Souvenir guide for Zanzibar and Tanzania
Coming home in the rain and cold … we all know that feeling when you land back on a gray and wet airport in the Netherlands after a trip. What could be better than enjoying your wonderful trip and all the adventures you had? By collecting souvenirs during your trip, you can reminisce about those special moments back home. Souvenirs are actually beautiful memories, wrapped in the form of small gifts.
Local souvenirs
During a beautiful trip, you are always looking for the most special, local souvenirs for yourself or for family and friends. Zanzibar and Tanzania are known for their craftsmanship and unique local products. Therefore, we have put together a souvenir guide with 10 unforgettable souvenirs that you should not miss. Go in search of these treasures, connect with locals and discover more about the culture and region!
Herbs and Spices
Zanzibar is also called the “spice island,” you’ll find stores and stalls full of colors and smells you can’t resist. Cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg and many others. Beautifully displayed in baskets, the colors pop at you. Buy these colorful bags full of scents to brighten up your kitchen at home. These spices are an ideal souvenir for foodies, kitchen princes and princesses.
Kanga and Kitenge Fabrics
You see these colorful pieces of cloth everywhere and they are not only beautiful to look at, but also very practical. Kanga is a rectangular cloth with many colors, patterns and often texts in Swahili. A Kanga is used as a sarong or shawl, and is perfect for warm weather as it is a light and airy fabric. Kitenge is a slightly heavier fabric and is also used for interior decoration. Blend right in with the locals and wear the cloths with pride!
Tanzanite Jewelry
In Tanzania you can find a rare gemstone that is mined only there, hence its name: Tanzanite, from Tanzania. The stone has a beautiful blue and sometimes purple hue and is extremely precious and popular. You can buy the stone separately but often in the form of a piece of jewelry. This way you can proudly carry this beautiful keepsake with you. These gemstones are known for their calming effect. Maybe that’s why everyone is so relaxed on Tanzania?
Handwoven Baskets
In all markets of Zanzibar you can find hand-woven baskets made from natural materials such as leaves of the sisal or palm tree. You use these baskets as storage but they also look very nice as decoration. The baskets have beautiful patterns and colors. Just make sure the size fits your luggage!
Tinga Tinga Paintings
Tinga Tinga is a style of art originating in Tanzania, known for its bright colors and surreal images of animals and nature. The paintings are usually made with lacquer or enamel paint on a canvas on wood. They are perfect as eye-catchers in your interior. Because the paintings are rollable, you can easily take them with you as a souvenir. The paintings are all unique and special. Be surprised!
Masai Beadwork
The Masai tribe is known for their colorful handmade jewelry. You will find necklaces, bracelets and earrings made from many small beads. Often the jewelry is made with high contrasts in color so its splendor stands out! Because each piece is handmade, you will have a unique piece of jewelry made with love by locals. These beaded creations are super fun as souvenirs for yourself or others.
Zanzibar Seaweed Products
Zanzibar is known for its large seaweed industry from which many handmade and natural seaweed products are made. Soaps, scrubs and lotions are not only delicious personal care products but are also sustainable, eco-friendly and you support local people with every purchase.
Coffee and Tea
Tanzania produces some of the best coffee and tea in the world, most of the raw materials for this come from the highlands. There are several plantations to try and buy fresh coffee beans or tea flavors. Take these exotic flavors back home to let your loved ones taste these delicious coffee and tea.
Handmade Soaps and Lotions
Besides seaweed care products, there are many other typical African ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter and spices from which handmade soaps and lotions are made. Treat yourself or someone else to some pampering during or after your trip and enjoy the delicious care products.
Taking home a piece of local culture
With these 10 special souvenirs, you bring home not only a piece of your trip to Zanzibar and Tanzania, but also the stories, culture and craftsmanship of the locals. Buying souvenirs is an ideal opportunity to support local people. Each item tells its own unique story and reminds you of the beautiful moments you experienced during your trip.