Other shopping in Africa
-
Abbas Ally’s Hot Bread Shop
Abbas Ally’s Hot Bread Shop is situated opposite Aleem’s Grocery.
reviewed
-
Aleem’s Grocery
For self-catering, try Aleem’s Grocery.
reviewed
-
Our Heritage
Carvings, beadwork and other crafts; next to the Coffee Shop.
reviewed
-
A
Caravanserai
This delightful shop, the only one of its kind on the West Bank, is kept by the friendly Hamdi and his family in a beautifully painted mudbrick house near Medinat Habu. He began travelling around Egypt and realised that making things was one of the few things poor people could do to earn money, so he decided to set up shop to encourage and help them, the women in particular. Hamdi buys almost everything people make, telling them what sells well, suggesting ways of improving their goods; above all he loves the people’s creativity. The shop has the beautiful pottery from the Western Oases, Siwan embroideries, amazing appliqué bags and lots of other crafts that can be found…
reviewed
-
B
Central Market
Port Louis' Central Market has a wide selection of T-shirts, basketry, spices and souvenirs; bargain to get a decent price.
reviewed
-
Art Naji
Ceramics seem to be everywhere in Fez – from the distinctive blue pottery to the intricate mosaics decorating fountains and riads. Art Naji is the place to go to buy the real deal. You can see the entire production process, from pot-throwing to the painstaking hand painting and laying out of zellij (tilework) – it’s a joy to behold. The potteries are about 500m east of Bab el-Ftouh, an easy trip in a petit taxi – look for the plumes of black smoke produced by olive pits, which burn at the right temperature for firing the clay. You can even commission a mosaic and arrange for it to be shipped home.
reviewed
-
Sayed el Safty
Certainly the most fun, is Sayed el Safty, a 2nd-generation antiquaire who runs a small shop piled to the rafters with antique and reproduction Oriental furnishings in wood and metal – tables, chests, maps, bowls, beautifully inlaid backgammon sets, and more. The store itself is worth the trip alone, with graceful Arabic text carved into the stone walls. Sayed himself is enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable. The sign above the store says ‘Ibrahim el Safty’ (Sayed’s father).
reviewed
-
Likhweti Kraft
In addition to the scenery, the Piggs Peak area is known for its handicrafts. A good place to check these out is at the Peak Craft Centre just north of Orion Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino, where you’ll find Likhweti Kraft, a branch of Tintsaba Crafts, which sells sisal baskets, jewellery and many other Swazi crafts. There are also numerous craft vendors along the road up from Mbabane.
reviewed
-
Swazi Candles Craft Centre
This craft centre, 7km south of the MR103 turn-off for Malkerns, houses several interesting sites. At Swazi Candles itself, you can wax lyrical about these creative pigment-coloured candles – in every African-animal shape and hue; it’s fun to watch the workers hand-mould the designs. Umgololo Gallery sells art and craft on the same premises.
reviewed
-
C
Boutique Majid
You can get lost for hours in this exotic antique shop, but the real gem is Majid himself. Straight out of central casting, to include his red fez, he will regale you with stories of the Rolling Stones and other luminaries while showing you his amazing collection of Moroccan doors. ‘If you want a door, ’ he confides in his husky voice, ‘you must talk to Majid!’.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Iklane Association
This town has several carpet shops that mostly sell to trade, but the best option is to buy from the source 4km outside of Tazenakht at Iklane Association. Here the association takes 8% of reasonable retail prices for initiatives like the community clean-up program (hence the immaculate village); the rest goes to the carpet maker.
reviewed
-
D
Arkwrights Gourmet Food
Amazing food store with fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly made breads and a large selection of Egyptian and imported food products. The quality of the produce is high, and this is the place to stock up for a more sophisticated picnic, as they recently started doing packed lunches, freshly made sandwiches and salads to take away.
reviewed
-
Woza Moya
This centre supports people in nearby local communities with HIV/AIDS. Among its many initiatives (that includes a feeding centre) is an income generation scheme – a wonderful craft shop selling contemporary bead work, Christmas decorations, embroidery and other knick-knacks at reasonable prices.
reviewed
-
E
Hassan Fouad
This tiny and incredibly tidy market offers beautifully displayed produce, like grapes from Lebanon and tasty Egyptian mangoes, and a good selection of imported staples like digestive biscuits. There’s no sign in English, so look for the place with artfully stacked fruits and a bright-red sign.
reviewed
-
Surveys and Mapping Division’s Map Sales Office
The Surveys and Mapping Division’s Map Sales Office, sells dated topographical maps (1:50,000) for mainland Tanzania, although individual sheets covering popular areas are often out of stock. Topographical maps for Zanzibar and Pemba are available in Stone Town.
reviewed
-
F
Dar Lebadi
The shopping palace of the medina, this 200-year-old building, a former governor’s house, has been meticulously restored, and is now a clearinghouse for Berber artisans, with friendly staff. Worth a stop just to see the building, but be careful: you may be there for hours.
reviewed
-
G
Patisserie Assad
This hole-in-the-wall bakery does good sweets, fiteer and croissants, sold by weight. It also offers a selection of hard-to-find local honey and olive oil. There’s no sign, so look for the honey stacked in the window.
reviewed
-
H
Hip Hop East City Corridor
reviewed
-
Exclusive Books
Exclusive Books chain is the best in town, with the widest range of local press, travel guides and international newspapers. You’ll have to fork out for international bestsellers, most of which are imported.
reviewed
-
I
Craft Market
Based in the Caudan Waterfront, Craft Market is less fun but also less hassle than Central Market. You'll find more-upmarket souvenirs, such as Mauritius glass and essential oils, from the Domaine de l'Ylang Ylang.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Indingilizi Gallery & Restaurant
This gallery has an idiosyncratic collection that’s pricey but well worth a look. There is traditional craft, including some interesting old pieces, and excellent art and craftwork by contemporary Swazi artists.
reviewed
-
Bazaar of Silver Jewelry
The name says it all: two floors of glass cases full of silver jewellery from throughout Morocco, both new and antique, and great staff, too. Located in an obscure alley near the Café Central, ask there or call.
reviewed
-
La Casa Barata
Literally ‘the cheap house’, this large arena of dealers carries everything you can imagine, from vegetables to electronics to carpets. The best opportunity to find real treasure, and an experience unto itself.
reviewed
-
K
Rafiki Women’s Centre
This unsigned place diagonally opposite Precision Air has a small but good array of crafts from Tanzania and Kenya. On Sundays, staff set up a display of crafts inside the New Mwanza Hotel between 9am and 1pm.
reviewed
-
L
Duty Free Shop Luxor
Within 48 hours of arriving in Egypt, you can enjoy duty-free shopping for cigarettes and alcohol at the downtown duty free, which has a good selection of the main brands. Bring your passport along.
reviewed