
Shanga Arusha
Shanga Arusha empowers artisans with disabilities, creating beautiful handmade crafts from recycled materials. A truly inspiring social enterprise.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See artisans at work

Shanga Arusha
Best Time
See artisans at work

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Shanga Arusha empowers artisans with disabilities, creating beautiful handmade crafts from recycled materials. A truly inspiring social enterprise.
"An amazing and meaningful place where handicrafts are made by people with disabilities."

🤝 Support the Artisans
Your purchases directly benefit the artisans and the workshop. Buy unique souvenirs to take home!
☕ Enjoy the Coffee Lodge
A lovely coffee shop is next door, perfect for a break after your visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glassblowing Workshop
Glassworks Section
Witness the mesmerizing process of transforming recycled glass into stunning art pieces using a furnace fueled by recycled oil.

Intricate Beadwork
Beadwork Studio
Marvel at the detailed craftsmanship of artisans creating vibrant and complex designs using beads.

Handloom Weaving
Handloom Section
See skilled weavers transform threads into beautiful textiles, appreciating the effort and precision involved.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support Artisans with Disabilities
Discover Unique Handmade Crafts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Support the Artisans
Your purchases directly benefit the artisans and the workshop. Buy unique souvenirs to take home!
☕ Enjoy the Coffee Lodge
A lovely coffee shop is next door, perfect for a break after your visit.
🚶♀️ Free Guided Tours
Take a free tour to understand the craft-making process and the foundation's mission.
♻️ See Recycling in Action
Shanga recycles glass bottles into beautiful products. A great example of climate action!
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Support the Artisans
Your purchases directly benefit the artisans and the workshop. Buy unique souvenirs to take home!
☕ Enjoy the Coffee Lodge
A lovely coffee shop is next door, perfect for a break after your visit.
🚶♀️ Free Guided Tours
Take a free tour to understand the craft-making process and the foundation's mission.
♻️ See Recycling in Action
Shanga recycles glass bottles into beautiful products. A great example of climate action!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Shanga Arusha for its meaningful mission of empowering individuals with disabilities through beautiful handicrafts. The opportunity to witness artisans at work, the quality of the handmade items, and the welcoming atmosphere are frequently highlighted as major draws. It's considered a must-visit for its inspiring social impact and unique shopping experience.
"Whenever I am in Arusha I visit this workshop. The principle this is built on is spot on and the opportunity to see, talk to the craft people is fantastic. What they produce is very good at reasonable prices. The profit from everything they sell goes into the workshop and to the artisans. Well worth a visit. Lovely coffee shop next door."
Howard Marshall
"A very meaningful project supporting people with disabilities. On top of that, the craftsmen make some beautiful artwork and are extremely welcoming towards the visitors (our kids had a blast ‘helping out’ in the weaving section thanks to Jackson) 🙏 thanks for a lovely time, we’ll definitely be back!"
Nana Fischer
"An amazing and meaningful place where handicrafts are made by the people with disabilities. We dropped by Shanga Shanga after lunch at the Coffee Lodge next to it, took a tour to understand how crafts are handmade there and eventually bought some little things to bring home for friends and family. Strongly encourage a visit to support the goodwill and empower the community."
PL Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shanga Arusha is located near Arusha, Tanzania. Many visitors arrive by taxi or private car from Arusha town. It's often combined with a visit to the Shanga Arusha Coffee Lodge next door.
Public transport options might be limited and less direct. Hiring a taxi or arranging transport through your accommodation is generally recommended for ease of access.
Taxis are readily available in Arusha and can take you directly to Shanga. Negotiate the fare beforehand or use a ride-hailing app if available in the area.
Yes, Shanga is often visited alongside the Shanga Arusha Coffee Lodge. It's also a good stop if you're exploring the Arusha region.
Shanga Arusha is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tour at Shanga Arusha is free for everyone. However, donations and purchases of their handmade crafts are highly encouraged to support the artisans.
While specific hours can vary, Shanga is generally open during daytime business hours. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most current opening times before your visit.
Advance booking is not typically required for the general tours, as they are ongoing. However, for larger groups or special arrangements, it's best to contact Shanga directly.
Absolutely! Shanga has a shop where you can buy beautiful handmade jewelry, glass art, textiles, and more. Your purchases directly support the artisans.
