Swahili sayings or words of wisdom, making each piece unique. Meanwhile, Kitenge is known for its bold, vibrant patterns and is often worn as a wrap or dress. Both fabrics make fantastic keepsakes or gifts, and you’ll see them being used everywhere in Tanzania, from daily wear to special events.

You can buy Kanga and Kitenge from markets, shops, or even directly from tailors who often have fabric and can make custom clothing on request.

2. Culinary Delights

Tanzanian Coffee and Tea

If you’re a coffee or tea lover, you’re in for a treat in Tanzania. Coffee from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and tea from the Usambara Mountains are famous worldwide. Tanzanian coffee has a rich, robust flavor with subtle fruit and floral notes. While the tea often carries hints of vanilla and spice.

Whether it’s for yourself or a gift for a loved one, Tanzanian coffee and tea bring a warm memory of your trip each time you brew a cup. You can find these at local markets, airports, or specialty shops in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Look for coffee labeled “AA,” which indicates higher quality beans.

Spices from Zanzibar

Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar has a long history with the spice trade. Walking through a Zanzibari spice market is like stepping into a world of aromas—from cloves and vanilla to cinnamon and cardamom. Many vendors offer pre-packaged spice sets that are easy to bring home, or you can create your own custom spice mix.

Some of the most popular spices include cloves, which are Zanzibar’s top export, and cinnamon, which has a uniquely intense flavor. These spices make great gifts or additions to your kitchen, and they’ll remind you of Tanzania with every dish you prepare.

3. Natural and Cultural Artifacts

Wood Carvings

Tanzania is well-known for its wood carvings, especially the intricate Makonde wood carvings from the Makonde people. These artisans are masters of turning wood into lifelike, expressive sculptures. Common designs include “tree of life” carvings that tell stories of family and community, or animal carvings that depict the local wildlife.

If you’re looking to buy a wood carving, make sure you buy from the artisans themselves. The craftsmanship and cultural symbolism in these pieces make them valuable and meaningful souvenirs.

Soapstone Carvings

Soapstone is another material you’ll see in Tanzanian markets, often carved into small animals, dishes, or figurines. The smooth texture and natural colors of soapstone make it a beautiful choice for home decor. Many Tanzanian artisans specialize in soapstone, and each piece is unique due to the natural color variations in the stone.

These carvings are usually smaller than wood carvings, making them easier to pack, and they’re just as rich in cultural significance. Look for items like animal figurines or decorative bowls for a touch of Tanzania in your home.

4. Fashion and Accessories

Leather Goods

Tanzania has a thriving leather industry, and artisans here create beautiful, high-quality leather products like belts, bags, and sandals. These items are often handmade and come with intricate detailing that adds a unique touch. If you’re in the market for a new travel bag, a Tanzanian leather tote or messenger bag makes for a durable and stylish choice.

The leather products are crafted from locally sourced materials, so they’re authentic and durable. They’re also practical souvenirs that you can use daily and will last for years.

Handwoven Baskets and Mats

Handwoven baskets and mats are common throughout Tanzania and are both beautiful and functional. Local artisans make them from natural materials, often in earthy tones that reflect the landscape. These baskets are usually woven with intricate designs, and you’ll find them in various sizes.

Not only are they lightweight and easy to pack, but they’re also handy to have around the house. Use them as decorative storage or serving baskets to add a touch of Tanzania to your home.

5. Precious Stones

Tanzanite

Perhaps the most famous Tanzanian souvenir is Tanzanite, a stunning blue gemstone found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The gem’s rarity and striking color make it highly sought after worldwide. However, buying Tanzanite can be a bit tricky, so it’s essential to purchase it from reputable dealers and request a certificate of authenticity.

You can find Tanzanite jewelry in various designs, from simple pendants to elaborate rings. A piece of Tanzanite jewelry is more than just a souvenir; it’s a rare keepsake you can pass down as a family heirloom.

Where to Shop

Local Markets and Souvenir Shops

Some of the best places to shop for Tanzanian souvenirs include Mwenge Woodcarvers Market in Dar es Salaam, the Maasai Market in Arusha, and the bustling markets in Stone Town, Zanzibar. These markets have a wide variety of items and often allow you to bargain.

Supporting Local Artisans

To support local communities, consider buying directly from artisans whenever possible. Many cooperatives work to empower artisans by providing fair wages and sustainable income. When you buy directly from these artists, you’re helping to preserve their traditional crafts and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.

Tips for Buying and Bringing Souvenirs Home

Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:

• Packing: Fragile items like soapstone and wood carvings should be wrapped carefully. Ask vendors for wrapping materials, or bring your own bubble wrap.
• Customs: Check your country’s customs regulations on importing items like spices or animal-related products.
• Budgeting: Shopping can add up quickly, so set a budget beforehand. Many places accept credit cards, but cash is often preferred in local markets.

Conclusion

Tanzania offers a wide array of treasures for you to take home, each with a story to tell. By supporting local artisans and choosing unique, handmade items, you’re not only bringing back a piece of Tanzania’s culture but also helping to sustain these beautiful traditions. Whether it’s a piece of Tanzanite jewelry, a colorful Kanga, or a bag of aromatic spices, these souvenirs will be lasting reminders of your Tanzanian adventure.

For a truly unforgettable journey through Tanzania, trust Maximilian Adventures to guide you. Our tours offer immersive experiences that let you explore the heart of Tanzania’s culture, wildlife and landscapes.