What To Buy In Zanzibar (That’s Not Another Fridge Magnet)

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What to buy in Zanzibar was one of the first things I searched before my trip. I’m also completely in love with all things handmade and created from natural materials, and luckily, Zanzibar is full of them.

I’m not one of those people who returns home empty-handed. Nope. I’m a proud suitcase-filler. I want things that remind me of the places I’ve been, the smells, the colors and the chaos of a market.

And Zanzibar? Oh, it gave me plenty to bring home.

If you’re planning your trip or just came back and regret not buying more (we’ve all been there), this post is for you. In this post, I will walk you through the best finds, my personal favorites, and some handy tips for shopping in Zanzibar.

Plus, I’ll answer the big question: is Zanzibar good for shopping? Spoiler alert: it really is. So get ready to make some room in your suitcase.

🌴 If you’re planning a trip, check out my guide on 5 days in Zanzibar to make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

Now let’s talk Zanzibar souvenirs. These aren’t your average tourist trinkets. We’re talking handmade art, natural products, spices that smell like heaven, and so many beautiful items that you’ll probably need to leave space in your suitcase.

Or bring an extra one. Just saying.

Bargaining Is Part of the Fun

When you visit the markets in Zanzibar, know this: bargaining is not just expected, it is the way things work. If you accept the first price you hear, you are probably paying way too much.

Friendly negotiation is the norm here. Smile, offer a lower price, and be ready for a little back and forth. Most sellers will come down, and you’ll often walk away happy with a great deal.

This is true in all the markets in Zanzibar, from the spice markets to jewelry shops. It’s part of the experience, so enjoy it.

Let’s talk about what to buy in Zanzibar so you don’t waste your money on tourist traps.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay in Zanzibar? I’ve put together this interactive map for you to find the perfect accommodation for your budget 👇

Best Zanzibar Souvenirs

If you’re wondering what to buy in Zanzibar, you’ll find many interesting choices. The island has a rich culture that shows in its local products. The best Zanzibar souvenirs often include handmade items that are unique to the area.

Zanzibar’s markets and shops are full of life and offer a chance to see everyday island life. You might ask yourself what is the best thing to buy from Zanzibar when searching for something special. The smells and colors around you create a fun atmosphere to explore.

Some people wonder Is Zanzibar good for shopping, and the answer is yes if you enjoy discovering local goods. It’s not just about buying, it’s about experiencing the place.

Don’t forget to buy Zanzibar spices to take home with you. These spices have a strong aroma and add great flavor to meals. The variety of things to see on stalls will keep you busy for hours. If you want to save some money, there are also lots of cheap options available, such as Zanzibar snacks that you can take home.

If you’re looking for ideas, many shops have Zanzibar souvenirs for sale that fit all tastes. Taking your time really helps you enjoy the whole experience. That’s why I picked up the best Zanzibar souvenirs to remind me of my trip.

What to Buy in Zanzibar: My Favorite Finds

Zanzibar is known for its spices, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs you honestly won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for something small to remember your trip by or a gift for someone back home, here’s exactly what to buy in Zanzibar.

Fruits in Zanzibar

When planning what to buy in Zanzibar, make sure incredible fresh fruits in Zanzibar are on your list. The variety is amazing, and everything tastes so fresh. You can find mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, passion fruits, and even durian being sold at small fruit stands in the villages and in Stone Town.

The pineapple I had during our Nakupenda and Prison Island tour was honestly the best I’ve ever tasted. I still think about it every time I see pineapples back home.

Don’t miss the chance to try a fresh coconut too. They’re usually cut open right in front of you, and drinking the coconut water straight from the shell is such a fun experience.

If you have space in your luggage, consider bringing back some dried fruits or homemade jams. You’ll find options like dried mango, banana, and papaya, often sold at markets or during spice tours.

They may not be the most traditional souvenirs, but they are definitely delicious and make great snacks or thoughtful little gifts from your trip.

Buy Zanzibar Spices

Let’s start with the obvious. The island is known as the Spice Island for a reason. So it makes sense that spices are one of the best things to buy in Zanzibar.

You’ll see piles of cloves, cinnamon, vanilla pods, nutmeg, turmeric, and cardamom. These spices are grown locally and are known around the world for their quality.

