Arusha is Tanzania's northern safari capital and a vibrant gateway city perched on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. Sitting at roughly 1,400 metres above sea level, the region blends bustling urban energy with dramatic highland scenery and world-class wildlife destinations on its doorstep.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Tanzanite jewellery
Found only in Tanzania — unique blue-violet gemstone mined near Kilimanjaro. Buy certified from reputable dealers.
Price: USD 50–5,000+
Where: Cultural Heritage Centre, India Street jewellers
Maasai beadwork
Intricate handmade beaded jewellery, belts, and ornaments in traditional Maasai colour patterns
Price: USD 5–80
Where: Tengeru Market, Arusha Central Market, curio shops
Tingatinga paintings
Brightly coloured acrylic paintings on canvas depicting African wildlife and village scenes; originating from Dar es Salaam
Price: USD 15–200
Where: Cultural Heritage Centre, curio shops along Boma Road
Shanga glass products
Handblown glassware, jewellery, and decorative items made from recycled glass by disabled artisans at Shanga Usa River
Price: USD 8–120
Where: Shanga, Usa River
Makonde carvings
Intricate ebony wood carvings made by Makonde artisans; shetani (spirit) figures and family tree sculptures
Price: USD 20–500
Where: Cultural Heritage Centre, curio markets
Tanzanian coffee
Single-origin Arabica from Kilimanjaro and Arusha farms; some of Africa's finest coffee
Price: USD 8–25 per 250g
Where: Arusha Coffee Lodge farm shop, coffee roasters in city
Kikoi and kanga fabric
Colourful East African printed cotton fabrics worn as sarongs, wraps, or table covers; kangas often have Swahili proverbs printed on them
Price: USD 3–15
Where: Arusha Central Market, fabric shops on Sokoine Road
Leather goods
Handmade leather bags, belts, sandals, and wallets made from local hides; Maasai sandals are a popular buy
Price: USD 10–80
Where: Central Market, leather workshops on side streets
Spices
Zanzibar and Tanzanian spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla; sold loose in the market
Price: TZS 2,000–10,000 per pack
Where: Arusha Central Market, Tengeru Market
Soapstone carvings
Hand-carved soapstone animals and figures from Kisii, Kenya — widely available in Tanzanian markets
Price: USD 5–40
Where: Curio shops and markets
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Arusha Central Market
Fresh produce, spices, dried fish, clothing, household goods
Where: Market Street / Sokoine Road, Arusha City Centre
Hours: Mon–Sat 07:00–18:00, Sun 07:00–14:00
Tengeru Market
Everything — livestock, produce, clothing, crafts; Sunday is larger
Where: Tengeru village, 13 km east on Moshi Road
Hours: Sundays and Wednesdays 06:00–16:00
Maasai Market (Cultural Heritage Centre outdoor area)
Maasai beadwork, curios, crafts; some bargaining possible
Where: Dodoma Road, near Cultural Heritage Centre
Hours: Daily 08:00–18:00
Shoprite Supermarket
South African supermarket chain with imported goods, Western products, and good wine section
Where: Njiro, Arusha
Hours: Daily 08:00–21:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
India Street / City Centre
The main commercial street of Arusha city with jewellers, tanzanite dealers, electronics shops, and safari outfitters. High concentration of shops between the Clock Tower and the bus stand.
Best for: Tanzanite, Electronics, Safari gear, Money changing
Cultural Heritage Centre (Dodoma Road)
East Africa's largest craft and art gallery — three floors of curated Tanzanian and pan-African art, sculpture, and jewellery. Fixed prices; high quality.
Best for: High-end crafts, Tanzanite, Art and sculpture, Gifts
Njiro / Shoppers Area
Arusha's modern shopping hub with Shoprite, pharmacies, banks, electronics shops, and mid-range clothing stores. Has the feel of a small modern shopping district.
Best for: Supermarket shopping, Pharmacies, Banks and ATMs, Casual clothing
Shanga, Usa River
The Shanga social enterprise showroom sells uniquely beautiful recycled glass, fabric, and paper products at fixed fair-trade prices. The most ethical shopping experience in Arusha.
Best for: Ethical gifts, Glass products, Fabric items, Jewellery
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Njiro Shopping Complex
Arusha's most developed shopping area with Shoprite, pharmacies, banks, and various retail shops. More of a commercial strip than a formal mall.
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected and enjoyable at all open markets and curio stalls — but not at fixed-price shops (Shanga, Cultural Heritage Centre, supermarkets)
Start at 40–50% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle
Be polite and good-humoured — bargaining is a social interaction, not a battle
Walking away often prompts the best counter-offer
Buy multiple items from one vendor and ask for a 'deal' — bundle discounts are common
Cash in TZS often gets better prices than USD or card
Never feel obligated to buy after picking up or examining an item
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Export Restrictions: Tanzanite and other gemstones require a TGTA certificate for export. Wildlife products (ivory, skins) are strictly prohibited. Cultural antiquities require export permits — buying legally certified products avoids issues.
Duty Free Limits: Check your home country's import limits. Most countries allow USD 200–800 of goods duty-free.
Shipping: Several reputable shipping agents in Arusha can handle overseas shipping of large purchases. Cultural Heritage Centre can arrange international shipping for major purchases.