Private Pottery Class near Arusha: Learn from Traditional Potters

Make your own pot on a traditional wheel and walk away with it the same day

A private pottery class near Arusha where you learn to prepare clay, throw it on a foot-powered wheel, and fire your finished piece in a traditional kiln with local potters in Tengeru. The class includes all tools and materials, bottled water, and a live English-speaking guide who teaches you about Meru culture and history. Your completed pot comes home with you as a memento.

The experience

What does it actually take to shape clay by hand the way Tanzanian potters have for generations? You'll find out in two hours. The class starts with a visit to The Small Things, a local organization supporting orphaned and vulnerable children and families in the community. From there, your guide takes you to Tengeru, where the potters work, and walks you through each step: preparing the clay, centering it on a foot-powered wheel, trimming the walls, and loading your piece into a traditional kiln to fire. The whole process happens in one session, so you leave with a finished pot.

Your guide is a local who speaks English and knows the history and culture of the Meru people. The knowledge comes woven into the day itself, not as a separate talk. The potters show you their tools and techniques, and you use the same ones they do. All materials, equipment and bottled water are included. Lunch can be added for $10 USD if you want to eat at The Small Things' site before or after the class.

What’s included

• All clay, tools and firing in a traditional kiln.
• bottled water.
• a live English-speaking guide who teaches Meru culture and history.
• your completed pot to take home.

Options for this experience

2 options

Pottery class including lunchUp to 8 people · Guide in English · 09:00 and 13:00Lasts 1 hour. Traditional Tanzanian lunch: you'll eat with the team at The Small Things, enjoying a tasty meal of local dishes. Vegetarian choices are on offer.

Pottery ClassUp to 15 people · Guide in English · 09:00 and 13:00

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Small Things

Is this one for you?Book this class if you want to make something with your hands rather than watch a demonstration, and you're comfortable learning on-site in Tengeru without hotel pickup arranged: public transportation options are available nearby if you need them.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the pottery class actually take?

The class runs for two hours total, from the visit to The Small Things through the firing of your pot in the traditional kiln.

What exactly do I learn to make?

You prepare clay, center it on a foot-powered wheel, shape and trim it into a functional pot, then fire it in a traditional kiln. You take the finished piece home with you the same day.

What is The Small Things and why do we visit there?

The Small Things is a local organization that supports orphaned and vulnerable children and families in the community. The visit gives you context for the potters' work and the region before you move to Tengeru for the hands-on class.

Does the class include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the base class, but you can add it for $10 USD to eat at The Small Things' site during the day.

What's included in the price?

All pottery tools, clay, materials, and bottled water are included. Your finished pot comes home with you. The guide speaks English and teaches about local culture throughout the day.