I went on an amazing spice tour in the jungle during my trip, and it was fascinating to see how the spices grow. It was a real highlight to visit the farms and learn about the process.

After the tour, I was able to buy Zanzibar spices fresh from the source, which made the experience feel even more special. Every time I use those spices at home, I remember the trip.

If you ask what is the best thing to buy from Zanzibar, spices will definitely come up. They are easy to pack and affordable, which makes them great gifts too.

You can find places to buy Zanzibar spices almost everywhere in the markets, and on many spice tours so you won’t have trouble picking some up. That’s why I always include them in my list of best Zanzibar souvenirs to take home. So, if you’re wondering what to buy in Zanzibar, spices have to be high on your list.

Colorful Fabrics: Kanga and Kitenge

If you’re wondering what to buy in Zanzibar, that is authentic and colorful, these fabrics are perfect. They are lightweight and very versatile. You can use them as wraps, scarves, or even as wall art. I actually used mine as a beach cover-up, and it came in handy more than once.

Local women sell these beautiful fabrics all around Stone Town and on the beach, so you will have plenty of chances to pick one up.

We had a great time when we arrived at Dongwe Beach. While my friends were having massages, I spent time browsing through the most amazing fabrics. Some of the colors and patterns really caught my eye, and I bought a few to take home.

One thing you won’t regret when thinking about what to buy in Zanzibar definitely is this colorful fabrics.

Coffee That Will Surprise You

Now here’s a funny one, when I thought about what to buy in Zanzibar, coffee wasn’t the first thing that came to mind. But Zanzibar surprised me with some seriously unique coffees like banana coffee, cardamom coffee, vanilla coffee, ginger coffee, and even mango coffee. Yes, mango! If you’re wondering what to buy in Zanzibar, don’t miss out on this unique coffees.

I bought my coffee freshly ground during the spice tour, and fun fact, I’m actually sipping on it right now as I write this. The flavor is amazing: smooth, exotic, and with a little fruity twist, especially the banana and mango ones.

Instead of bringing back the usual magnets or keychains, I decided to gift coffee to my friends and family, because, honestly, who wouldn’t want to taste a little piece of Zanzibar?

Plus, it’s way more useful than a magnet that just sits on the fridge. Now everyone can enjoy an exotic cup at home and maybe even brag a little about my cool souvenir choice!

Wooden Masks and Carved Figurines

One of my favorite answers to what to buy in Zanzibar is definitely wooden masks and carved figurines. A lot of souvenirs in Zanzibar are made from wood, including bowls, trays, jewelry boxes, and carved figurines. Some are made from African blackwood, which is known for its rich, dark color and durability.

I really enjoyed looking at the beautiful African handcrafted masks. Many of them are decorated with natural materials like seashells, reeds, and beads, and each one has a unique and traditional look. I almost bought several but had to stop myself because of suitcase space.

I ended up buying two Maasai warrior statues made from blackwood for $35, and a tall giraffe for under $20. The details were beautiful and the prices very reasonable.

There are also plenty of cute wooden animals like elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions, just like the ones you can spot on a safari. They come in all sizes and make lovely decorative pieces.

If you like authentic Zanzibar souvenirs, wooden masks and carved figures should definitely be on your list.

African Paintings

Zanzibar has so much colorful art, and you’ll spot African paintings all over, from little corners in Stone Town to beachside villages. One of my favorite spots to browse was in Paje village, where a couple of tiny shops made me smile because they had signs that said “Lidl” and “IKEA.” I have no idea why it is called that, but it definitely caught my attention.

The shops were full of beautiful paintings showing scenes from everyday life, animals, sunsets, and unique abstract pieces. The artists are usually happy to roll them up for you, which makes packing super easy if you’re traveling light.

Boho Decor

What to buy in Zanzibar that’s handmade and beautiful? Boho decor is definitely at the top of my list. My home is fully decorated in boho style, so I was super excited to find all kinds of beautiful boho decor in Zanzibar. There are baskets woven from reeds, straw lanterns, handmade wall hangings, and even large straw-framed mirrors that look like something straight off a Pinterest board.

Believe it or not, I actually managed to fit a huge straw mirror inside my suitcase. I still don’t know how I did it, but I’m glad I left some extra space when packing.

