Stores, Malls or Markets in Tanzania

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Some of you may consider shopping an integral part of your holiday experience. I don’t. Agree with the safari company BEFORE you set out, exactly what you want to be doing on the trip. If you want to spend some time shopping, great, let them know. Many drivers will take you to stores where they get commission - not that I personally feel there is anything ethically wrong with doing so, if this is not what you want from your trip, make sure you specify that before making the final arrangements.

What to buy: At nearly all shopping outlets outside the hotels you have the flexibility to haggle about the price. Haggling is a fundamental part of life in most of Africa, so don’t be embarrassed about doing it. For us westerners it takes a little bit of getting used to, but once you get into the hang of it, agreeing a mutually acceptable price, can be great fun. Before you go to the craft market, look at some prices in the hotel souvenir shops. Set yourself a price you’d be happy with, but remember that in the end, the dollar is worth much more to the local traders than it is to you. Take your time, don’t rush it. If you feel they are not budging, start to walk away. I tend to ask the price of an item I am not particularly interested in initially, and then moving about the stall pointing at other pieces, working my way back to the item I actually want. When the trader tells me his price, I feign disinterest. Move on to other articles, then maybe go back to offer a price considerably lower than the estimate I have in my head. Smile a lot and always keep in good natured. If you do finally agree on a price, go ahead with the purchase, don’t just play with the traders and not buy anything; that is bad manners. Above all, have fun. Establish a repartee with the traders; it makes for a much more enjoyable experience for all concerned. Of course, if you find the whole scenario of haggling too much, you can always resort to buying your souvenirs from the hotel/lodge shops at a fixed price.

There are many areas and markets that sell Maasai bead work. Maasai villiages sell them as well. They have a wide variety of styles and colors are always brilliant. You wont regret it spending the extra money on a well made one. They do make smaller items as well.

Also the Maasai cloths when of good quailty are wool, they should be soft and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Each color and pattern is meant to signify an individuals marital status, community position, and age, as well for the men if they are warriors.

What to buy: The beaded collars, and the large wool Maasai cloths.

What to pay: In a Maasai villiage you can spend 20 to 30 dollars on a 1 to 2 large beaded collars. In a market you can spend at a miniumum of 35 dollars on a similar item. Remember the venders do have to buy their goods.

A wool cloth that will cover a medium table will cost between 5-15 dollars depending on how well you can barter

There are several reputable jewelrys in Arusha.

What to buy: Tanzanite jewelry!

What to pay: You will spend less in Arusha near where it is mined. Dont buy it at the airport it is about 30 times more expensive. However the prices still vary depending on the size, color and cut of the stone- just like a diamond.

Tanzania sports many curio shops - the shops where you can buy the local crafts such as tribal jewelry, batik and wood carvings etc.

Nothing will have a price on it - it is up to you (and you are expected ) to bargain. After some coaxing every shop attendant will demand outrageous amounts of money - just keep pressing for a much lower price. At the end you can simply offer a little bit more and ask for another object to be added to your shopping list.

It is very interesting to see the tactics the vondors go through, like taking you to the rear of the shop and doing everything very furtively - as if you were bargaining for drugs! But all in all this is all very enjoyable!

Always remember that no one can turn down any money here - they seem to just decide as you enter the shop how much money they want out of you. It is then up to your wit to pay that sum and walk out with as many new possessions as possible.

What to buy: tribal jewelry, batik, hand painted pottery, tanzanite (be careful - go to reputable dealers for this), wooden statues

What to pay: No shop owner will let you leave the premises without spending at least $10-$20 !!

What to buy: The traditional blankets that the Massai wear are great buys as presents. They can be found throughout Tanzania and Kenya and really do keep you warm on chilly nights.

What to pay: Usually only a couple of dollars but pay what you think is reasonable, but of course bargain.

The propieter of this shop is a rastafarian and a legend. He has a huge range of crafts, souvenirs and more with prices to rival vendors in the less intimidating atmosphere of shop. If you befriend him as Kyle did, costs come soaring down to near cost price.

In any decent sized town, vendors prey on the weak and the helpless (aka first time travellers) If this applies to you then you must always look confident. Vendors may be a slightly difficult situation for some but they want the money and will usually give into slightly lower prices than men in shops (except Rasta Man)

What to buy: Pretty much anything you can think of is available, especially touristy items in touristy areas and snacks (snakes as the locals spell them although pronouced identically) in anywhere a bus stops.

What to pay: Ask them for a starting price, halve that and see if you can make it. Aim for as close as possible to the halve although don't be surprised if they don't let you, some vendors are fairer than others. The main tip is to pay what you feel is fair. Never on any account show that you really want an item. If you have another day or more, put it off because they want to sell. Only pay more than you think is right if you desperately want something and leave that to the last minute. Never give in easily as vendors spot their prey at 300 paces and can swarm you faster than a gang of chavs on speed.

Cute shop. Prices a bit higher than you'll pay at the carving shops or from the street vendors, but there is a good variety. Be aware that street vendors will rush the shop when they see tourist there (see picture).

What to buy: Acrylic paintings of local sights and people.

What to pay: The painting being held by my husband (far left of picture) cost $23 USD.