With the help of French beauty specialist Nelly N'Gouah-Beaud, a new handmade cosmetic line has been launched in Zanzibar. “Zuri Rituals” promises to be all natural.

Zuri is Swahili for beautiful, and Rituals a hugely successful skincare brand from Holland, so the combination of these two names bears a big promise. “Our products are 100% natural and organic, free from parabens, artificial colouring or flavours. We produce them locally in Zanzibar in small batches to achieve freshness”, says Nelly N'Gouah-Beaud.

The dream behind Zuri Rituals dates back 15 years when well-known Zanzibar entrepreneur Javed Jafferji and his wife started making handmade cosmetics on a small scale from the comfort of their family kitchen. Since partnering with Nelly they have now increased their range of products to include more than hundred items from massage oils to scrubs, bath salts, balms, face masks, whipped butters, lotions and creams. They also provide hotels with toiletry. 

“We are passionate about creating sustainable, high quality skincare that is as good for the environment as it is for your skin”, says Nelly, who looks back on twenty years experience in the French cosmetic industry and came to Zanzibar five years ago from Paris to become spa manager of a hotel.

Zuri Rituals ingredients such as spices, fruits and herbs are locally sourced all over East Africa. Non-toxic, environmentally-friendly amber glass is used for packaging. Bottles are refillable. The latest range of Zuri Rituals called “Safari” was launched in Arusha specifically for safari lodges and resorts. And what does Nelly N'Gouah-Beaud suggest as a present under the christmas tree? “Most popular are anti-aging facial oils and lip balms”, she says, “but ideal are also make-ups and body gloss with a party shimmer, and hair mist which is helpful for the dry season.”

Zuri Rituals

Available at the flagship store on Gizenga street, at Golden Tulip airport hotel and many other hotel boutiques in Zanzibar, and at Safari Gallery in Arusha.