Things to do in Arusha Region, Tanzania: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops

Combining an uplifting local community project with unique artistic activities and an opportunity to purchase handmade gifts, Shanga has been a favourite Arusha destination since 2007. Shanga is all about the workshop where over 50 disabled Tanzanians recycle glass, paper and aluminium into high quality jewellery, glassware and homewares which are sold in the Shanga Shop. Meet our inspiring people and participate in a workshop activity or sign-language lesson, and take home a unique and hand-made local gift or keepsake. Close to Arusha Airport and on the road leading to the National Parks.

Swala Gem Traders (certified gemologists) is specialized in jewelry and gemstones - Tanzanite and other fine african gems

we offer -Information about walking, sightseeing&hiking. -cultural activities. -Interpreting nature & culture of the area. -Restaurant offers refreshments and picnic lunch -Supermarket and sovernir -visit locals,bomas & tembes, participate in traditional dance and songs. -Sign up for Ernest Hemingway literary tours and see what inspired him to write about the area -Camping and eco-lodge

We collaborate with Maasai women to produce and market unique, handmade beaded jewelry using traditional techniques. Visit our workshop to meet the artisans who create your jewelry, then visit our gift shop for a luxury retail experience in a beautiful, one of a kind store in Tanzania. Why not book a Maasai beading class? Beginning with a tour of our workshop where many of our designs are produced, you will be inspired to create your own beautiful piece of jewelry, and memory of Tanzania, to take home with you. The 2 hour class is an immersive cultural experience, allowing you to learn the traditional beading techniques of the Maasai tribe while hearing about Maasai culture. We hope you will be inspired to share about your culture with our beaders, too!

Isle of Jewels (originally called Isle of Gems) specializes in creating hand-made jewelry with East African gemstones; specifically in Tanzanite, Garnets, Spinel, Rubies, Sapphire, and Diamonds. There are 3 challenges we often hear from our customers when purchasing jewelry: 1. They don't know how to determine the quality of the gemstones and at times get cheated 2. Unsure of what to purchase for their spouse or loved ones 3. Unable to find a unique jewelry that is exactly what they want These are the things that Isle of Jewels specialize in helping our customers solve. We focus on helping our customers find a tailored jewelry piece whether already made or custom design. Come into our shop to speak with one of our agents, they will help you determine what would fit your needs. We have three locations in Arusha: 1. Aim Mall in Marengo (Next to Village Market) 2. 2nd Floor Arusha City Complex on Swahili Street 3. African Tulip hotel in Arusha

Isle of Jewels (originally called Isle of Gems) specializes in creating hand-made jewelry with East African gemstones; specifically in Tanzanite, Garnets, Spinel, Rubies, and Sapphire

Afrikan wear design is a social enterprise based in Arusha, Northern Tanzania registered in 2009. We make handmade jewelry, clothes, and foot wear that are associated with African culture and Fashion. The business was started by Marilyn Hokororo, at the time a housewife in a quest to improve her income and uplift other women’s income in the community. Since its initiation African wear design has been able to reach over 500 women and young girls that dropped out of school for various reasons such as pregnancies and female oppression. At our workshop, you will get the opportunity to experience a day at Afrikan Wear Design. After your arrival, we will give you an introduction about our history and what we do. You will get to know the team and take a look at their work process. After that Mama Hokororo will sit down with you and teach you how to make Tanzanian jewelry which you can take home afterward. Following to that you get the chance to experience real Tanzanian lunch.

Iheartz Collections is an African inspired designer from Arusha. We feature the latest urban African fashion for ladies, men and kids in bright colours, with lush African prints and modern patterns. Iheartz is more than a shop, it is an appreciation of Tanzania's urban creativity and uniqueness.

Collectors Corner has been cutting and exporting coloured gemstones to the US and European markets for over 3 decades, meeting the stringent requirements of demanding customers. Collector’s Corner is a treasure-trove of Africa’s most precious and exceptional gemstones, where quality is guaranteed. We are established experts in cutting precious stones and recognised for our unique, classic and finely designed jewellery pieces that stand in a class of their own. We have been meeting the needs and requirements of our clients for over two decades, our experience, commitment and proven track record placing us at the forefront of Tanzania’s legitimate gemstone industry. Our collection includes Tanzanite, Tsavorite, Spinal, as well as Ruby, Tourmaline, Rhodolite, Spinel, Sunstone and other fine coloured gems. Whether you are shopping for a special occasion or celebration, make the moment a colourful and memorable one. Our experienced sales team at our show room in Mount Meru Hotel will advise you on every aspect of our stones and exclusive jewellery line; with enthusiasm and valuable guidance on cuts, styles, colours and the all important choices and decisions when buying a special gemstone for yourself or a loved one.