If you love natural textures, earthy tones and boho vibes, Zanzibar has so many beautiful pieces that would fit right into a boho-style home. It’s definitely a great place to find something special that brings those vacation vibes into your space.

Local Snacks and Sweets

What to buy in Zanzibar depends on your taste, but I’d definitely go with some local flavors. If you’re in the mood to try some local snacks in Zanzibar, there are a few fun ones you might want to take home. One of the most popular is baobab fruit. It comes from the baobab tree, also known as the “tree of life,” and the fruit is dried, covered in sugar and sold in little snack bags.

It has a sweet and unique taste that’s hard to explain until you try it. It’s a favorite among locals and such a cool snack to bring home if you want something different from the usual souvenirs.

You’ll also find cassava chips almost everywhere. They’re thin slices of cassava root, fried until crispy and sometimes lightly seasoned. Super crunchy, super satisfying, and perfect for snacking while walking around or chilling on the beach.

If you have a bit of extra space in your bag, take some of these local snacks home with you. They’re affordable, easy to pack, and a fun way to share a little taste of Zanzibar with friends and family, or just enjoy them yourself later when you’re missing the island.

Handmade Cosmetics and Skincare

If you’re making a list of what to buy in Zanzibar, don’t forget to include natural cosmetics. I’m obsessed with local beauty products, and Zanzibar is full of them. You’ll find handmade soaps, essential oils, aloe vera gels, natural perfumes, and all kinds of coconut oil-based skincare. All of it is made with local ingredients like cloves, cinnamon, aloe, seaweed, and of course, coconut.

You can grab these at spice farms or small stalls in Stone Town, and honestly, everything smells so good it’s hard to walk away without buying something. I picked up some handmade perfumes, a few essential oils, and a super soothing aloe vera gel I now use all the time.

These make amazing gifts too, if you don’t end up keeping them all for yourself.

🧲 And If You Simply Can’t Live Without Fridge Magnets…

No judgment here — some of us just need that little magnet to add to the fridge collection. You’ll find plenty of options in Zanzibar, especially in Stone Town. Most of them feature island-themed designs like palm trees, turtles, traditional doors, or maps of Zanzibar.

They’re cheap, cheerful, and super easy to pack. So if you’re someone who always brings one home (or has a mom who expects one), you’ll definitely find one that does the job.

What To Buy In Stone Town Zanzibar

If you’re wondering what to buy in Zanzibar, Stone Town is a great place to start. I spent hours exploring small shops and markets full of interesting things. There are so many unique items to discover. Walking through the streets, you’ll find colorful fabrics and handmade products everywhere.

Some people ask Is Zanzibar good for shopping and I’d say yes, especially if you like finding things you won’t see anywhere else. When it comes to what to buy in Stone town Zanzibar, you’ll find plenty of gifts and souvenirs that show off the local culture.

Taking your time really helps because the best items don’t always catch your eye right away. If you wonder what is a good souvenir from Tanzania, Stone Town has plenty of options that fit different budgets.

If you are interested in what to buy in Stone town Zanzibar there are many options like wooden figurines, spices, and textiles. You’ll also spot many places with Zanzibar souvenirs for sale that suit different tastes.

Exploring what to buy in Stone town Zanzibar can be one of the most rewarding parts of your trip. It’s a nice way to connect with the island beyond just sightseeing. And who doesn’t like shopping, right?

Final Thoughts on What To Buy In Zanzibar

So, what to buy in Zanzibar? It really depends on what you like and what catches your eye while you’re there. For me, it was all about the spices, the colorful fabrics, and some cool boho décor that fits perfectly in my home.

When you visit the markets in Zanzibar, take your time and enjoy the experience. Don’t be shy to bargain a little and talk to the sellers. They expect it, and it’s part of the fun. Just pick what feels right to you and what you think you’ll enjoy once you get home.

Zanzibar has so many unique things to offer that you might end up bringing back more than you planned. Whether it’s fresh spices, handmade jewelry, or some carved wooden figurines, there is something for everyone.

Now, I want to hear from you. Have you been to Zanzibar before? Let me know in the comments what you bought (or plan to buy!), and if you’re still planning your trip, check out my 5-day Zanzibar itinerary to help you make the most of your stay ✨