1. Tanzanite Experience Museum

After being picked up from the hotel, the tour begins with a visit to the Tanzanite Experience Museum, where visitors can explore the history, mystery, and rarity of this precious gemstone, exclusive to Tanzania. Through interactive tours and visual exhibitions, including a replica of a Tanzanite mine shaft, guests learn about the creation, naming, mining, cutting, polishing, and grading of Tanzanite. There is also an opportunity to purchase Tanzanite directly from the source, with all gemstones accompanied by a certificate from The Tanzanite Laboratory. The museum is centrally located in Arusha and features an attached store. Following this, the tour proceeds to the Shanga Foundation and the largest African Art gallery, the Cultural Heritage Centre.

Tanzanite is said to be “1,000 times rarer than diamonds” and is found exclusively at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Renowned New York jewelers “Tiffany & Co” have called it “the most beautiful blue stone to be discovered in 2,000 years” and named it Tanzanite. This vibrant blue gem is a must-have for any jewelry collection, making the visit to the best place to buy Tanzanite in Arusha, Tanzania, essential.

2. Shanga & Shanga Foundation

The Shanga Foundation is a craft workshop that empowers disabled locals by showcasing the artisans behind the glassware, beads, paintings, and fabrics available for purchase. Visitors can admire beautiful décor, such as walls made of recycled wine bottles that enhance the warm light and create a pleasant sound when gently moved. The store also features artisans creating beaded jewelry and cloth from recycled materials, including stuffed elephants made from repurposed men’s shirts. This unique setting offers plenty of options for purchasing gifts for family. Additionally, visitors can explore the fascinating Tanzanite Experience boutique, where they can order Tanzanite bracelets and necklaces, perfect as gifts and souvenirs from their Arusha experience.

3. Cultural Heritage Centre

The Cultural Heritage Centre is a distinctive cultural hub located on the outskirts of Arusha. It features curio shops, a jewelry boutique, a Tanzanite and precious stone counter, a restaurant, a bargain center, and an exceptional commercial art gallery. The center offers a wide range of ornaments, jewelry, antiques, and local crafts to suit any budget.

The exquisite collection of precious and semi-precious stones, including rubies, emeralds, tsavorite, diamonds, sapphires, and opals, is unparalleled across the continent.

This unique collection, ranging from African antiques to contemporary paintings and sculptures, will captivate visitors with its impressive display of art and artifacts, a breathtaking feat of engineering and artistic presentation that will leave them in awe. Expert assistants are available to help guests purchase art by emerging African artists or intriguing antiques from across the continent. Visitors can also enjoy traditional African dishes and hummus, making it a destination not to be missed.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• All fees and taxes included

Mined exclusively in Tanzania, the captivating cerulean gem known as tanzanite is a distinct reminder of your visit to East Africa and an essential addition to any gem enthusiast’s assortment. The Tanzanite Experience excursion delivers an overview of the gem’s captivating backstory, including its origin and initial extraction process.

The Arusha area is celebrated for an array of gemstones, refined jewellery, traditional Maasai artifacts, and detailed ebony sculptures. Your excursion leader will customize a retail journey to the renowned spots for Tanzanite, ebony sculptures, Maasai artifacts, Paintings, and other gemstones.

• Enjoy convenient two-way transportation from your hotel in Arusha
• Discover the Shanga Foundation, where differently-abled locals create exquisite artisanal pieces
• Receive expert guidance and assurance when purchasing stones from our knowledgeable guides
• Immerse yourself in the Cultural Heritage Centre for an extensive exploration of Tanzania’s rich history
• Limited exclusively to your party, the experience offers an intimate and tailored adventure

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.