Africa
Tanzania
Arusha Region
Arusha
Things to Do in Arusha
The Tanzanite Experience
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The Tanzanite Experience

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421
#2 of 56 things to do in Arusha
Speciality Museums
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10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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About
Visit The Tanzanite Experience and learn about the history, mystery and rarity of this precious gemstone, unique to Tanzania. Through a series of interactive tours and visual exhibitions, including a replica of a Tanzanite mine shaft, visitors discover how tanzanite was created, named, mined, cut, polished and graded. There is also the opportunity to purchase tanzanite direct from the source with all gemstones purchase being accompanied by a certificate by The Tanzanite Laboratory™. The museum is located in the center of Arusha Additional stores are open at Arusha Coffee Lodge, Maramboi Tented Camp, Manyara Airport, Manyara Serena Lodge. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Seronera Visitors center, Serengeti Serena Lodge, Kilimanjaro Intl Airport, Zanzibar Airport & Zanzibar Airport. The Tanzanite Experience is dedicated to creating a greater awareness of the rare and precious tanzanite and offers visitors a complete ‘tanzanite experience’.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience The Tanzanite Experience and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
109 within 3 miles
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293
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International • European
Five Chutneys
162
0.5 mi$ • Indian • Fast Food • Street Food
Via Via Caltural café - Arusha
127
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905
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685
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza • International • Mediterranean
Hotplate
22
0.1 mi$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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13
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Attractions
32 within 6 miles
Safari And Trekking Africa
5
516 ftNature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
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5
0.1 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Old Boma Museum
102
0.2 miNatural History Museums
Arusha Declaration Museum
6
0.3 miHistory Museums
Arusha International Conference Centre
1
0.3 miConvention Centers
Mount Meru
151
0.8 miVolcanos
Experience Africa Safari
0.1 miNational Parks
Masai Central Market
69
0.5 miFlea & Street Markets
St. Therese of the Child Jesus
1
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Cultural Heritage Centre
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
421 reviews
Excellent
309
Very good
78
Average
26
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Charlotte A
Keele, England, United Kingdom36 contributions
Amazing customer service even when buying from overseas!
Jul 2022
I've recently returned from a once in a lifetime trip to Tanzania. This trip was for my friend's 30th birthday and I knew I wanted to purchase some Tanzanite for her but wasn't sure how I could do this whilst still keeping it a surprise so I contacted Junaid at the tanzanite experience over email who has been truly fantastic from start to finish. He responds quickly to emails and worked with me to provide several options for Tanzanite jewellery within my budget, and even sent me videos so I could see the true colours of the stones. This helped me to pick the stones with the best quality despite being in the UK. Junaid arranged for me to pay online and then even arranged for my safari operator to collect the jewellery to pass to me on my arrival, and packaged it discretely so I could keep it a surprise from my friend. The jewellery is absolutely stunning and my friend couldn't be happier. I would 100% recommend The Tanzanite Experience for anyone wanting top quality service and top quality Tanzanite. Thank you so much.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark H
Dallas, TX3 contributions
Exceptional custom Tanzanite earrings
Mar 2022
On our recent Tanzania safari trip we returned to the Tanzanite Experience in Arusha, in search of intense blue violet stones for earrings (on a previous trip we had purchased a beautiful stone for a ring). We found a pair of the highest quality stones at the TE shop at Lake Manyara Airport. I then worked with Ronan Liebard in Arusha, who worked to design beautiful settings for the earrings. I elected to have the settings made locally in Tanzania. What a great decision! The earrings are spectacular. Ronan was detailed and patient and the quality of work is exceptional. I have found the Tanzanite Experience to be an honest and trustworthy business and can recommend them without reservation.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heath M
3 contributions
Top quality Tanzanite at affordable prices
May 2022
I have never been a fan of diamonds and thus discovered Tanzanite as an alternative for my fiancés wedding ring. I have tried googling and looking for sources of this amazing gemstone online; however, I was never able to find a site that I liked. Fortunately I ran into "The Tanzanite Experience" in Dubai at the Expo and was delighted to learning more about the gemstone and the services they offered.

I was overly delighted with the experience from their customer service but unfortunately they were closing and did not have a ring I wanted in stock. Luckily, they had a website and thus I ended up ordering online from their shop in Tanzania. Again the customer service was exceptional and they bored with me as I went back and forth with them on exactly what I wanted. I finally found the ring that was just perfect and they shipped it to me in just a few days.

I highly recommend these guys as they know exactly what they are doing, provide excellent customer service, and offer super fast/easy shipping. I'll definitely be coming back to these guys in the future!
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hannah Labusch
Zurich, Switzerland8 contributions
Serengeti Senena Lodge & Tanzanite: what a beautiful combination
Aug 2022 • Friends
Buying Tanzanite at the special store right in the heart of the Serengeti was an unique moment: at the Serena Lodge we met Mr. Mandela. He and his friendly colleague took all their time to introduce us into the beauty and craftsmanship of the pure Tanzanite Experience. My advice once more: please do only buy those stones at stores like Mr. Mandela who really guarantee the best quality since it’s for life. ( I made the mistake once and bought a fake one). So thank you very much for your fantastic service.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tanzanite Experience
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for paying us a visit! We are so happy we were able to give you a unique moment when you visited us. Well done Mandela for giving quality time to our esteemed guest, that's what we do best! :) Indeed, all our Tanzanites are authenticated and come with a certificate verifying the genuineness of the precious gem, as we only wish for the best for our guests. Thanks for giving us full marks and we hope to be of service again in the future.
Written September 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Djw1228
Massachusetts66 contributions
Educationally Rewarding and Delightfully Worth Spending
Aug 2021 • Couples
Jacqueline could not have been more hospitable, informative, pleasant, or helpful. She is a sheer delight who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. Her passion for tanzanite is apparent, and her responses to questions are quite thorough and knowledgeable. There was absolutely no pushy sales, simply supportive guidance. The film, the tour, the shopping ... without question is worthy of your time if you value learning, and you like to be treated with humble customer service.
We did purchase two GEMS (yay!), but we could have departed comfortably without feeling awkward for NOT doing so. We confidently bought certified, GORGEOUS stones without feeling uneasy about the purchase.

