Shopping in Africa
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A
Calle Castillo
The main shopping strip is the pedestrianised Calle Castillo and surrounding streets. Some promising deals are available on electronics and watches but there are also some great little boutiques, stocked with clothes from Spanish and international designers.
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Hip Hop
Hip Hop is one of Cape Town's fashion success story. The women’s clothes look good on all shapes and sizes and are suitable for a range of occasions. Drop by the factory outlet in the East City Corridor for bargains.
reviewed
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Alert Handicraft Shop
There are shops that are a great way to support the city's hard-working less fortunate. At Alert Handicraft Shop, the Berhan Taye Leprosy Disabled Persons Work Group produce and sell beautiful items emblazoned with vibrant embroidery.
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Flea Market
This Sunday car boot and secondhand clothing flea market, behind Greyville Racecourse and opposite Standard Bank, is a regular event for some Durbanites who buy and sell the secondhand items, which are sublime and ridiculous.
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C
Centre Artisanal
This large government-run establishment is a good place to get an idea of what handicrafts are available in Cameroon, although prices are a little high. Wood carving figures highly in what's on offer
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D
Sami Amin
Cool chunky brass-and-enamel jewellery as well as leather bags, belts and shoes, many imprinted with tribal patterns. And all at bargain prices – bags and sandals start at just E£35.
reviewed
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E
Wilson's Wharf
Wilson's Wharf is a reasonably hip waterside development, with a clutch of decent eateries, boat-charter outfits, shops and a theatre. Enter by car opposite Fenton St.
reviewed
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F
Kirstenbosch Craft Market
Proceeds from this craft market go to the development fund for Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Mr Mather’s handmade wooden toys are worth looking out for.
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G
El Corte Inglés
Monster-sized, and will keep you stocked in whatever your heart desires. It also has an excellent, albeit pricey, supermarket with interesting imported goodies.
reviewed
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H
Librairie Bon Pasteur
Lomé's best bookshop, a block west of the cathedral. It sells maps and, occasionally, English publications like the International Herald Tribune and Time.
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Hypermarché Sococé
The vast Hypermarché Sococé in Les Deux Plateaux is worth a visit for its own sake: you'll need to pinch yourself to confirm you are still in Africa.
reviewed
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J
Soula Shopping Centre
Located at the entrance to the medina, this mega four-storey complex is probably the largest price-fixed centre in the country. Most credit cards accepted.
reviewed
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Former Women's Fuelwood Carriers Project
The Former Women's Fuelwood Carriers Project is a modest little shop, tucked about 300m west of Entoto Market and sells colourful hand-woven shawls.
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K
Avondale Markets
Visit the Avondale markets on top of the old car park at Avondale Shopping Centre for carvings, beaded jewellery and other crafts.
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L
City Market
Has dozens of stalls open daily, selling woodcarvings, drums, spears, shields, soapstone, Maasai jewellery and clothing.
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Clarke’s Books
Clarke’s stocks the best range of books on South Africa and the continent, and has a great secondhand section. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, it’s unlikely to be at the many other bookshops along Long St (although there’s no harm in browsing).
reviewed
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Citystars Centre
Cairo’s most lavish mall is the current landing spot for every new international chain, from Starbucks to Wagamama.
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Abbas Ally’s Hot Bread Shop
Abbas Ally’s Hot Bread Shop is situated opposite Aleem’s Grocery.
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N
Marché Sandaga
In the endless sprawl of street stalls here you can buy about anything, as long as no one steals your purse.
reviewed
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O
Books First
Well-stocked bookshop outlet with separate café, in the Nakumatt supermarket.
reviewed
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Aleem’s Grocery
For self-catering, try Aleem’s Grocery.
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Our Heritage
Carvings, beadwork and other crafts; next to the Coffee Shop.
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Bahati Book Centre
Bookshop.
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Q
Chez Les Nomades
A wide selection of antique and modern Berber carpets, reasonable prices, and a pleasant all-around carpet-shopping experience. Salah will explain (in perfect English) key differences in motifs, regions and quality with a variety of carpet types, then pull out carpets in whatever style and size appeals to you. Enjoy the tea and the education, without the usual hustle; here the selection speaks for itself.
reviewed
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Souqs
While the Souqs of Meknès aren't as extensive as those of Fès or Marrakesh, the lack of hassle makes them a great place to potter around looking for souvenirs.
The easiest route into the souqs is through the arch to the left of the Dar Jamaï Museum on the north side of Place el-Hedim. Plunge in and head northwards, and you will quickly find yourself amid souvenir stalls and carpet shops.
As you walk, notice the qissariat (covered markets) off to either side. A couple of these are devoted to textiles and carpets, which are noisily auctioned off on Sunday mornings. Okchen Market, in the last qissaria on the left before you reach the T-junction with Rue Najjarine,…
reviewed