Sidai Designs

Located in a beautiful shop surrounded by lush greenery in the bustling town of Arusha, Sidai Designs sells hand-crafted beaded jewelry made by local Maasai women. In northern Tanzania, Maasai women have been beading for centuries with fellow wives, sisters and daughters. Sidai Designs empowers these women with fair and sustainable incomes while preserving this cultural craft through elevated, modern jewelry. From one-of-a-kind bracelets, earrings, necklaces and more—the pieces are high-quality, contemporary, thoughtful and special. Designs feature gorgeous neutral and white beads honoring the typical aesthetic of the northern Tanzania Maasai tribe, but you’ll also find vibrant pieces with color. While at the Sidai Center, one can tour the studio adjacent to the shop to meet with the artisans and watch how they craft their impeccable beadwork. There is also an opportunity to book a two hour workshop in the serene garden with the artisans, while sipping on local teas or enjoying a charcuterie board. This is a great stop for purchasing meaningful souvenirs for loved ones before you head home.

Sidai recently collaborated with Singita to decorate the interiors of the Singita Mara River Tented Camp. Their pieces can also be found in select shops in New York, Paris and at a few other locations, but there’s nothing like seeing the artisans in action and meeting them for yourself.