Discover Authentic Treasures: Your Complete Guide to Shopping in Uganda
Your Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Uganda: Discover a World of Authentic Crafts, Art, and More!
Essentials and Day-to-Day Items
Navigating your daily needs in Uganda is simple. Supermarkets in various towns offer practical items like toothpaste, soap, and batteries. If you have specific needs like medication, however, it’s wise to bring those along from your home country.
Art, Crafts & Souvenirs: The Essence of Uganda
When you purchase African arts, crafts, and souvenirs in Uganda, you’re not just buying items—you’re empowering local artisans and their families. The country offers an array of handcrafted gems, from drums and jewelry to textiles and much more. Whether you find yourself negotiating prices in a bustling market or picking up treasures from roadside stalls, you’re bound to have an unforgettable shopping experience.
Top Shopping Destinations You Won’t Want to Miss:
- Exposure Africa: Situated next to Daisy’s Arcade on Buganda Road in Kampala, this market stands as the city’s largest for crafts. While many items here come from Kenya, this is something local sellers prefer to keep under wraps. Bargaining is key!
- Uganda Art and Craft Village: Located near the national theatre in Kampala, this venue offers an eclectic collection of crafts from Uganda, Rwanda, and even Congo. It’s always a good idea to compare prices between stalls.
- Friday Craft Market in Nsambya: On Ggaba Road, this market is your practice ground for bargaining. Whether it’s carvings, locally made shoes, or Kenyan soapstone chess sets, you can often find better deals here compared to other markets.
- Banana Boat: With three distinct locations in Kampala, Banana Boat is the place to find tribal art and home decor sourced from Uganda and other African countries. Each shop is unique and emphasizes eco-friendly crafts.
- Uganda Crafts 2000 Ltd.: Situated on Bombo Road, this Fair Trade store is a non-profit that supports marginalized communities, such as orphans and widows.
Additional Shopping Recommendations:
- Craft Uganda: Specializes in intricate beadwork and woven baskets.
- Bwindi Market: Perfect for nature enthusiasts, offering crafts inspired by Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- African Treasures Boutique: Offers upscale crafts and fashion.
- Kampala Street Market: For a traditional shopping experience.
- Kazi Crafts: Known for high-quality baskets made by local women.
- Entebbe Crafts Village: A lakeside shopping experience.
- The Ankole Shop: Features unique crafts from the Ankole region.
The Perfect Souvenirs to Remember Your Safari in Uganda
- Local Textiles: Vibrant Kitenge prints and Kikoy fabric are perfect for gifts.
- Hand-Woven Baskets: Functional yet decorative, great for serving food.
- Ethnic Jewelry: Offers a wide range from simple to high-end designs.
- Beaded Jewelry: Beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, all handmade by local women.
- Snare-Ware Sculptures: Support conservation efforts with these unique pieces
- Ugandan Tea: Savor the local flavors.
- Ugandan Coffee: Don’t miss out on high-quality Arabica or Robusta beans.
- Bark Cloth Products: Traditional fabric recognized by UNESCO, versatile in use.
- Traditional Musical Instruments: From thumb pianos to xylophones, find unique keepsakes.
- Handmade Soaps and Oils: Experience the unique blend of African ingredients.
- African Carvings: Ideal for home decor with intricate wildlife and village scenes.
- Drums: Crafted by Baganda Royal Drum makers, available in various sizes.
Our team is here to assist you in discovering the perfect souvenirs and can even arrange shipping for heavier items. Revel in your Ugandan shopping adventure, take home a piece of the Pearl of Africa, and cherish these memories forever!
