Tanzania is East Africa's premier safari destination, home to the legendary Serengeti plains, Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Experience the Great Migration, explore ancient Stone Town, and discover incredible wildlife diversity.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Tingatinga Paintings
Vivid enamel paintings on board depicting African wildlife and village life, originating from Dar es Salaam in the 1960s. Found at the Tingatinga Arts Cooperative in Oyster Bay.
Price: $10-80
Where: Tingatinga Arts Cooperative, Oyster Bay, Dar es Salaam
Kikoi and Kanga Cloth
Colourful printed cotton wraps used across East Africa. Kanga feature Swahili proverbs woven into the border and make meaningful gifts. Available in markets across the country.
Price: $5-15
Where: Kariakoo Market (Dar es Salaam), Darajani Market (Stone Town)
Tanzanite Gemstones and Jewelry
Rare blue-violet gemstone found only near Mount Kilimanjaro. Buy loose stones or set pieces from certified dealers to avoid fakes. A uniquely Tanzanian treasure.
Price: $50-500+
Where: Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, reputable jewellers in Arusha and Dar
Makonde Carvings
Intricate ebony and mpingo wood sculptures carved by the Makonde people of southern Tanzania. The ujamaa (family tree) style sculptures are particularly collectible.
Price: $20-200
Where: Makonde Art Co-operative, Mwenge Carvers Market (Dar es Salaam)
Zanzibar Spice Blends
Zanzibar was the world's leading clove producer and still exports vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper. Pre-packaged spice sets from certified farms make excellent gifts.
Price: $5-20
Where: Darajani Market and spice tour farms in Zanzibar
Sisal and Grass Woven Baskets
Hand-woven baskets and trays made by Maasai and Chagga artisans using natural fibres. Geometric patterns in earth tones are typical of northern Tanzania craft traditions.
Price: $8-35
Where: Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, curio shops on Boma Road (Arusha)
Maasai Beaded Jewellery
Elaborate beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings hand-crafted by Maasai women using traditional colour codes. Buying directly from Maasai cooperatives supports local artisans.
Price: $5-40
Where: Maasai markets near Arusha, Curio Market at Arusha Clock Tower
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kariakoo Market
Dar es Salaam's largest and most authentic market sprawling over several city blocks. Sells everything from fresh produce, spices, and fabrics to kitchenware and electronics at local prices.
Where: Kariakoo District, Dar es Salaam
Hours: 6AM-6PM daily
Mwenge Carvers Market
Large open-air cooperative of wood carvers selling Makonde sculptures, walking sticks, masks, and curios. Prices negotiable and quality ranges widely, so inspect pieces carefully.
Where: Mwenge, along Old Bagamoyo Road, Dar es Salaam
Hours: 8AM-6PM daily
Darajani Market
Zanzibar's central covered market selling fresh fish, tropical fruits, spices, and household goods. Atmospheric and chaotic with vendors calling out prices. The fish section is especially lively.
Where: Creek Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar
Hours: 7AM-6PM daily
Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre
Upmarket curio complex with dozens of stalls selling Tanzanite, Maasai crafts, Tingatinga paintings, and safari clothing. Prices higher than markets but quality is more consistent.
Where: Serengeti Road, Arusha
Hours: 9AM-6PM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Slipway Shopping Centre
Pleasant harbor-side shopping complex in Msasani Peninsula with boutiques, craft shops, galleries, restaurants, and a supermarket. Popular with expats and upmarket tourists.
Best for: Gifts, crafts, dining, and groceries
Stone Town Alleys
Narrow labyrinthine lanes of Stone Town lined with antique shops selling brass lanterns, carved chests, Omani silver, and Swahili art. Gizenga Street is the main antique strip.
Best for: Antiques, handicrafts, spices, and Swahili artefacts
Boma Road, Arusha
Main tourist-facing street in Arusha with curio shops, gem dealers, safari outfitters, and tour operators. Competitive prices and easy to compare quality.
Best for: Safari gear, gemstones, Maasai crafts
Mlimani City Mall
Dar es Salaam's largest modern mall in the university area with international chain stores, a supermarket, food court, cinema, and electronics retailers.
Best for: Electronics, clothing, everyday goods, Western brands
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Mlimani City Mall
Dar es Salaam's biggest mall with over 100 shops including Woolworths, Game, and supermarkets. Has cinema, food court, and ATMs. Located near University of Dar es Salaam.
Hours: 9AM-9PM daily
Slipway Shopping Centre
Upscale waterfront mall at Msasani Peninsula with boutiques, craft galleries, restaurants, and a cinema. Popular weekend destination for Dar es Salaam's expatriate community.
Hours: 9AM-8PM daily
Dar City Centre
Central Dar es Salaam shopping complex with clothing stores, electronics, a Nakumatt supermarket, and banking facilities. Convenient for city-centre visitors.
Hours: 9AM-8PM Mon-Sat, 10AM-6PM Sun
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at markets and curio shops but not in malls or supermarkets. Start at 40-50% of the asking price.
Be friendly and keep negotiations light-hearted. Walking away slowly often results in the vendor calling you back with a better price.
Compare prices at several stalls before committing. Quality varies enormously between vendors at the same market.
For Tanzanite, always buy from a certified dealer and request a certificate of authenticity. Fakes and synthetic stones are common.
Small purchases such as fruit and food at local markets are usually fixed-price and bargaining would be considered rude.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: It is illegal to export antique items, coral, shells, and certain wildlife products without permits. Tanzanite exports above a certain value require customs declaration.
Tax Refund: Tanzania does not currently operate a tourist VAT refund scheme.
Duty Free: Visitors may import 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes, and gifts up to $500 value duty-free.
Shipping: DHL and FedEx operate from Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Most curio shops can arrange shipping for larger carvings and art. Allow 1-3 weeks for international delivery.