Johannesburg
Part of a burgeoning African literature scene in Jo'burg, African Flavour Books offers an extensive selection of fiction and non-fiction by Africans and…
Must-see shopping in Africa
Johannesburg
Smack in the middle of downtown Jo'burg, August House is notable for both its location and its incredible selection of high-end South African art. Home to…
Nairobi
One of the city’s main souvenir businesses is concentrated in this covered market, which has dozens of stalls selling woodcarvings, drums, spears, shields…
Mouassine & Central Souqs
Shtatto groups some of the trendiest contemporary brands in Marrakesh in one spot: Hassan Hajjaj’s iconic pop art photography and accessories, stylist…
Cairo
Dusty, dark and usually filled with more slumbering cats than customers, this quiet gallery, located on the 1st floor of an apartment building off Brazil…
Gueliz & Ville Nouvelle
This luxury cosmetics shop is a favourite with well-heeled Moroccans for its top-quality beauty products. It's the go-to spot for pure argan that's not…
Johannesburg
A haven for chocolate-lovers, Chocoloza produces handmade chocolates that are melt-in-your-mouth heaven. From zesty ginger, honey and lime to decadent…
Accra
A well-respected gallery with three neatly organised floors of painting and sculpture by established and up-and-coming Ghanaian artists. Every item has an…
Marrakesh
Belgian designer Valerie Barkowski is passionate about handcrafted work and artisanal traditions, and this monochrome-toned store perfectly complements…
Nairobi
This place collaborates with workshops and self-help groups around the country. It’s a bit like a handicrafts version of IKEA, with goods displayed the…
Cairo
Even if you’re not in the market for a sequin bra, a stop at this chic boutique is worthwhile. Tucked on a quiet, leafy block of the otherwise busy Ismail…
Accra
Health conscious Ghanaians and expats alike fancy this weekly farmer-style market to top up on organically grown fruits and vegetables. There is also…
Gueliz & Ville Nouvelle
Browse through Sarah Maj’s quirky collection of coats, shirts, bags and dresses alongside a symphony of quality Moroccan and Italian items at this small…
Mouassine & Central Souqs
This small branch of Chabi Chic is a collaboration with the trendy Nomad restaurant above it. Pop in for contemporary Moroccan kitchenware such as…
Accra
In this small tidy store, Charity Jobarteh sells crafts and souvenirs that she picks up on her journeys through West Africa and beyond. Next to the…
Accra
Surrounded by open-air carpenter workshops, this dusty wooden shack is stuffed with artefacts from all over West Africa. Nothing here is mass produced,…
Nairobi
Amid the rather-less-altruistic commercialism of the Sarit Centre, Banana Box works in conjunction with community projects and refugee groups and offers…
Tunis
Located on the road to Gammarth, this boutique stocks toiletries, cosmetics, jewellery, hand towels and leather goods manufactured in Tunisia and marketed…
Sidi Bou Saïd
Tucked behind Café des Nattes, this Aladdin’s cave of a souvenir shop is a good place to pick up some traditional Tunisian handicrafts. Owner Ibrahim…
Cairo
Crafts sold here are produced in income-generating projects throughout the country. Items for sale include Bedouin rugs, hand-woven cotton, pottery from…
Mouassine & Central Souqs
Owned by a Japanese-Moroccan couple, this small boutique displays an aesthetic selection of well-made artisanal items tailored with a Japanese influence…
DARNA, The Women’s Association of Tangier
Tangier
The yellow building opposite the Grand Socco lookout point is a small complex housing a boutique with crafts, clothing and an inexpensive restaurant in a…
Sidi Bou Saïd
Philippe Xerri's boutique sells homewares and furniture that meld traditional Tunisian designs and contemporary French chic, with the one-off showroom…
Johannesburg
Once you've got over the panoramic views from this 5th-floor gallery's windows your eyes will pop at the diversity of creative works on display in this…
Tunis
A favourite expat shopping haunt, this cool concept store close to the Marsa Plage train station stocks an eclectic range of clothes, jewellery and…
Johannesburg
Arts and crafts are on offer here, but the main attraction is the splendid organic produce. There are five cafes as well and often live music.
Johannesburg
If you're not around for the Rosebank Sunday Market then this basement arcade is packed to the ceiling with stalls selling very similar if not identical…
Cairo
Fabulous; English, French and German titles, from novels to travel guides to coffee-table books. It also has a kids’ section, plenty of non-fiction titles…
Cape Town
The full range of Heather Moore's designs, printed on cotton and cotton-linen mix, are on view here, made up into cushions, table runners, lamp shades,…
Ouarzazate
Glimpse women artisans at work (Monday to Friday) on hanbels (woven carpets) and embroidered straw mats, and take one home at posted fixed prices based of…
Cairo
World-renowned contemporary jeweller inspired by Islamic and Pharaonic designs. Azza Fahmy also organises design workshops to make fabulous jewellery.
Tunis
There are plenty of shops selling babouches (traditional slippers) in the medina, but this one is a cut above the others in terms of the style and quality…
Tangier
This shop opposite El Minzah Hotel is bursting to the seams with antiques, glassware, brassware, ceramics, lamps, jewellery, clothing and more. It’s…
Tangier
Drool over stacks and stacks of Berber carpets from the Middle and High Atlas. Not seeing what you want? There are more floors and rooms to discover. Don…
Tunis
This is the La Marsa branch of the Tunisian company known for its floral-scented perfumes and body products made using natural extracts.
Nairobi
On Fridays the popular Maasai craft market opens up here in the upper car park of Village Market.
Northern Tunisia
Bold, colourful carpets and handbags, many decorated with simple, traditional Berber motifs, are woven in Ain Draham by a small women’s cooperative called…
Alexandria
At the western end of Midan Tahrir, the battered, grand architecture switches scale to something more intimate as you enter the city’s main souq district…
Johannesburg
A treasure trove of pan-African arts, crafts and interior design pieces, Amatuli is the place to head if you're looking for anything from a Zulu headdress…
