Port Louis
The Craft Market is less fun but also less hassle than the Central Market. You'll find better-quality souvenirs, such as Mauritius glass, artworks and…
Must-see shopping in Africa
Century City Natural Goods Market
Cape Town
Held on the last Sunday of the month, this well-established market – with plenty of eating options and kids' entertainment – sets up in the park opposite…
Garden Route
This complex off the N2 between Wilderness and Sedgefield has the pleasant Zucchini restaurant and some small shops selling fresh produce, boutique…
Tiznit
A good selection for traditional silver and Berber handicrafts. Proprietor Mohammed has good knowledge of tribal jewellery variations and a sly sense of…
Cape Town
Wola Nani, Xhosa (isiXhosa) for ‘we embrace and develop each other’, is an NGO that assists those with HIV and AIDS. Products on sale here (its head…
Cape Town
The showroom for this unisex Capetonian streetwear brand is a friendly, colourful and appealing place to shop for fashion statements as well as more…
Green Point & Waterfront
Diamonds are synonymous with South Africa – here you’ll find plenty of them, set in a range of jewellery designs.
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
Get the floaty boho look at this boutique, which stocks a beautiful range of dresses, separates and accessories. They're locally made and designed with…
Johannesburg
Elizabeth Kading is the meticulous shirtmaker at this tempting atelier inside the 44 Stanley complex. She uses fine cottons, some with beautiful prints,…
Lake Naivasha
This is the place to come for locally produced foods, from home-made jams and Longonot honey to delights such as chilli chocolate cashew butter. Although…
Nairobi
Apart from a small and largely unimaginative collection of curios, Kenya's museum shop has one of the country's best selections of books about Kenya and…
Kampala
A sophisticated craft shop selling smart local items such as excellent batiks, and handmade stuff from all over Africa, including Congolese carvings…
Kasane
This NGO-backed store sells locally woven baskets made by the women of the region. The women are often present, and are happy to demonstrate their weaving…
Rodrigues
Rodrigues honey is renowned throughout the Indian Ocean and is often used by Mauritius' finest chefs. It also makes a fabulous souvenir of a visit to the…
Lusaka
This weekly market, held in the car park at the Arcades Shopping Centre, features Lusaka’s best range of handicrafts, especially wood carvings, curios…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
The place to go for good-quality woven goodies – baskets, mats and bowls – made by groups of local women. The shop is found within the Malandela's complex…
Kigali
An association of 22 stalls selling handicrafts from Rwanda and the greater region can be found in this old warehouse almost right in the centre of the…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
For anything to do with the Cape's maritime heritage and seafaring in general – from scrimshaw (old carved ivory) and skippers' caps to charts and models …
Alexandria
A 20-minute drive south of the city, this is one of Alexandria's largest malls and includes the massive supermarket Carrefour that sells everything from…
Lake Naivasha
You'll be welcomed by Obadiah and other male potters at this simple, friendly workshop. Watch the spinning kiln and browse the small store, where there's…
Johannesburg
As well as a car boot sale, this weekly market is a fun place to shop for traditional carvings, beadwork, jewellery, books and fertility dolls. It’s held…
Cape Town
It may sound like a kid’s puppet show, but this cute boutique showcases pretty clothes for adults by local labels such as Coppelia and Good. You'll also…
Essaouira
This small gallery curated by Abdel Bendahhane showcases the works of contemporary local artists such as Aïcha Aboutaleb, Said Quarzaz and Babahoum. There…
Mouassine & Central Souqs
Sarah Maj herself can often be found minding her medina boutique (she also has a store in Gueliz). The Moroccan–Italian designer has a contemporary style…
Cape Town
You’ll get expert advice on a broad range of local wines at this small but appealing cellar. Free wine tastings are held on Friday evening and Saturday…
Green Point & Waterfront
Browse or buy works by some of South Africa's leading contemporary artists at this classy gallery. Works on display include paintings by John Meyer and…
Khartoum
This glossy shopping mall half-filled with flashy clothing shops and Western-style cafes is about the height of Khartoum entertainment and is always busy…
Cairo
Cool brass-and-enamel jewellery as well as various homewares including chunky metal photo and mirror frames. Just down the street, at number 13, are…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
Having moved to the Swazi Candles complex, this modern art gallery/shop hosts regular exhibitions and showcases the work of both established and up-and…
Rabat
If you need a shopping fix, head to the largest mall in Morocco’s capital, where you’ll find all the usual international suspects along with Moroccan…
Tunis
The stylishly reimagined traditional glass and metal pendant light fittings, gorgeous linen, candles and furniture sold at this chic boutique may put you…
Harare
Known for its eco design that allows air flow based on termite mound technology, this mall offers a more local-style shopping experience without the usual…
Lesotho
Sells a range of high-quality mohair goods from ponchos to stoles, plus craftwork and books on Lesotho, at good prices. Find it on the main road, downhill…
Zambia
A visit here is well worth your time. Proceeds from sales of expertly made basketry and woodcarvings – at low prices – are ploughed back into the local…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
What began as an adult literacy programme has morphed into a craft collective, producing creative beadwork, recycled-paper products and stationery, the…
Malawi
Buy your souvenirs – including woodcarvings, mobiles, jewellery, baskets, soft toys, books, CDs, local coffee and even beaded crocodiles – in a hassle…
Djerba
One of a slowly growing number of chic boutiques on Djerba, this business stocks textiles made by Tunisian artisans, including women's clothing in natural…
Doinyo Lessos Creameries Cheese Factory
Eldoret
Dairy is one food group that many travellers really miss while in Kenya – paying a visit to this cheese factory should fix all that. They sell 20…
Cape Town
You can chat to Alwyn about his handmade shoes in leather and fancy fabrics at this boutique that showcases several fashion and accessory designers'…
Cape Town
This commercial gallery lives up to its name, being both contemporary and eclectic in its choices of art. The curators have a good eye when it comes to…
