Kilifi
Stock up on baobab oil, moringa powder, charcoal briquettes for the barbecue and – why not? – hats made from soft Ugandan bark at this innovative eco-shop…
Must-see shopping in East Africa
Kampala
This is the best place for English-language publications, with a great selection of books on Uganda, as well as novels. Stock up before a long road trip…
African Movement Art and Crafts
Southern Highlands
One of a cluster of brightly painted and appealing local businesses, this store sells souvenirs with soul: bright fabric earrings made by the owner,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mt Meru Curios & Crafts Market
Arusha
Souvenirs (and a few high-quality items) are here at Mt Meru Curios & Crafts Market, often incorrectly called the Maasai Market. Hard bargaining is…
Entebbe
Love it or loathe it, mall culture has well and truly arrived in Uganda, with this shiny new complex opening in 2013. As well as eateries and shops, there…
Lamu Island
This is a good place to shop for prints and paintings, handbags made from recycled materials, woven sisal bags and small Kenyan masks. The ebony…
Lake Naivasha
This tiny cooperative turns out beautiful rugs, throws and bags, and does a nice line in wooden souvenirs – including cute salt and pepper pots. Most…
Nairobi
This small flea market at the K1 Klub House is a terrific way to spend a morning. The shopping experience is limited to a few stalls, but the brunch is…
Dar es Salaam
This market is packed with vendors, and you can watch woodcarvers at work. Take the Mwenge dalla-dalla from New Posta transport stand to the end of the…
Rwanda
This small curio store has a varied and colourful collection of handicrafts from the DRC, Uganda and Rwanda, including lots of Congolese masks and other…
Kigali
Abraham Konga is a jewellery designer who upcycles discarded materials to create necklaces and earrings of high quality. You'll also find basketware,…
Zanzibar Town
The friendly Hellen has her shop slightly off the main track, down near the Africa House Hotel. Come here to buy kangas, clothing, basketware, postcards…
Coopérative Kakira Art Imigongo
Rwanda
This women's cooperative has excellent imigongo paintings (RFr5000). The property also has a traditional house done up in imigongo patterns, which you can…
Eastern Uganda
These quality crafts, clothes and accessories are made by local women. They also sell Sipi coffee and honey. Proceeds from sales go to the community. It's…
Arusha
This original little Aladdin's cave of a place makes and sells picture frames made of dhow wood. Step inside and start fossicking or talk with the…
Lamu Island
Some beautiful, high-end masks from Central and West Africa of interest to serious collectors, plus more affordable items such as beautiful cutlery,…
Rwanda
A great place to stock up on superb imigongo paintings (from RFr10,000). This cooperative lies a couple of kilometres west of Kirehe, near Gatore (there's…
Kisumu
Come past the huge Kibuye Market on any quiet weekday and you’ll find it as empty as a hyena’s heart, but visit on a Sunday and it transforms into a…
Mombasa
Fair trade woven items, bags, embroidered cushions, soft toys and other appealing gifts, created by a collective of over 50 men and women from Mtepeni…
South Coast
Run by the Mombasa Girl Guides Association, this centre provides training for handicapped young women and sells their crafts for them. Pick up some decent…
Mombasa
You're likely to see these attractive leather sandals with beading embroidery all over Kenya. Watch them being made at this cobblers shop and buy them for…
Malindi
The main thing here is an extensive collection of antique silver jewellery from Lamu. Dig around, and you can also pick up some antique compasses and…
Kampala
A sophisticated craft shop selling smart local items such as excellent batiks, and handmade stuff from all over Africa, including Congolese carvings, with…
Malindi
This boutique take on a souvenir shop sells some beautiful carved calabashes, bowls, carvings from West Africa and Zanzibar, masks and jewellery. Smaller…
Zanzibar Town
Intricate and original pendants and other jewellery handmade from coins. Ready-to-wear or custom-made, modern or historic, African or international – the…
Rwanda
Large handicraft shop selling local products, including woodcarvings, jewellery and basketware, and other souvenir-worthy items. Opening hours are a…
Lamu Island
The most charismatic of the local silversmiths is a chap called Slim, whose silversmith shop sells beautiful rings created from ancient cuttings of…
Zanzibar Town
As the name implies, a gallery of good-quality paintings and sculpture. A sign outside declares 'All our artists are featured in contemporary art books'.
Kampala
This is the best place for English-language publications, with a great selection of books on Uganda, as well as novels. Stock up before a long road trip.
Arusha
One of many shops selling tanzanite; this one has set up a little museum about the rare gem, which is mined almost exclusively in the Kilimanjaro area.
Kigali
This collective of women creates and sells high-quality clothing, bags and home accessories. You can visit the workshop, which is just next door.
Zanzibar Town
This long-standing gallery has a huge collection of souvenirs, textiles, woodcarvings, antiques, contemporary art, framed photographs and more.
Old Town Antiques and Carvings
Mombasa
Good selection of collectors' items – Central and West African masks and carvings – as well as numerous Kenyan small carvings of animals.
Dar es Salaam
This waterfront shopping centre features upmarket boutiques plus a craft market, eateries, an ice-cream parlour and fine sunset views.
