Unique Local Souvenirs to Buy During your Tanzania Safari Tour ? There is simply so much to discover in Tanzania, whether it is a five-day trip or a month-long vacation, from the highlands and safari adventure to beach leisure. With all the amazing locations you might explore for the first time while on vacation in Tanzania, there is no doubt that you could easily get carried away. And occasionally, simply creating these memories might not be sufficient.
Don’t you like to take a little bit of your favorite items of interest home with you? One of your top considerations while visiting Tanzania should be to pick up a souvenir. You’ll have the ideal souvenir for your Tanzania safari if you do that. Due to the abundance of artistic talent in the nation, you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from when you’re ready to purchase the souvenir of your choice.
As an illustration, in your Tanzania Safari Tour have a look at these outstanding artists who were born and raised in Tanzania: George Lilanga, Haji Chilonga, Edward Saidi Tingatinga, Godfrey Semwaiko, Thobias Minzi, Mwandale Mwanyekwa, Sam Joseph Ntiro, David Mzuguno, Max Kamundi, Salum Kambi, and Robino Ntila.
What local items to buy in Tanzania during your safari tour? Here are some priceless Local Souvenirs to buy in Tanzania and reasons why we believe you will enjoy giving them to your loved ones while also keeping some for yourself.
Food Spices
The food in Africa is often delicious, but you probably don’t think of food items as mementos, even though they are! Especially spices. It’s a terrific chance to experience international cuisine, sample it, and tell your friends and family about it when you get home. Additionally, it gives them a taste of a different nation. There are many delicious spices to pick from in Zanzibar. Don’t forget to double-check border regulations in your own nation before traveling with food goods.
Kitenge
You will be envious of the natives’ vibrant and comfy clothing. An indigenous fabric from East Africa called Kitenge is frequently sewed into shirts for men and skirts and gowns for ladies. In addition to the designs and hues, Tanzania’s tropical environment is well suited to the fabric’s comfort.
Kitenge dresses are frequently bought at gift shops, or you may simply have one made. The vibrant and cozy cotton is the ideal clothing choice for a Tanzanian summer vacation. Show it off while on your safari or take it home with you.
Wood sculptures and carvings.
These amazing wooden sculptures are made by artists that draw inspiration from myths and legends of their native tribes. These wood sculptures have been greatly influenced and inspired by the culture of the Makonde people. They are carved and polished in excellent detail from ebony wood, which is a dark brown or black color.
Tanzania on a Canvas
The Ndonde mural art tradition includes tinga paintings. Even now, the Ndonde people continue to decorate their homes with varied images of animals and humans. But when Edward Saidi Tinga Tinga, a member of the Ndonde tribe, arrived in Dar es Salaam in the 1960s of the previous century, the artistic movement became well-known.
Today, Oyster Bay, which has a history of producing skilled, professional artists, is the only place to purchase this particular kind of African painting. One can never leave without purchasing charming artwork from this market, which features anything from abstract art to human and wildlife imitations. As an alternative, you can purchase paintings at gift shops on the way to the Northern Circuit Safari or even in Zanzibar’s Stone Town Alleys.
Handcrafted Leather Items.
Amazing handcrafted leather goods are available in Tanzania at extremely affordable prices. The pure leather goods are created by expert artisans using locally available raw materials. Arusha is one of the greatest locations to purchase these genuine leather products. You can find things like handbags, belts, shoes, wallets, and more.
Maasai items
Bring home genuine Maasai handmade goods like jewelry, wood carvings, and woven baskets. Maasai jewelry, which is typically composed of vibrant beads, is a popular item to purchase as a memento. They appear in footwear, necklaces, and bracelets. The general idea is to barter for a price that you can afford to pay in order to purchase a specific item. Although you can purchase some reasonably priced Maasai goods at the neighborhood markets and Maasai settlements, the airport and hotel stores can be a bit pricey.
Tanzanite
You may go to Arusha to buy this pricey gemstone, Tanzanite, for a reasonable price because it is mined there. Tanzanite is a unique gift for friends and family back home because it can only be found in Tanzania. If you don’t know much about the jewels, you can get them from certain trustworthy stores in the nation.
A large selection of locally created goods, including handbags, pouches, apparel, jewelry, footwear, flats, beach wear, and scarves, are available at Schwari stores in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The Boma Museum has a craft store where you can get a variety of arts and crafts as well as gifts such as soft toys, notepads, books, wraps, and fabric-hanging storage. In Tanzania, you may also get products like candles, soap, lip balm, and honey wine.
Zanzibar’s history and culture make it an excellent place to look for artifacts, including antique Persian and Arab-style furniture; old clocks; decorations and carvings for ships and marine life; intricate wood carvings; wooden door frames; and exquisitely crafted, ornate lights and chandeliers fit for kings. You may purchase gorgeous traditional and modern paintings, handcrafted goods, and wooden animals at the cultural art centre in Stone Town. The majority of Zanzibar’s handmade goods are produced by regional cooperatives.
On the outskirts of Arusha, the cultural center known as Cultural Heritage is home to a number of curio shops, an art gallery, a jewelry boutique, and a discount shop where you can buy quality clothing, local crafts, jewelry, and ornaments; precious stones like emeralds, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and opals; as well as jewelry, antiques, and clothing.
TANZANIA SHOPPING ADVICE
The Maasai settlements themselves are where you should rather buy Tanzanian trinkets. They can be found in a variety of locations, including the Esalali Women’s Project in Karatu, which is situated between the Crater and Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the southern Serengeti. By doing this, you help the local Maasai economy and women’s cooperatives.
Buying through haggling
If you are familiar with what to buy in Tanzania, you should now learn how to bargain. Many tourists find the process challenging due to their unfamiliarity with the practice and their tendency to feel hostile or uncomfortable when bartering. However, even at gift shops, it is a common practice that is accepted and expected. To approach it like a pro, start by giving the seller half of what they are asking for. As a result of their concern and exaggerated fury, the shop assistant will then make you another offer. It’s crucial to be cordial, to negotiate calmly, and with humor. You can try somewhere else if you’re not sold on the offer or can’t come to an agreement on a price. To end up liking it, all you have to do is let go of your shame about haggling, Unique Local Souvenirs to Buy During your Tanzania Safari Tour
Buying through an exchange
Tanzanians frequently exchange items, and doing so can help you come to a consensus. You presumably own items that you don’t mind giving away and that the Maasai regard highly. Shoes, an inactive watch, an uninteresting hat or t-shirt, etc. They may be willing to exchange them for a Maasai blanket or a beaded object, Unique Local Souvenirs to Buy During your Tanzania Safari Tour
Conclusion: Fortunately, you can now acquire some Tanzanian souvenirs online if a trip to Tanzania is not currently in your plans or if you just don’t have enough room in your suitcase. You may now purchase intriguing Tanzanian goods at your convenience, like Makonde sculptures and Maasai sandals. You can better plan your vacation to Tanzania now that you are aware of which traditional goods to buy and where to find them.
