Shopping Spots in Arusha
Arusha, Tanzania is a beautiful and picturesque safari adventure hub that lies in the footsteps of Mount Meru. It’s also home to Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park, many exciting attractions, and activities. Shopping spots in Arusha are one of the major activities for tourists and locals in Arusha. The sprawling town offers several shopping spots from speciality shops to streets markets. Here is our list of the best shopping spots in Arusha:
1. Aim Mall
The sizeable Arusha Aim Mall makes for excellent shopping and entertainment for the whole family. There is a variety of shops selling everything from clothes, shoes, and electronics to furniture and many restaurants serving a variety of foods at the food court. There is also a kiddies play section, a movie zone and a well-designed supermarket at the mall. Ample parking is available too.
2. Sable Square Shopping Village
Located just past Arusha Airport, this 4-acres shopping village offers visitors a wide range of shops and restaurants to choose from. Visitors will find arts & crafts, food & drinks, banks, a pharmacy, jewellery shops and a supermarket as well. There is also a fitness centre and travel shops for souvenirs.
3. Njiro Shopping Complex
This shopping complex houses many restaurants, clothes & shoe shops, a pet shop, bars, a disco and a cinema complex. You’ll also find ATMs and a supermarket in the complex. There is a decent open-air food court where visitors can have food and drinks from any of the on-site restaurants and bars.
Njiro Shopping Complex
4. The Arcade
Located in Old Bagamoyo Road, visitors can enjoy food and drinks in one of the many bars, restaurants and cafes at the Arcade. One can also shop for clothes, shoes and accessories at the boutiques available. Facilities like ATMs, barbing and hairdressing salon, a video arcade and travel agencies can be found here.
5. Arusha Cultural Heritage
Centre Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is the home of antiques, beautiful paintings, incredible pieces of art collected from all over Africa. This centre is well-known for souvenir shopping. It is a museum with artful displays, but one can purchase art pieces from woodcrafts, statues, masks, furniture to utensils. You can also buy the Tanzanite gemstones – only found in Tanzania in jewellery form or otherwise.
Arusha Cultural Heritage
6. Isle of Gems Ltd
On the second floor of Arusha City Complex, Swahili street you find this gems and jewels spot. This spot is best for lovers of jewellery for self and for gifting friends and family. Visitors can shop for coloured gemstones, gold-coloured gemstones, tinted gemstone silver, Tanzanite gold, silver, and gemstones. All this are locally sourced.
7. Mt. Meru Curios & Craft Market
This is a good place to find original handcrafts and souvenirs. The market has a wide selection of locally crafted items from mats to beaded accessories to wood carvings and the works. Don’t forget to bring on your bargaining skills here.
Mt. Meru Curios & Craft Market
8. Kilombero Market
Situated along Sokoine Road, Kilombero Markst is largely a local market, where you will find everything from Maasai handicrafts and jewellery to fresh fruit, spices, carvings, and local textiles.
Kilombero Market
9. Maasai Women Fair Trade
Centre Situated in a small shop along Simeon Road, this trade centre was established to empower Maasai women in the Arusha region. They sell handmade crafts such as jewellery, ornaments, leather products, Shuka (African print) duvets and bathrobes. All proceeds from purchases here go into supporting the Maasai women and girls.
10. Schwari
For visitors looking for unique home goods, clothes and accessories for men, women and kids this is that spot. From wall hangings, cushions, purses, hand-dyed textiles, African fabrics as well as leather, Schwari has it all. Schwari is located at the Arusha Coffee Lodge.
11. Collectors Corner
In this shop you will find one of the most beautiful blue colour gemstones –the Tanzanite. It is located inside Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. They have a wide range of gemstones (Tourmaline, Tsavorite, and Spinel) and jewellery which are all sourced from Tanzania. This is an ideal shopping spot for collectors and gemstones lovers.
12. Shanga (Shoprite Centre)
This shopping spot houses eccentric jewellery, unique glassware, home décor items and a range of other accessories. Shanga brings the African design touch to recycled paper, aluminium and glass bottles and it’s all done by a group of disabled Arusha men and women at the Shanga workshop in the Burka Coffee Estate.
13. Uru Diamonds
Are you crazy about accessories? Rings, pendants, and cufflinks? Bracelets with straps made from natural leather and hand knotted threads in many different colours? All crafted with gold, silver, rough diamonds and gemstones? This is absolutely your spot. It is located at the top floor of Middle Building Arusha.
Uru Diamonds
14. Maasai Craft Market
Located on Fire Road, a short walking distance from Clock Tower, Maasai Craft Market is a good place to buy inexpensive souvenirs. The market and the traders can be a bit overwhelming but you’ll find a good selection of things from statues to paintings and accessories and fabrics of good quality. Prices of the items are negotiable; you may get a good deal if you have good bargaining skills.
Maasai Craft Market
15. Sidai Workshop
This small hidden spot presents a rather calm and peaceful shopping experience. The shop stocks handmade household items but mainly beaded jewellery. Visitors also get to see and chat with the craftswomen at work.
Sidai Workshop
Indulge in Some Retail Therapy
Shopping is one of the best forms of therapy. So if you are feeling in need of a boost, head down to one of these fine spots and pick up a few pieces to make your heart happy.
We’d love to hear from you If you have anything to add to our list or would like to tell us about your experience give us a shout!
