🧳 Local Souvenirs: What to Buy in Zanzibar Markets
Zanzibar isn’t just a dreamy escape for beach lovers and spice enthusiasts it’s also a treasure trove of unique souvenirs that tell stories of Swahili heritage, centuries-old trade routes, and island creativity. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or bringing home gifts, the vibrant markets of Stone Town, Nungwi, or Jambiani offer unforgettable finds. Here’s a guide to the must-buy souvenirs that truly capture the spirit of Zanzibar.
🪘 1. Hand-Carved Wooden Crafts
Zanzibar is home to incredibly talented woodcarvers. From intricate Zanzibar doors miniatures to animal figurines and Swahili-style furniture, each item is skillfully made using traditional tools. They are not only souvenirs but also authentic pieces of African art.
Where to buy: Memories of Zanzibar, Stone Town Craft Market
🧴 2. Spices – The Island’s Fragrant Treasure
Zanzibar is nicknamed the Spice Island for a reason. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, and turmeric are all harvested locally. Many spice farms offer packaged blends perfect for gifts or for bringing a taste of Zanzibar into your kitchen.
Top tip: Ask for vacuum-sealed spice pouches to retain freshness during travel.
Where to buy: Local spice farms (Kidzimbani or Kizimbani), Darajani Market
🧣 3. Kanga & Kitenge – Wear a Piece of Zanzibar
These colorful Swahili fabrics are a cultural symbol. Kangas often feature poetic Swahili sayings, while Kitenges are bold and artistic, perfect for dresses, wraps, or home décor. They’re lightweight, beautiful, and bursting with personality.
Where to buy: Stone Town fabric stalls, Michenzani Market
🧼 4. Handmade Soaps & Essential Oils
Zanzibar’s spice farms and women’s cooperatives produce gorgeous handmade soaps using natural oils, herbs, and spices. Expect heavenly scents like lemongrass, clove, or ylang-ylang. Locally made essential oils are also a fantastic natural gift.
Where to buy: Mwani Zanzibar (seaweed products), local wellness shops
📿 5. Maasai Beadwork & Jewelry
You’ll find Maasai women selling beaded necklaces, earrings, and bangles in colorful patterns — each design holding cultural significance. These make stunning gifts while also supporting local artisans.
Where to buy: Beach stalls, Forodhani Night Market, Nungwi village shops
🎨 6. Tinga Tinga Paintings
Named after Tanzanian artist Edward Tingatinga, these bold and whimsical artworks portray African wildlife and daily life in vibrant colors. Whether it’s a small canvas or a large piece, Tinga Tinga art makes for a vibrant memory of Zanzibar.
Where to buy: Stone Town Art Galleries, Cultural Arts Centre
🎁 7. Local Baskets & Woven Goods
Using palm leaves and natural fibers, Zanzibari women weave handmade baskets, beach bags, mats, and coasters that are both sustainable and stylish. Their intricate patterns and earthy colors reflect the island’s connection to nature.
Where to buy: Women’s cooperatives, local markets
🐚 8. Cowrie Shell Crafts
From bracelets and anklets to decorative wall hangings, cowrie shells are a signature coastal element. These tiny treasures were once used as currency across Africa now they’re stunning keepsakes of island life.
Where to buy: Forodhani Gardens, beachside souvenir sellers
🎶 9. Traditional Musical Instruments
If you’re musically inclined, consider taking home a small thumb piano (mbira), miniature drum, or even a oud traditional instruments often handcrafted by local musicians.
Where to buy: Stone Town musical stores or cultural centers
🍬 10. Zanzibari Delicacies & Snacks
Don’t miss packaged sweets like halwa, dried coconut snacks, or sesame seed brittle (“karanga”). These treats are lightweight, travel well, and offer a delicious taste of the island long after your trip ends.
Where to buy: Darajani Market, Forodhani stalls
💸 Estimated Prices & Tips for Zanzibar Souvenirs
🪘 1. Hand-Carved Wooden Crafts
Price: $5 – $100+ depending on size & detail
Tip: Bargain respectfully. Always check if the wood is sustainably sourced ask for ebony or mango wood.
🧴 2. Spices (Cloves, Vanilla, Cardamom, etc.)
Price: $2 – $10 per packet / $15+ for gift sets
Tip: Buy from certified spice farms or co-ops. Look for vacuum-sealed or resealable packs to preserve freshness.
🧣 3. Kanga & Kitenge Fabrics
Price: $5 – $15 per piece
Tip: Check for 100% cotton. Kanga comes in pairs (two cloths), and the best ones have Swahili sayings printed on them.
🧼 4. Handmade Soaps & Essential Oils
Price: Soaps: $2 – $5 each | Oils: $8 – $20 per bottle
Tip: Choose natural, chemical-free products. Seaweed-based soaps (like Mwani) are great for skincare lovers.
📿 5. Maasai Beadwork & Jewelry
Price: $3 – $25 depending on detail
Tip: Buy directly from Maasai women when possible. Choose handmade over mass-produced items.
🎨 6. Tinga Tinga Paintings
Price: Small: $10 – $25 | Large/Framed: $40 – $100+
Tip: Ask the artist to sign your piece. You can roll up unframed art for easier travel.
🎁 7. Local Baskets & Woven Goods
Price: $5 – $30 depending on size
Tip: These are ideal for eco-conscious travelers. Smell the material — it should be clean and dry (not moldy).
🐚 8. Cowrie Shell Crafts
Price: $2 – $15
Tip: Check that items are locally made, not imported plastic imitations. Great for beach-themed home décor.
🎶 9. Traditional Musical Instruments
Price: $8 – $60 depending on size and craftsmanship
Tip: Make sure they’re tuned and functional (especially mbiras or drums) if you want to use them.
🍬 10. Zanzibari Snacks & Treats (Halwa, Urojo Mix)
Price: $1 – $8
Tip: Check expiration dates. Halwa and sesame snacks are great for flights easy to carry and long-lasting.
✨ Bonus Tips for Shopping in Zanzibar
- Carry cash in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) – Most market vendors don’t accept cards.
- Haggling is expected – Start low but be polite; it’s part of the shopping culture.
- Support women’s cooperatives – Look for signs of women-run stalls or ask guides to take you there.
- Avoid buying coral, turtle shells, or any endangered species products – They’re illegal and unethical.
- Wrap fragile items – Bring bubble wrap or ask vendors to help pack for travel safety.
💬 Beautiful final words
“Every piece you buy in Zanzibar is a story waiting to be shared. Support local artisans, take a piece of culture home, and let the island’s beauty live on in your everyday life.”
💛 Take a piece of Zanzibar home with you, let your suitcase carry more than just clothes let it carry culture, history, and the heartbeat of the Swahili coast.
📸 Your Zanzibar memories deserve more than photos. Why not bring back a carved wooden keepsake or a spicy scent that transports you right back to the island breeze?
👉 Book your local market tour now with Zancelebrate Tours and shop like a local.
💼 Let’s go shopping the Swahili way
🌿 Support local. Shop meaningful.
Each handmade souvenir supports a family, a dream, a tradition.
👜 Join a guided local market walk and meet the makers behind Zanzibar’s treasures.
Learn more
Discover more the best local souvenirs with mamaafrica Zanzibar wander through vibrant stalls, feel the rhythm of Zanzibar’s artistry, and curate your own story through souvenirs curated, authentic, unforgettable.
Read more local souvenirs, your market tour with Zancelebrate Tours and collect memories you can hold in your hands.
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