I highly recommend a visit ... and if it is your intention to spend money on tanzanite, then I highly recommend that you make your purchase here. If you are lucky enough to be hosted by Jacqueline, or an equally kind and informative colleague of hers, then you will understand my review, and you will certainly agree with me. Enjoy!
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christian E
Fort Lauderdale, FL7 contributions
My favorite thing I did in Arusha
Apr 2022 • Solo
I really enjoyed this experience and it was what I enjoyed most in Arusha (outside of the safari of course). Everything is professionally done and there is no admission cost. The goal is to ultimately sell expensive gem stones, but I thought both the movie and tour were very interesting and my guide Evelyn was very nice and answered all my questions. It only takes about 30 minutes to pass through, so I would recommend visiting if you are in Arusha.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tanzanite Experience
Dear Guest, Thanks a lot for this lovely review and for recommending us. We are really pleased and humbled at the same time, as Arusha is a main tourist hub and for us to be your number 1 activity, is just amazing to know! :) Your guide will be delighted reading this and our whole team can't wait to welcome you again.
Written April 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tarynturner02
South Burlington, VT1 contribution
Tanzanite Experience Review July 2022
Jul 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the process of mining and creating Tanzanite gemstones, as well as the grading scale. It was important to me to buy Tanzanite from an ethical organization that mines Tanzanite in a humane way. I was so pleased to learn that the Tanzanite Experience donates some of their profits to organizations such as Masaii tribes or a community that supports young children who have been in the hospital for a long period of time.
Th building was very pristine and clean, and all the workers had welcoming smiles on their faces. There was also a good security team.
Tabitha was very patient and sweet in helping me pick out the best Tanzanite gemstones for my mother and I. The service in the purchases portion of this experience was exceptional and I am so glad I bought my Tanzanite through this experience.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael B
London, UK14 contributions
Junaid - a true legend
Nov 2020 • Family
What can I say, Junaid was beyond brilliant. 

We wanted to buy our daughter a special stone for her birthday and from the first message Junaid was polite, friendly and unbelievably helpful (not to mention patient to put up with my never ending questions!)

He talked us through various shapes, cuts and qualities of stone until we were completely happy with our choice, he gave his professional opinion along the way whilst never coming across as pushing or a “typical sales man”.

Communications throughout were always of a high standard and his quick responses allowed things to progress at a steady pace.

Junaid came across as a genuine person throughout, more like an advisor than a salesman which made the whole experience feel very personal.

Delivery was hassle free and fully tracked to our door, no issues there at all.

I honestly could not recommend Junaid enough if you’re looking to purchase an item from the Tanzanite experience, on behalf of myself, my wife (and daughter even though she doesn’t know she’s got it the gift yet) thank you so very much.
Written November 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tanzanite Experience
Dear Guest, Thank you so very much for this brilliantly written review! Our entire team at The Tanzanite Experience, not more so than Junaid, could not be happier that he was able to take care of the whole process so seamlessly! We are very pleased that you had a hassle free delivery and we are excited for your daughter, when she finally gets to unbox the stone! Junaid sends you all his regards and we hope to be of service in the future. Thank you! :)
Written December 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Caroline M
6 contributions
Definitely worth it!
Jun 2022 • Solo
I really enjoyed my experience here! They were so respectful of the time that I had and the tour was so interesting and concise. Joyce did an amazing job showing me around and explaining the Tanzanite process! I never felt pressured to buy anything and the whole experience was so enjoyable. They have really beautiful stones and jewelry! I also love the Masai Woman’s collection, it is less expensive and features tanzanite in its raw form. Thank you Joyce for the wonderful experience!
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chriswholvestravel
Paris, France1 contribution
best place to buy Tanzanite by far!
Dec 2019
Forget all the other places (low quality, high prices, agressive sellers) and head directly here. A haven of calm, no pressured selling, just great advice in a reassuring & serene atmosphere. They work with local Masai women who craft lovely unfinished stone pieces starting at really affordable prices.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tanzanite Experience
Dear Guest, We really appreciate your time in writing this wonderful review and for the recommendation! Reading such reviews gives us the reassurance that we continue to live up to our name, The Tanzanite Experience. This involves informing our guests everything they need to know about Tanzanite, to giving advice about what items to purchase as well as promoting Local Maasai Women! For you to have felt the same way gives us the encouragement to continue on this path and we hope you can visit us in the future and have an even better Tanzanite Experience! :)
Written January 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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The Tanzanite Experience (Arusha) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Tanzanite Experience
The Tanzanite Experience is open:
  • Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Mon - Sat 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking The Tanzanite Experience tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 The Tanzanite Experience tours on Tripadvisor
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