Tanzania Shopping

Local artists often work on site of the gallery, typically a rickety shack. I was able to find the small painting I wanted, an elephant family.

Here are some ideas about souvenirs and gifts to bring back from Tanzania:~ fabrics, especially the colourful Maasai tartans~ woven baskets~ jewellery (as well as the usual beads and metals, I loved the bracelets carved from green stone)~ wood-carvings such as jewellery boxes and smaller items like combs and bangles~ ostrich eggs: emptied and...

Some of you may consider shopping an integral part of your holiday experience. I don’t. Agree with the safari company BEFORE you set out, exactly what you want to be doing on the trip. If you want to spend some time shopping, great, let them know. Many drivers will take you to stores where they get commission - not that I personally feel there is...

There are many areas and markets that sell Maasai bead work. Maasai villiages sell them as well. They have a wide variety of styles and colors are always brilliant. You wont regret it spending the extra money on a well made one. They do make smaller items as well. Also the Maasai cloths when of good quailty are wool, they should be soft and come in...

There are several reputable jewelrys in Arusha. Tanzanite jewelry! You will spend less in Arusha near where it is mined. Dont buy it at the airport it is about 30 times more expensive. However the prices still vary depending on the size, color and cut of the stone- just like a diamond.

You shouldn't miss Stonetown once you are in Zanzibar. Just stroll around and walk trough an labyrinth of samll alleys and streets. THERE you can shop 'till you drop and bargain hard!

Tanzania sports many curio shops - the shops where you can buy the local crafts such as tribal jewelry, batik and wood carvings etc.Nothing will have a price on it - it is up to you (and you are expected ) to bargain. After some coaxing every shop attendant will demand outrageous amounts of money - just keep pressing for a much lower price. At the...

The traditional blankets that the Massai wear are great buys as presents. They can be found throughout Tanzania and Kenya and really do keep you warm on chilly nights. Usually only a couple of dollars but pay what you think is reasonable, but of course bargain.

The propieter of this shop is a rastafarian and a legend. He has a huge range of crafts, souvenirs and more with prices to rival vendors in the less intimidating atmosphere of shop. If you befriend him as Kyle did, costs come soaring down to near cost price.

In any decent sized town, vendors prey on the weak and the helpless (aka first time travellers) If this applies to you then you must always look confident. Vendors may be a slightly difficult situation for some but they want the money and will usually give into slightly lower prices than men in shops (except Rasta Man) Pretty much anything you can...

A shop selling all sorts of carvings , but particularly animals tall giraffes several dollars for a large one, but bargaining can bring the price down

Cute shop. Prices a bit higher than you'll pay at the carving shops or from the street vendors, but there is a good variety. Be aware that street vendors will rush the shop when they see tourist there (see picture). Acrylic paintings of local sights and people. The painting being held by my husband (far left of picture) cost $23 USD.

There are several carving sheds near the main roundabout, this is a good place to get wonderful wood carvings.The carvers are very eager to trade, so take along a couple nice caps, T shirts or even a backpack (to bargain for larger items). Wood carvings A 10" X 7" carving of a Nativity cost about $6. A hand size carving a an antelope was about...

There is traditional ebony wood-carving, wonderful art. If you don’t buy it in a shop but on the streets, take care that it is really ebony and not just darkened with black shoe cream.

I don't remember the name of the shops. I didn't spend much time there. The Maasai Sunday market had some nice things, but you need a local for help. If you get to a Maasai village, you will find hand-beaded jewelry that is beautiful. Wonderful carved, ebony animals and colorful cloth that the tribal members wear as clothing. Tanzanite is very...