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Craftsmanship with a purpose
Every piece made here is part of a larger story about dignified employment for people with disabilities in Tanzania.
Duration1 to 2 hours
LocationNorthern Tanzania
ExperienceCulture & social impact
Best timeYear-round
Workshop Overview
Craft With a Purpose
The Shanga workshop employs Tanzanians with disabilities to make glassware, jewelry, textiles, home décor, and paper goods from recycled and sustainable materials, all of it made on site where visitors can watch. Seeing a glassblower turn an old bottle into something new, or a weaver working at the loom, makes this feel very different from a standard souvenir stop.
This visit is unhurried and relaxed. You wander between the craft stations, then finish at the shop. It’s a memorable stop that stays with you much longer than the hour or two it takes.
Why this experience
Moments worth travelling for
Designed around attentive guiding, meaningful encounters and enough time to be present.
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Recycled materials, original design
Glass from recycled bottles and fabric from repurposed materials produce pieces you won't find anywhere else.
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Meet the makers, not just the work
You watch the process happen in front of you instead of meeting only the finished product on a shelf.
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A moving & memorable day
The mood at the workshop is warm and welcoming, which makes this an easy stop to enjoy with any group.
A Different Perspective
Art with a purpose
What to expect
How the day unfolds
Your guide adapts the pace to the conditions, the sightings and the way you like to travel.
Speak With a PlannerMorning
Arrival and introduction
A short overview of Shanga's mission and how the workshop runs.
Mid-Morning
Craft stations
Time at the glassblowing, weaving, and other stations, watching each step up close.
Late Morning
Browse the shop
The on-site shop sells what's made here, including glassware, jewelry, and textiles.
Midday
Onward
Continue to your next stop or head back to your hotel.
Through the lens
A closer look at the experience
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Plan with confidence
The details, made simple
Review the essentials, then speak with a planner for arrangements specific to your itinerary.
What is included
- Guided walkthrough of the workshop
- Guide
Not included
- Shop purchases
- Gratuities
- Meals and drinks
What to bring
- A way to pay in the shop
- A camera (ask before photographing artisans)
Good to know
- A camera (ask before photographing artisans): Shanga is a working enterprise, not a museum, so which stations are active can vary by day and time.
- Weekdays: Weekday visits tend to mean more artisans on site and more stations running.
- Shopping: Buying a piece is optional, but it supports the people who make them
Location and best time
Plan for the right season
Shanga sits just outside central Arusha, so it fits easily into a city day or a transfer between stops. The visit is indoors and under cover, so the season doesn’t change much.
Jan
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Best periodAvailable
Travel responsibly
Tread Lightly, Travel Meaningfully
Shanga is a social enterprise built around dignified employment, and every purchase supports that mission directly.
- Buy from the on-site shop if a piece catches your eye. The proceeds support the artisans and the program.
- Ask before photographing individual artisans, and respect their answer.
Add it to your journey
Journeys that bring it all together
Why Good Earth
Local knowledge. Thoughtful planning.
Our travel planners and guides are based in East Africa. That closeness helps us design realistic routes, respond when conditions change and create journeys that feel personal.
- Locally based team in Arusha
- Private journeys shaped around your pace
- Responsible travel woven into every itinerary
Questions, answered
Before you add it to your trip
Still deciding? Our planners can answer anything specific to your travel dates and group.
What is Shanga's mission?
Shanga employs Tanzanians with disabilities, creating handmade products from recycled and sustainable materials as a source of dignified work.
Can we buy what's made there?
Yes. The on-site shop sells glassware, jewelry, textiles, and other items made at the workshop.
Is this appropriate for children?
Yes. It’s a gentle, engaging stop for most ages, and kids often enjoy watching the craft stations.
How long should we plan for this stop?
Most visitors spend one to two hours between the workshop stations and the shop.
