Must-see shopping in Africa

  • Nakumatt

    Kampala

    This all-round shopping centre is handy for food supplies and even camping equipment.

  • Shah Industries

    Moshi

    Lots of interesting leatherwork, some of it made by people with disabilities.

  • Grand Marché

    Cameroon

    A fantastic warren of stalls where you can browse a huge array of crafts.

  • Collectables

    Lesotho

    Souvenirs, sandals and other items including bags made by local weavers.

  • Shopper’s Plaza

    Dar es Salaam

    This shopping centre has a large supermarket plus many other shops.

  • Kerop

    Cairo

    Vintage Cairo photos, from original plates, in a time-warp office.

  • Atul’s

    Nairobi

    Hires out everything from sleeping bags to folding toilet seats.

  • Municipal Market

    Malawi

    Certainly chaotic, but with low prices and plenty of atmosphere.

  • Gallery Bookshop

    Zanzibar Town

    A large selection of books and maps, including travel guides.

  • The Boardwalk

    Port Elizabeth

    You'll find various craft shops inside the Boardwalk complex.

  • Murias Parque

    Melilla

    Large mall and supermarket with stores not found in Morocco.

  • Market

    Arba Minch

    Has a range of products, including fruit and vegetables.

  • Jola House

    Monrovia

    Stocks fairly produced bags, place mats and cushions.

  • Farmers' Market

    Western Cape

    A range of local foodstuffs and crafts is on offer.

  • Two Sisters

    Central Tanzania

    Grocery store with a good selection of cheese.

  • Spar

    Cape Town

    The main supermarket in the De Waterkant.

  • LNDC Centre

    Lesotho

    Has a Shoprite supermarket and cafes.

  • Tangier City Mall

    Tangier

    Tangier City Mall became the first shopping centre of its kind in the city when it opened its doors in 2016, and it is home to Tangier’s only multiplex…

  • Ibn Batouta Mall

    Tangier

    Modern opulence may not be historically synonymous with once-seedy Tangier, but this shopping centre offers it in spades. Mirrored doors welcome you into…

  • Complexe d'Artisanat de Dakhla

    Dakhla

    This is less a complex and more a few dusty floors under continuous construction overseen by a bored security guard. At time of writing there was one…

  • Souq Berbère

    Taroudant

    Also known as the marché municipal (central market), this souq, on the south side of Place An Nasr, serves as the shopping centre for workaday Taroudant:…

  • Coopérative Souktana du Safran

    Anti Atlas Mountains

    Founded in 1979, the largest and oldest of Taliouine’s saffron cooperatives has 160 members (four are women). The centre is nothing much to visit itself,…

  • Jardin du Perle

    Sidi Ifni

    Beads for DIY jewellery make this boutique, run by the friendly owner of Hôtel Suerte Loca, a unique shopping stop in southern Morocco. She also trades in…

  • Duty Free Shop Luxor

    Luxor

    Shop for cigarettes and alcohol at the downtown duty free, which has a good selection of the main brands. You need to come within 48 hours of arrival in…

  • Village Artisanal

    Lomé

    At this easy-going centre you'll see Togolese artisans weaving cloth, carving statues, making baskets and lampshades, sewing leather shoes and…

  • Village des Artisans

    Libreville

    You'll find Gabonese souvenirs here, though choose carefully as most of the goods (and the merchants) are imports. Haggling is recommended, and you may be…

  • Marché Gambela

    Kinshasa

    This is one of Kinshasa's biggest and most chaotic markets, selling everything from food and clothing to car parts and furniture. Take care here and watch…

  • A.C.K.F

    Ouagadougou

    For real Burkinabé textiles and custom-made outfits in the traditional local style, check out this tiny, family-run shop. You can choose your cloth and…

  • Galerie d'Arts Pluriels

    Abidjan

    This fantastic art gallery and shop is run by an Ivoirian art historian. You can view and buy paintings, sculptures and jewellery from all over the…

  • Na'ama Centre

    Sharm El Sheikh

    This old and rather tired mall has plenty of jewellery and souvenir shops, while in the evening shisha cafes set up outside along the pavement.

  • Newlands Art & Craft Market

    Harare

    Spread out along the side of the road, this market comprises vendors selling metal and stone Shona sculpture among other handicrafts.

  • Woodin

    Abidjan

    This is part of a highly regarded West African group that sells quality wax textiles and some ready-made clothing. Great for gifts.

  • Espace Latrille

    Abidjan

    A shopping centre containing a range of stores, including the revered Hypermarché Sococé.

  • Librairie Bon Pasteur

    Lomé

    Sells maps and, occasionally, English publications, such as the International Herald Tribune and Time magazine.

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