Everybody loves to
shop for trinkets in Africa's markets and bazaars. It's a wonderful way to see local artisans at work and get a good insight into a country's culture, food, smells and sounds. Markets and bazaars also provide fantastic photo opportunities. You'll discover how much fun it is to bargain for your carpet, hookah or giant giraffe carving. There are markets in every town in Africa and some of the most interesting include:
- The souks of Fez and Marrakech in Morocco. Narrow alleyways, the smell of spices, bicycles being fixed, skinned goats hanging on hooks, carpet sellers following you around and lots of tea being drunk; shopping in the souks is one of the reasons why you should visit Morocco.
- Islamic Cairo is basically a giant bazaar and a main tourist attraction in Egypt. If you're looking for a belly-dancing costume or want a replica of King Tut's mask, this is the place to be. Get your bargaining boots on and maintain a sense of humor.
- Kejetia Market in Kumasi, Ghana. Beautiful Kente cloth, Ashanti crafts, bubble gum and dried chameleons, this market has it all and is considered to be one of the best in West Africa. The market is large and crowded but friendly and not too touristy.
- Merkato in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Supposedly the largest open air market in Africa, and one of the best. You can buy flip-flops, incense, spices and even kalashnikovs.
(
Image of an Egyptian Bazaar by David Hutchinson)
