Last Updated on: 26th July 2023, 10:07 pm
If you enjoy traveling and exploring new places, you should consider planning a trip to Tanzania. The United Republic of Tanzania is an East African country known for the famous precious mineral called Tanzanite. As the name suggests, Tanzanite was first discovered in Tanzania, and it’s used in different kinds of jewelry because of its essence.
Aside from Tanzanite, you can collect many other precious items during your stay in Tanzania as souvenirs. And if you’re a student worried about traveling all the way to Africa before you complete your homework, you can get reliable history homework help. Going back home with a piece of an outlandish African state allows you to incorporate a different culture or fashion style in your home.
So, what souvenir options are there in Tanzania? How will you know suitable items you can carry as souvenirs? Of course, the best way to find souvenirs is to choose items that would remind you of unique memories you made during your trip. But even with this information, many people have a hard time picking the right souvenirs, especially if you’re buying a family member or friend something because it’s difficult to know what they would prefer.
However, Tanzania is such a culture-rich republic that finding a souvenir that would suit it won’t be difficult. You’re bound to find thoughtful and authentic items you can buy for your loved ones. Nonetheless, here’s a souvenir guide to Tanzania to help you choose the right items.
1. Handcrafted Leather Items
Do you have trouble finding items made of genuine leather? Leather-made items are only as functional and aesthetically appealing as they should be if the material is genuine. Since so many people appreciate the durability of leather, manufacturers began to use artificial leather to meet customer demands.
If you’re not in manufacturing, you would have a hard time differentiating genuine from artificial leather until you own an item for some time and realize it’s aging faster than real leather is supposed to. It is quite frustrating to learn that a brand you trusted sold you a counterfeit product, and you had no clue.
As you plan your trip to Tanzania, add buying handcrafted leather items to your to-do list because here, artisans use genuine leather for all their products. You will find incredible items you can use as décor or find useful in your day-to-day life. What’s more, artisans have competitive prices to encourage tourists to make purchases.
Whether you want shoes, belts, bangles, neckpieces or artwork you can hand on your wall, there will be an artisan selling what you need. You’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of customized items that have unique features to differentiate them. Tanzania leather artisans use locally sourced raw materials to craft all the items to celebrate their heritage. Note that the best place to buy your leather crafted souvenir is in Arusha.
Tanzanite
If you travel to Tanzania, it would be a sin to leave without some of their national treasure. Since Tanzanite can only be found in Tanzania, you should definitely purchase this unique gemstone as a souvenir. Carrying Tanzanite home is an excellent way of commemorating your visit to the Republic of Tanzania because of its name and rarity.
You could buy a gemstone for a loved one so that they can have a piece of Tanzania even if they didn’t come on the trip with you. Gifting your loved one a souvenir expands your memories and allows you to make the most memories from visiting new places. Ensure you purchase all your Tanzanite from Arusha, where they mine it because it’s cheaper there.
Kanga and Kitenge
Yet another thing you should consider getting as a souvenir from Tanzania is kanga or a kitenge. These are traditional fabrics you can use to make clothing or use as a loose wrap around. They are beautiful sheets that embody Africa’s cultures and traditions.
The best part is each kanga or kitenge you have some writing at the bottom in Swahili. This would be a perfect way to learn a few Swahili phrases if you’re interested in learning a new language. You can ask the seller to translate for you the phrases on the fabrics you buy, so you understand what they mean.
Even though kangas and kitenge are donned mainly by women, men can also use them to sow traditional wear for weddings and other traditional ceremonies. You could tailor your own piece of African wear so you can stand out among your friends.
Another use for kangas and kitenges is wrapping them like sarongs when you go to the beach. And if you love head wraps, the fabrics would act as beautiful heat wraps that go with almost anything because of how colorful they are. Consider buying your kangas and kitenges in the Tengeru market, Arusha, as here is where you’ll find a wide selection to choose from.
Wood Carvings and Sculptures
East African artists use their tribal tales and cultural myths as inspiration to curve unique woodworks you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world. Tanzania is home to many such creatives who create breathtaking art with wood.
The Makonde people of Tanzania are known for their inspirational carvings and sculptures, which tell stories about their culture and origin. Getting some of these as souvenirs allows you to carry pieces of Tanzanian culture with you. They are breathtaking art pieces you can use to decorate your home or office.
Since the carvings and sculptures are made from ebony wood, they can go with your interior décor regardless of your space’s color palette. Besides, the craftsmen polish each one in fine detail to make them aesthetically appealing and suitable for indoor exhibitions.
Wrapping Up
These are the main souvenirs you can get from Tanzania the next time you visit the country. Carrying souvenirs will be a constant reminder of the great experience you had interacting with new people, long after your Tanzanian tourist visa expires. Ensure you make memories with each souvenir you purchase to add meaning to each one of them.