Your Guide to the Best Safari Souvenirs in Tanzania
Souvenirs are palpable reminders of the incredible memories we make on safari. Art pieces, wood carvings, jewelry, beadwork; a piece of the adventure lives on, always, in the keepsakes on our shelves.
Tanzania is choc-full of souvenirs for every taste, style and budget. And when you buy any of the following keepsakes on a Thomson trip, you support the local economy and the artisans who make them.
Here’s our guide to finding the best safari souvenirs in Tanzania and where you can get them. But first…
A Word on Bartering
Bartering is an accepted and expected part of Tanzanian commerce. In most places, prices for souvenirs are inflated with the expectation that you will barter for a lower one. Learning how to handle these situations will ensure you and the seller agree on a fair price. A win-win! Plus, your Thomson guide will always be with you to help if you are unsure what to do.
Now, let’s look at some souvenir options.
Wood Carvings
Hand-carved wooden pieces are popular souvenir choices, brimming with Tanzanian character. Artists sell pieces that come in many forms–animals, human figurines, masks, candlesticks, bowls and other kitchen items.
Where to get it: Cultural Heritage, Gibb’s Farm Boutique, African Galleria
Packability: Moderate
Art/Paintings
Tanzania is home to a rich cultural background of artists and artisans. The highly saturated, wildlife-depicting Tinga Tinga style of painting is among the most popular with Thomson guests, and can be found widely in Tanzania. But different artistic mediums and styles abound wherever you go.
Collage of small paintings in the Tinga Tinga style
Maasai Chanting at the Moon by Peter Ray
Happy Robert with her artwork during her stay as the Artist in Residence at Gibb’s Farm
The eco-lodge and coffee farm Gibb’s Farm hosts East African artists through its residency program; be sure to see the work and meet the artist during your stay. On a similar note, Cultural Heritage in Arusha has a large collection of African paintings, sculptures and photography in a gallery shaped like a drum, shield and spear.
Where to get it: Cultural Heritage, Gibb’s Farm Boutique, African Galleria
Packability: Please talk to vendor about international shipping
Beadwork, Honey and Leather Products
On safari, Thomson guests have opportunities to buy hand-made goods that offer a rare combination of quality and sustainability. These items are produced by members of Community of Conservation Banking (COCOBA), a micro-finance program operated by Focus on Tanzanian Communities (FOTZC) that helps Maasai women learn a trade, start a small business and support their families.
Beaded bracelets and jewelry
Beaded coasters
Beaded napkin rings
Maasai woman creating a beaded collar
The women of COCOBA produce a variety of goods: baskets, bracelets, beaded Maasai collars, pet collars, honey and an assortment of leather items. Buying these products not only provides you with a memorable safari souvenir, but also directly supports the women who produced them.
Where to get it: Eastern Serengeti
Packability: Easy
Textiles
Tanzania’s vibrant, versatile textiles are a characteristic part of its East African cultural heritage. Among the most well-known is kanga cloth. Kanga is worn as traditional African clothing, but can be fashioned into curtains, tablecloths and more.
Women wearing brightly colored kanga cloth
Mud cloth is another go-to textile: it’s a handmade cotton fabric traditionally dyed with fermented mud. Though the style is of Malian origin, mud cloth has become immensely popular and available throughout Tanzania.
Kanga cloth and mud cloth patterns
Buy these textiles by the yard, fold them into your suitcase, then use them to make throw pillows, wall hangings, home décor, anything! The uses of Tanzanian textile are limited only by your imagination.
Where to get it: Cultural Heritage, African Galleria
Packability: Easy
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a rare gemstone found in only one place on earth: northern Tanzania. While the stone is usually a lush blue, it also comes in shades of violet, green or even gold. Tanzanite can be purchased as a single stone or set in jewelry. If you decide to purchase some, make sure to handle it carefully, as it chips easily.
Where to get it: Cultural Heritage, African Galleria
Packability: Easy
Glassware, Jewelry and Homeware
High-quality, handcrafted glassware, jewelry and homeware is available at the Shanga Shop in Arusha. Shanga is a community enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make items with recycled materials. All profits are invested back into developing communities to employ more people with disabilities, ensuring your tourist dollar reaches those in need.
Where to get it: Shanga Shop at Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha
Packability: Easy to Moderate
Coffee
Generations of Thomson travelers have ventured to Gibb’s Farm after their safaris to luxuriate in a haven of flora and fauna. Many return home with a bag of Gibb’s coffee beans, grown organically on 30 acres of sustainable farmland.
Coffee is roasted daily at Gibb’s. While you’re there, watch a demonstration and enjoy the fresh aromas!
The farm also enjoys the advantages of East Africa’s volcanic soil. When you visit Gibb’s Farm, grab a bag and try their roast–there’s nothing quite like it.
If coffee isn’t your thing, the Zawadi Boutique at Gibb’s Farm carries an extensive catalog of souvenirs to carry home.
Where to get it: Gibb’s Farm Boutique
Packability: Moderate
Zanzibar Souvenirs: Spices, Carvings and Textiles
The island of Zanzibar off the Tanzanian coast is popular among safari travelers for its sugar-white beaches and beautifully balmy weather. It’s also a historic trade port, known for exporting high-quality spices grown on the island. Turmeric, ginger, peppers, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and more can be found in most Zanzibar markets!
Other notable souvenirs available on Zanzibar include wooden sculptures carved from the island’s iconic dhow boats, and textiles with a distinctly Indian influence.
Where to get it: Markets on Zanzibar
Packability: Easy
