When non-profit organizations, whose aims are to empower local Tanzanian workers, keep business practices sustainable, and to give back to the communities that surround them, collide… a ripple effect of positive change begins. That’s what’s happening here at Shanga!

Shanga is proud to now carry Tanzanian-made products from Chocolate Mamas, Dada Zanzibar, Samanga Springs Handmade Soaps, Masika Winery, and Your Sisters.  What do we all have in common? We make products that support health, the environment, local economy, and our country of Tanzania as well as many other corners of the globe. Our products send a message of consumer responsibility while providing unique, handmade goods for our buyers.

For all of you chocolate-lovers out there, this one’s for you! We are now selling organic chocolate bars and delights from Chocolate Mamas Gourmet Tanzanian Chocolate Company in Shanga Shops! Chocolate Mamas operates out of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and they support local cacao cooperatives through fair trade partnerships. Their packaging is produced locally using recycled maize husks by Neema Crafts, a non-governmental organization that supports disabled Tanzanians. We are kindred spirits, and their commitment to regional sustainability makes your choice to indulge in chocolate even sweeter!

We are also happy to have Dada Zanzibar products in our stores! Dada Zanzibar, producer of Delicacies and Wholesome Foods, as well as ECOsmetics, is a socially responsible business that provides many women with job opportunities in Zanzibar. They hold a commitment to environmentally-friendly farming and food processing practices, as well as in the production of their natural beauty products. Their wholesome food branch provides everything from Zanzibar honey to island chutneys, and their ECOsmetic line yields natural soaps and cleansing oils made from handpicked raw materials. Spoil yourself and support this wonderful co-op today!

From the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, come scrumptious bath products and handmade soaps from Samanga Springs into our Shanga Shops! What began as a soap-making class, soon became a sustainable venture for the owner of Samanga Springs. Offering 100% handmade bath products with no artificial ingredients or animal testing, Samanga Springs makes bathing an eco-conscious, delightful experience! We are happy to sell their hand-cut, individually wrapped and labeled soaps on our shelves. They are great as gifts!

Another conscious indulgence now sold at Shanga comes from Masika Winery. Located on the lower slopes of Mt. Meru, Masika Winery specializes in fruity, flavorful wines, featuring the natural fruit essences of pineapple, raspberry, plum, mango, banana citrus, and zambarao. Masika Winery asks their customers to ‘expect the unexpected’ and to expand their palate to savor the indigenous fruits of Tanzania. They are committed to using the natural resources of their surroundings, responsibly. Having a dinner party? Come by Shanga and pick up a bottle of Masika’s specialty wine to treat your guests!

Lastly, we are featuring fashionable handmade heart bags sewn by local women from Your Sisters. Yours Sisters is a tri-parted, non-profit organization located just outside of Arusha that hosts an all-girls orphanage and school, a creative community program, and sustainable travel and tourism division. One way that the community of women and girls who are involved at Your Sisters are supported, is through the products made and sold via the creative community program. The heart bags, that zip as a heart and unfold into a shoulder bag, are being sold at Shanga River House. Show Your Sisters some love!

Through the bond of all of these like-minded organizations, we at Shanga feel that, more than ever, we are part of a network of positive change in Tanzania and beyond. Please join us in supporting these companies and thank you so much for your continual patronage!

With Love

The Shanga Team!