Page 59 - Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari

Crafts & Souvenirs

Mokonde

The authentic woodcarvings called mokonde are made only in Tanzania, and are prized by
collectors worldwide. Usually made of ebony, traditional mokonde art depicts spirit gods,
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ʭR`]P^ ZQ bTWOWTQP DZ` NLY ʭYO ^XLWWP] ʭR`]P^ QZ] WP^^ _SLY /P[PYOTYR ZY ^TeP ^_dWP
and quality, larger pieces cost from $50 to $500.

Bargaining

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YPRZ_TL_TYR T^ YZ]XLW ?SP ZYWd ]`WP T^ _SL_ TQ dZ` XLVP LY ZʬP] dZ` ^SZ`WO MP []P[L]PO _Z
buy at that price. Bring a mix of small bills so that you can pay in exact change. For bargaining
in East Africa, our Trip Leaders suggest that you ask how much the item is, and start your
bidding at a quarter of that price, working your way up to half the asking price. This is a good
rule of thumb for getting the “right” price.

East Africa

Traditional souvenirs include woodcarvings, gems and gemstone jewelry, batik artwork,
traditional African woven cloths, hand-woven carpets and mats, leather goods, Maasai
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U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges

For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs &
Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked
questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with
you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when
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shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-
door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges
would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service
(like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in
the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs &
Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile
skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

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