Traditional Pottery Class Near Arusha: Learn & Create Authentic Tanzanian Pottery

Immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture and learn the art of traditional pottery in Arusha. Create your own unique pieces using locally sourced clay and tools. Take home a memento of your experience while supporting a local charity.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sing’isi - First, you’ll visit The Small Things and learn about their work supporting orphaned and vulnerable children and families in the community. Then we’ll go together to Tengeru, where you will learn from traditional potters how to prepare the clay, turn it on a foot-powered wheel, and fire it in a traditional kiln to take home with you. Throughout the day, your experienced local guide will also teach you about the culture and history of the local Meru tribe.
What's Included
  • Bottled water included
  • All tools, equipment, and materials provided
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Pickup from local hotels or Arusha
Additional Information

Experience a genuine touch of Tanzania through a visit to local ceramic artists utilizing native clay to craft beautiful and practical items. These artists will guide you on how to mold, shape, cut, and burn your own creations using indigenous tools. As a keepsake of your journey, you’ll be able to take your finished pottery home. Moreover, you’ll gain insight into ‘The Small Things’ organization, which dedicates its work to the support of families and the welfare of children in crisis.

Location
Unnamed Road
From Kilala on the main road, between Usa River and Tengeru, turn up the hill to the end of the pavement, then turn right at Nkoaranga hospital. Park at "TST Pickup Point," 50m down the dirt road. 4x4 drivers, please continue directly to the Happy Family Children's Village, about 2km (see Gmaps)
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(6 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Paulina_lip
Jul 31, 2023
The best clay experience!!! - Outstanding!! The guy who does the pottery class is a true artist who knows everything about clay and does a great job teaching and sharing. The ambiance is wonderful. The funds benefit a children’s home nearby which is run by wonderful kind people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps607748
Jul 20, 2022
Great recommended tour - I loved this tour and the people I met along the day. It was fun, I felt welcomed all the time. This gives a very close and honest insight into village life and the wonderful tradition of pottery production. I could have stayed for days. The link between tourism and community help is very well done here - with respect for everyone's perspective and wishes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Josh
Mar 28, 2022
Super cool traditional pottery class - A wonderful way to spend an afternoon and get a taste of life in Arusha. My family of five each learned how to throw a clay pot. My daughter even got to milk a cow! Reuben is an amazing guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E3793vjmagdalenak
Jan 11, 2022
Fun clay experience - Had an amazing time (even as solo traveler), extremely friendly pottery studio & wonderful guides the whole time. Thank you Andrew & Reuben
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K6014qnanneb
Apr 12, 2021
I was enjoyed of working clay of Tanzania ! Volunteer : Anne Bouter Dufour - Exiting activity with children of the TST! Kitomary : the artist has shown us how to create our own artifact with a clay of big quality! Concentration and fun in the same time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travelingdutchiemel
Jun 1, 2024
Nice experience! - ### Review: Pottery Experience Our pottery experience was very enjoyable, but there were a few aspects that left us feeling somewhat "misled." #### Positive Points: 1. **Pottery itself**: The pottery-making activity was great fun. We worked with a local family/man who taught us how to make pots. It was an authentic experience, even though it was conducted outdoors with basic materials. The man leading the session was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. 2. **Friendly staff**: Everyone we interacted with was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which added to the overall positive experience. 3. **Tour of the orphanage/NGO**: We received a tour of the orphanage, which was very informative. It was wonderful to see the impactful work they are doing for the children. #### Areas for Improvement: 1. **Miscommunication about the location**: The address provided in the email was for the orphanage, not the pottery class location. This led to a delay and some confusion as we had to wait for our instructor to arrive. Additionally, the pottery class location was a half-hour drive from the orphanage, which incurred unexpected (taxi) costs and was not mentioned on TripAdvisor. 2. **Focus on donations**: During the tour, we were shown numerous photos of children needing sponsorships, with multiple requests for donations. While we understand the importance of funding for such a noble cause, it felt somewhat pushy. We believe that the emphasis on donations should be less direct and more at the discretion of the guests. #### Conclusion: Overall, it was a successful day. The pottery class was enjoyable, and the organization is doing beautiful work. However, adjusting the approach to donations and improving communication about the logistics could make the experience even better.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today