Visiting a new country will leave you with lots of lasting memories that we can only keep with us or share it with those who experienced it with us. Taking home a piece of memorabilia not only helps keep those memories alive but gives you an item to hold dear due to its sentimental value.
Tanzania is a land inhabited by over 100 different tribes, making it a rich cultural hub. The locals in Tanzania are extremely talented, producing different Tanzanian handicrafts including jewellery, wood carvings, clothes, leather goods, and traditional showpieces. Not only is Tanzania known for its hand-crafted goods, but the spices and coffee that you find there are exceptionally rich in flavour too!
Cultures as rich and as vibrant as Tanzania often impact tourists who visit the region and if you want to take home something truel Tanzanian we’ve got you covered with 5 authentically Tanzanian items you can buy during your stay in the country.
The Tanzanite Gem
As its name suggests, the Tanzanite Gem is a gem that is found only in Tanzania. This bluish violet gem is mined from a small area located near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Tanzanite gem is one of the most famous things to buy in Tanzania.
Where to get it from: The Tanzanite Gem is available at The Tanzanite Experience, which is located in many parts of Tanzania. Make sure you get a certificate for your gem to make sure it’s real Tanzanite!
A Tanzanite Gem Image, Image Source: TheJewelleryEditor.Com
Kangas
Kangas are bright and colorful pieces of cotton cloth, triangular in shape, that have messages of love, peace, religion or even random quotes written on their base. They’re worn by the women of Tanzania and can be found in virtually every Tanzanian market. They’re made from locally grown cotton so don’t forget to buy a Kanga as a Tanzanian gift for your loved ones back home!
Where to get it from: Kangas can be found in the local Maasai Market in Arusha, the Kariakoo Market in Dar es Salaam, as well as many other local markets.
Khanga at Tengeru Market, Image Source: Wikimedia.Org
Tinga Tinga Art Paintings'
If you’re looking for handmade gifts from Tanzania, then you should get Tinga-Tinga paintings that originated from Tanzania. What sets them apart is that they’re colourful and vibrant paintings depicting African wildlife beautifully and mystically. The tinga tinga painting style originates from Dar Es Salaam and was developed in the 1960s.
Where to get it from: The slipway market in Dar es Salaam and Mt. Meru Market in Arusha.
A handcraft gift, Image Source: CuriousGlasGow.WordPress.Cpm
Ilimba
The ilimba is a traditional Tanzanian musical instrument that you can get from shops selling traditional items. The ilimba is a modified version of the lamellophone that is used in traditional Tanzanian music.
Where to get it from: Antique shops located across Tanzania
Ilimba Music Instrumental Tools, Image Source: Webry.Info
Makonde Art Carvings
Makonde Art originates from the Makonde ethnic group of Tanzania. Makonde wood carvings are usually made from ebony wood and represent their culture because a lot of the carvings represent mythical creatures that the Makonde group believes in. You can even get a customized carving according to your preference!
Where to get it from: They can be bought at various local markets and wood crafters across Tanzania, especially the Mwenge woodcarvers’ market in Dar Es Salaam.
Makonde Art at Mwenge woodcarvers, Image Source: MurdeRiseVeryWhere.BlogSpot.Com
Take home a piece of Tanzania
So, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on these Tanzanian souvenirs and promote the local industry in the area!
While you’re there, don’t forget to bargain a little for your goods. If possible, always try to have a local guide accompany you!
That being said, head over to our “flights” section to book a flight in Tanzania!
