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Shopping

Shopping in Zanzibar is a varied, cheap and cultural experience. The best shopping is available in Stone Town, where local goods and items imported from other African nations, as well as India, Arabia and the Far East, are good value provided you bargain.

There are a number of shops on Gizenga Street and Kenyatta road that sell quality local artefacts, clothing, jewellery, massage oils and spices - everything Zanzibar! Here visitors can find colourful kangas or kikoys (sarongs), a great souvenir. Wooden chests and tinga tinga paintings are also sought after Zanzibar souvenirs. Look out for street-side stalls with Masaai women sell curios, jewellery and batik fabrics.

The silver shops on Gizenga, as well as in Sokomohogo Square, trade in antique or handcrafted silverware and jewellery, while gold is offered in stores on Tharia Street. One Way on Kenyatta Road sells a vast selection of 100% cotton leisure wear, and on Darajani Street visitors can buy almost anything, including fresh produce from the Central Market.

Most Zanzibar shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm, and then from 2pm to 6pm. Few shops will accept credit cards, so be sure to bring enough cash. US dollars are accepted at resorts and on the beaches, but the exchange rate will not be in your favour and you'll get a better deal by using local Tanzanian shillings.