What to bring back, and what to know
| Souvenir | Where | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Whole spices | Darajani market, spice farms | Whole keeps better than ground; avoid tourist tins |
| Kangas and kikois | Markets, Stone Town shops | About 5,000 to 10,000 TZS a pair per one guide, dearer in tourist shops |
| Tinga Tinga paintings | Galleries on Gizenga Street | Uneven quality; galleries beat beach stalls |
| Silver | Souk and Hurumzi streets | Look for the 925 mark on good pieces |
| Small carved doors | Old-town shops | Panels or reproductions |
Where to buy
Darajani market is the least touristy and most honest place for spices. To understand what you are buying (cloves, cinnamon, vanilla), a spice farm shows the plants before selling. See also the carved doors of Stone Town.
Haggling without conflict
Start low, smile, and be ready to walk away. Keep small notes in shillings; see money and tipping in Zanzibar. Beware of touts offering to "guide" you to a shop: see beach boys and scams.
Carrying spices home
Keep them in sealed bags in your suitcase; check your country's import rules for plant products before leaving.
FAQ
What is the best souvenir from Zanzibar?
Whole spices, bought at a market or a farm.
Can you haggle?
Yes, it is expected in the old town.
