Tanzania is not only home to breathtaking wildlife and stunning landscapes but also a rich cultural heritage that is expressed through its local crafts. From handwoven textiles to intricate beadwork, Tanzanian crafts reflect the traditions, skills, and creativity of its diverse communities. When you embark on a safari with Future African Safari, you have the unique opportunity to support local artisans, contributing to the preservation of these traditions while enhancing your travel experience. Here’s how you can support local crafts and make a meaningful impact during your safari adventure.

1. Handcrafted Beadwork: A Symbol of Tanzanian Identity
Beadwork is an important craft in many Tanzanian communities, particularly among the Maasai people, who are known for their vibrant and intricate beaded jewelry. These pieces are often used for adornment, ceremonial purposes, or as a reflection of the wearer’s social status.
What you can find:
- Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets: Intricately designed and often featuring traditional patterns that symbolize different aspects of Maasai life, such as age, family, or achievements.
- Headpieces and belts: These items are not only decorative but also carry cultural significance, often used in ceremonies or daily life.
Why you should support this craft: By purchasing Maasai beadwork, you directly contribute to the livelihoods of local artisans, many of whom rely on these crafts as a primary source of income. These handcrafted items also make beautiful and meaningful souvenirs that connect you to Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.
2. Wood Carvings: A Timeless Tanzanian Tradition
Tanzanian wood carving is a longstanding tradition, with skilled artisans using locally sourced wood to create beautiful and functional art. Whether you’re in the bustling markets of Dar es Salaam or the serene villages surrounding the Serengeti, wood carvings are a prominent feature of the local craft scene.
What you can find:
- Animal figures and masks: Hand-carved sculptures of iconic African animals such as elephants, lions, and giraffes, reflecting the country’s rich wildlife.
- Traditional masks: These are often used in cultural ceremonies and are considered to have spiritual significance.
- Functional items: Carved wooden bowls, spoons, and kitchenware that are as practical as they are artistic.
Why you should support this craft: Purchasing wood carvings helps support local artisans and their families. Many of these craftsmen have honed their skills over generations, and your support enables them to continue their craft, preserving the cultural importance of wood carving in Tanzania.
3. Tinga Tinga Paintings: Colorful Expressions of Tanzanian Art
Tinga Tinga art, named after the artist Edward Said Tinga Tinga, is a famous Tanzanian painting style known for its bold colors and whimsical depictions of animals and landscapes. This vibrant art form has become iconic in Tanzania, and you can find Tinga Tinga paintings in galleries and markets across the country.
What you can find:
- Animal-themed paintings: Elephants, giraffes, and lions are often the subjects of Tinga Tinga art, each piece brimming with vivid colors and intricate patterns.
- Landscape and village scenes: These paintings often depict life in Tanzania’s rural areas, showcasing the beauty of the landscapes and local culture.
Why you should support this craft: Tinga Tinga artists are part of a thriving creative community that supports local economies. By purchasing these artworks, you not only take home a piece of Tanzania’s cultural identity but also ensure that this art form continues to thrive.
4. Kanga and Kitengé: Colorful Textiles of Tanzania
Kanga and Kitengé are brightly colored fabrics that are deeply embedded in Tanzanian culture. These textiles are often worn by women in Tanzania and are used for everything from everyday clothing to ceremonial dress. Kanga, in particular, is known for its printed proverbs and messages of wisdom, making it a unique cultural symbol.
What you can find:
- Kanga: A colorful piece of fabric, often adorned with proverbs, that can be worn as a shawl, headwrap, or skirt.
- Kitengé: A fabric often worn in formal settings or during celebrations, available in various patterns and colors.
Why you should support this craft: Purchasing Kanga and Kitengé textiles supports local artisans, many of whom rely on fabric design and sewing for their livelihood. These items also offer a glimpse into Tanzanian culture, where clothing is not just functional but also tells a story.
5. Woven Baskets and Mats: Sustainable Craftsmanship
In Tanzania, many communities practice the art of weaving baskets, mats, and bags from natural materials like sisal, palm leaves, and reeds. These items are both beautiful and functional, with a focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness.
What you can find:
- Handwoven baskets: Perfect for carrying goods, storing items, or decorating your home.
- Mats: Woven mats are often used in traditional Tanzanian homes and are also popular as picnic mats or home decor.
- Bags and hats: Woven items like bags and hats are perfect for tourists and serve as practical and stylish accessories.
Why you should support this craft: These crafts are often produced by women in rural areas, providing them with a source of income and financial independence. By purchasing woven goods, you help promote sustainable practices and empower local communities.
6. Beverages and Spices: A Taste of Tanzania’s Craft Traditions
Tanzania is also known for its unique craft beverages and spices. The country’s rich agricultural heritage allows local communities to produce handcrafted tea, coffee, and spices that you can take home as souvenirs.
What you can find:
- Tanzanian coffee: Known for its rich flavor and high quality, Tanzanian coffee is a perfect gift or souvenir.
- Spices: Zanzibar, in particular, is famous for its spices, including cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, which are often sold as handmade products.
- Herbal teas: Locally grown teas, like those from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, are another popular item.
Why you should support this craft: Supporting local beverage and spice producers ensures that small farmers and artisans continue to thrive, helping to preserve Tanzania’s agricultural traditions.
7. Where to Buy Local Crafts on Safari
As part of your safari with Future African Safari, you’ll have the opportunity to visit local markets and artisan villages where these crafts are sold. Whether you’re staying near Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or exploring Zanzibar, there are numerous opportunities to buy authentic Tanzanian crafts directly from the artisans.
Not only does this provide you with a unique souvenir, but it also ensures that your purchase goes directly to supporting the local economy and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

Why Supporting Local Crafts Matters
By purchasing local crafts, you’re doing more than just taking home a souvenir. You’re helping to sustain and promote cultural heritage, support local economies, and empower artisans and their communities. It’s a way to make your safari experience even more meaningful by connecting with the people and cultures that make Tanzania so special.
Join us at Future African Safari and support local crafts during your adventure in Tanzania.