Must-see shopping in Northern Tanzania

  • Shanga

    Arusha

    What started as a small enterprise making beaded necklaces has branched into furniture, paper, clothing and many other products, mostly using recycled…

  • Schwari

    Arusha

    Quality handicrafts and classy homewares, children's toys and national-park maps – Schwari has picked the best of local crafts to create a fine collection…

  • Maasai Honey

    Northern Tanzania

    This wonderful community-run concern has taken the local tradition of bee-keeping and transformed it into an income-generating project. It's been so…

  • Bead by Bead

    Northern Tanzania

    Run by the local Maasai Women's Bead Co-op, this is the pick of the roadside souvenir shops that you find in this corner of the country. It all revolves…

  • Cultural Heritage

    Arusha

    The large and unmissable Cultural Heritage craft mall on the western edge of Arusha has all the usual souvenirs as well as some less common items…

  • Moshi Mamas

    Moshi

    A local craft cooperative run by, as the name suggests, a handful of friendly local mamas, this place sells beadwork, kitenge cloth and a small collection…

  • Mt Meru Curios & Crafts Market

    Arusha

    Souvenirs (and a few high-quality items) are here at Mt Meru Curios & Crafts Market, often incorrectly called the Maasai Market. Hard bargaining is…

  • Jamaliyah

    Arusha

    This original little Aladdin's cave of a place makes and sells picture frames made of dhow wood. Step inside and start fossicking or talk with the…

  • Tanzanite Experience

    Arusha

    One of many shops selling tanzanite; this one has set up a little museum about the rare gem, which is mined almost exclusively in the Kilimanjaro area.

  • I Curio

    Moshi

    Better than the ordinary craft shops, and with fixed prices. Also stocks a small selection of national-park maps and books.

  • Kilombero Market

    Arusha

    Arusha's largest market is a sprawling, jostling mass of humanity simply going about its business. Watch out for the handcarts filled with wares – they'll…

  • Central Market

    Arusha

    The chaotic Central Market (aka Soko Kuu: ‘Big Market’) in the heart of the city is worth an hour or two of strolling time. While you might see a few…

  • Kase

    Arusha

    Your best bet for national-park books and maps. If the Boma Rd shop doesn't have what you want, try the other branch around the corner.

  • Kase

    Arusha

    This excellent bookshop has another branch around the corner on Boma Rd.

  • Shah Industries

    Moshi

    Lots of interesting leatherwork, some of it made by people with disabilities.