Must-see shopping in East Africa

  • 2 Degrees South

    Lamu Island

    Affordable souvenirs such as simple carved boxes, beaded sandals, brighly patterned clothes and purses made from recycled materials.

  • Game

    Kampala

    A great place to buy all your camping needs, including tents (two person from USh120,000), sleeping bags, chairs and ice coolers.

  • Sanaa Gallery

    Mombasa

    A good place to check out traditional furniture-making, or if you're looking for an attractive yet bulky souvenir to ship home.

  • Kase

    Arusha

    This excellent bookshop has another branch around the corner on Boma Rd.

  • Acacia Mall

    Kampala

    A modern shopping centre good for designer clothing, with a few eateries and a 3D cinema.

  • Oasis Mall

    Kampala

    Handy shopping centre to stock up on provisions, with restaurants, shops and a cinema.

  • 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.

  • Shopper’s Plaza

    Dar es Salaam

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

  • Atul’s

    Nairobi

    Hires out everything from sleeping bags to folding toilet seats.

  • Gallery Bookshop

    Zanzibar Town

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

  • Two Sisters

    Central Tanzania

    Grocery store with a good selection of cheese.

  • La Legumiere

    Burundi

    If you are looking for souvenirs you could try this small object d’art shop, which stock masks, spears, woven baskets and wooden carvings.