Returning from Zanzibar feels even more special when you bring home more than just photographs. Here at Azao Resort & Spa, we believe the island’s soul lives not only in its turquoise waters and spice-scented breeze. It lives in the hands of its artisans, in the grain of hand-carved wood, and in the weave of every kikoi cloth. Over the years, our team has explored the markets, workshops, and roadside stalls of this beautiful island, and we love sharing our favorite finds with our guests. Whether you are staying in one of our rooms & suites in Zanzibar or spending a few days exploring the archipelago, these are the treasures worth carrying home.
1. Tinga Tinga Paintings
Born in Tanzania and loved across the East African coast, Tinga Tinga paintings are among the most colorful souvenirs you can buy in Zanzibar. They feature bold, glossy depictions of wildlife like elephants, lions, fish, and birds, painted on canvas or board using bicycle paint. This gives them their well-known shiny finish. You will find artists displaying their work throughout Stone Town, especially around Forodhani Gardens and the quieter alleys of the old city. Prices depend on size and detail, but even a small piece looks wonderful on any wall.
2. Zanzibar Chests and Hand-Carved Furniture
The hand-carved wooden chest is one of the most recognisable crafts from Zanzibar. These brass-studded chests were historically used to store valuables and traded across the Indian Ocean for generations. The carved doors of Stone Town tell a similar story, decorated with geometric patterns, floral designs, and brass spikes that once showed off a family’s status. A full-sized door is not easy to pack, but you will find smaller versions, jewellery boxes, and decorative panels that carry the same quality and care. At Azao Resort & Spa, widely regarded as the best beach resort Zanzibar has to offer, we have woven this craft tradition into our own spaces. Take a closer look around during your stay and you may spot a familiar carved detail or two.
3. Kikoi and Kanga Textiles
The kikoi and kanga are the everyday fabrics of Zanzibar life. The kikoi is a woven cotton wrap that has been worn along the Swahili coast for generations. Today, people use it as a beach wrap, a sarong, or a simple throw. The kanga is a printed cotton cloth, usually sold in pairs, and always carries a Swahili proverb printed along the border, making each one a little piece of poetry. Both are widely available across the island at very reasonable prices. We place locally woven kikois in each of our Rooms & Suites in Zanzibar as a small welcome touch, and many guests enjoy them so much that they want to buy one to take home. The best place to find a good selection is the markets of Stone Town.
4. Spices and Zanzibar’s Famous Spice Blends
Zanzibar was once the world’s top producer of cloves, and the island’s connection to spices is still very much alive. A visit to one of the spice farms in the island’s interior is something we recommend to every guest. You will walk through rows of cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, and turmeric growing in rich soil. Most farms sell packaged spice sets that travel well and make great gifts. Local vendors in Stone Town also sell handmade blends designed for pilau rice, biryani, and grilled seafood in the Zanzibari style. Our kitchen depends on locally sourced spices, and our chefs are always happy to share their favorite picks with anyone who asks.
5. Beaded Jewelry and Maasai Crafts
Zanzibar’s craft scene draws from both Swahili and Arab traditions, but you will also find a lively trade in Maasai beadwork brought over from the mainland. Bracelets, necklaces, and earrings in bright reds, blues, and whites are sold by Maasai traders at beach markets and souvenir stalls around the island. Each piece is made by hand and priced affordably, making them a meaningful reminder of the wider East African culture. When choosing a piece, look for items strung with wire rather than elastic as they tend to last much longer.
6. Coconut Shell and Recycled Crafts
Many Zanzibari craftspeople work with what the island provides. Coconut shells are shaped into bowls, ladles, jewelry, and decorative pieces. Others use recycled tin, driftwood, and natural fibers to make wall hangings and home accessories that feel thoughtful and original. These items are often tucked away in smaller independent shops rather than the busy tourist markets, and buying from them puts money directly into the hands of local makers. Our team at Azao Resort & Spa knows several of these craftspeople personally and we are always glad to pass on a recommendation.
A Final Word from Azao Resort & Spa
Shopping in Zanzibar is really about connection. When you buy a painting directly from the artist who made it, or pick up a spice blend from a small farm cooperative, you become part of a tradition that has shaped this island for a very long time. We encourage every guest to step beyond the resort, walk the streets of Stone Town, stop at the spice farms, and take time at the craft markets. Zanzibar’s makers deserve to be seen, and you deserve to go home with something that truly means something.
If you are looking for the best beach resort Zanzibar has to offer as your starting point, we would love to welcome you. Our rooms and suites in Zanzibar are designed to be a comfortable and inviting home base, and our team is always ready to help you make the most of every day on the island.
To read more, click here : Booking Tips for Large Groups and Family Accommodation in Zanzibar