No, Shanga Arusha is a family-friendly destination. Children are welcome and often enjoy interacting with the artisans and seeing the crafts being made.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You can find a wide array of handmade items including unique jewelry, colorful glass beads, intricate beadwork, handloom textiles, paper bags, and other decorative accessories.
Prices are considered very reasonable given the quality and handmade nature of the products. Your purchase is a direct contribution to the artisans' well-being.
While Shanga itself focuses on crafts, there is a 'lovely coffee shop next door' (Shanga Arusha Coffee Lodge) where you can enjoy refreshments.
For custom orders, it's best to inquire directly with the Shanga team upon your visit or through their official contact channels.
Typically, major credit cards and cash are accepted. It's always a good idea to have some local currency (Tanzanian Shilling) on hand as well.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
You can witness artisans at work in various sections like glassblowing, beadwork, and handloom weaving. You can also interact with the craftspeople and learn about their techniques.
Yes, free guided tours are offered, providing insights into the foundation's mission and the creation process of the handicrafts.
Children are welcome and often have a great time. Some visitors mention their kids enjoyed 'helping out' in sections like weaving.
The atmosphere is inspiring and welcoming, with a strong sense of community and empowerment. Visitors often describe it as a 'meaningful project' and a 'highlight'.
A visit typically lasts 1-2 hours, allowing time to see the workshops, interact with artisans, and browse the shop. You might stay longer if you enjoy a leisurely coffee break next door.
🎫 💖 About the Foundation
Shanga's mission is to empower people with disabilities by providing them with meaningful employment and opportunities to create beautiful handicrafts.
The artisans are individuals with various disabilities who are trained and employed by the foundation to produce high-quality crafts.
The profits from the sale of crafts are reinvested into the workshop and directly benefit the artisans, providing them with income and a sense of purpose.
Yes, Shanga operates as a meaningful project and social enterprise dedicated to supporting people with disabilities.
You can find more information on their social media channels, such as TikTok and Instagram, or by visiting their website if available.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for about 1-2 hours to explore the workshops and the shop. The adjacent coffee lodge offers a great spot for snacks or a light meal, making it a comfortable outing for the whole family. The free tours are engaging and can be tailored to keep younger visitors interested.
🎁 Souvenir Shoppers
Prices are considered very reasonable for the quality and craftsmanship. By purchasing from Shanga, you're not just getting a beautiful memento of your trip to Tanzania, but you're also contributing to a vital social enterprise. It's a guilt-free shopping experience with a positive impact.
🌍 Conscious Travelers
The foundation's commitment to sustainability, particularly through its recycled glass art, further resonates with eco-conscious visitors. It's an opportunity to engage with local culture, support ethical practices, and witness firsthand how a community can thrive through creativity and mutual support.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Recycling: Glassworks at Shanga
The skill involved in glassblowing requires precision and artistry. The artisans at Shanga demonstrate incredible dexterity, shaping molten glass into intricate designs. Witnessing this transformation firsthand is a truly memorable experience, offering a glimpse into a craft that is both ancient and modern. The vibrant colors and unique forms of the glass art are a testament to the creativity fostered at Shanga.
This dedication to recycling and upcycling is a core part of Shanga's ethos. It demonstrates how waste materials can be given new life through creativity and skill, contributing to a more sustainable future. The glassworks are a prime example of how art can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
Empowerment Through Craftsmanship
The range of crafts produced at Shanga is impressive, including intricate beadwork, handloom weaving, and the creation of paper bags and accessories. Each piece is a testament to the dedication and skill of the artisans. Visitors often express their admiration for the quality and beauty of the handicrafts, recognizing the passion poured into every item.
By visiting Shanga and purchasing their products, you directly contribute to this mission. It's more than just buying a souvenir; it's an act of support that empowers individuals and strengthens the community. The positive impact of Shanga is evident in the smiles and stories of the artisans themselves.
A Community Hub: Shanga and its Surroundings
The atmosphere at Shanga is consistently described as welcoming and inspiring. Visitors often highlight the opportunity to interact directly with the craftspeople, learning about their techniques and personal stories. This personal connection makes the experience deeply rewarding and memorable.
Many visitors recommend Shanga as a must-visit when in Arusha, emphasizing its meaningful purpose and the quality of its crafts. It stands as a beacon of social enterprise, demonstrating how art, community, and empowerment can beautifully intertwine.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit