Souvenir Shopping - Buying Carvings, Textiles, and Baskets in Kenya and Tanzania

Souvenirs and memories go hand in hand and collecting something unique from every country that you visit is a memorable and pleasurable experience. Travelers will find many souvenirs to take because the entire continent of Africa is a rich wealth of handicrafts.

Here are some unique things that you can pick up from Kenya and Tanzania on your trip. Always keep your shopping in such a way so that you can easily pack your bags and get back with minimal baggage.

In Kenya and Tanzania, the best things to pick up are small artifacts and wooden carvings made out of ebony. The local people make small wooden carvings of the animals that inhabit the continent and these are unique in their own way. The Makonde carvings are famous worldwide and they are made by the Masai Mara tribe. You can get several household things like candle sticks, pepper shakers, knife holders, paper weights, cups and plates, spoons, and also wooden chalices. These people are excellent with their hands and are skilled craftsmen. Things carved in ebony that are small and can cost you little more, but if you are planning to buy a large item, then you will have to shell out several hundreds of dollars.

The Wakamba tribe from Mombassa also has specialty carvings and they make a huge variety of carvings. The main type of wood that is used for the carvings are ebony and mahogany. Other items you can consider picking up are blankets that are hand embroidered, printed clothes, kaftans, scarves, traditional baskets and beaded jewelry.

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Phuket Shopping

Phuket has plenty to offer its visitors including some outstanding shopping venues. Phuket is well known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and exiting nightlife however during the last decade a large number of world class shopping venues have opened in Phuket.

When people think about going shopping in Phuket they will often think about counterfeit software, DVD movies and fake brand name clothing. If this is the type of goods that you want to purchase during your holiday on Phuket then there are plenty of small stores where you can find these types of products.

If however you would like to purchase high quality products and designer clothing then there are a number of world class Phuket shopping malls where you can go buy these items.

Travelers planning a trip to Phuket and who would like to do some shopping during their holiday should definitely plan a visit to some of the outstanding Phuket shopping venues listed down below.

Jungceylon Shopping Mall

The Jungceylon shopping mall is the newest shopping mall on Phuket and is located in the Patong beach resort area. There are hundreds of stores at this mall as well as plenty of restaurants and other types of entertainment venues. If you feel like catching a movie then you should definitely check out the multi screen movie theatre which is located on the top floor.

Phuket Central Festival

The Phuket Central Festival mall is located along the bypass road of Phuket and is home to some of the finest shops and boutiques found anywhere on the island. If you plan to do some shopping in Phuket then be sure to visit the excellent Central department store which is located inside of this large and modern shopping mall. The Phuket Central Festival mall is also home to a multi screen cinema and there are plenty of food and beverage outlets from which shoppers can choose.

Big C Mall

The Big C mall in Phuket is where most of the local Thai residents seem to enjoy doing their shopping. The main retailer at this Phuket shopping mall is the Thai Big C department store however there are also a number of other restaurants and stores at this shopping venue. The Big C mall is located close by to the Phuket Central Festival shopping mall and is as well located along the Phuket Bypass road.

Ocean Plaza Patong

Another popular shopping destination in Patong is the Ocean Plaza mall. There are dozens of small boutiques which together form the Ocean department store. There is also an excellent supermarket located in the basement of this Phuket shopping mall. If you enjoy bowling then be sure to visit the modern bowling alley which is located on the top floor of the Ocean Plaza mall in Patong.

James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section with Phuket car rental information.