Deal directly with the Artisans and get more value for your money
Best place in Kampala for bargain souvenirs, African arts, and crafts at The Friday Craft Market in Kampala
The Friday Craft Market in Kampala is the best place for African Arts and Crafts at a lower price. The Friday Craft Market in Nsambya is also the best place to buy those items directly from the artisans that create them.
There are other places where you can purchase African arts and crafts. You can go to Buganda Road by Daisy Arcade, also the National Theatre. Those two places are where most people buy things they would like to take home to their country. Great choices, all neatly laid out, helpful shopkeepers.
Though they often tend to be a bit pushy at times. A bit of laughter, a smile, and kind words will overcome that. There is not much bargaining at the regular African Craft Markets since most of them are re-sellers and not creators of what you buy.
The Friday Craft Market in Kampala is another option for buying crafts such as carvings, fabrics, T-shirts, African-style shoes, and local sandals. They are also items from Kenya, such as soapstone chess sets. As of late other things are found here, including traditional dresses. You will even find items made in DR Congo and Rwanda.
There are drums of all kinds, even the West African-styled Djembe drums. Look for a Ugandan-made drum; they are of excellent quality and have a unique style. Batiks are a perfect choice; they do not have much weight, and you can frame them back home.
Please keep in mind, you are flying back home and you will see many things you might like and want to buy – the question that is before you, “ will it add too much weight to my luggage? Consider the size of the item that you are buying and ask yourself. “How am I going to get this on the plane?”
You can get many quality original items, including masks, spears, drums, wood carvings, jewelry, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, African clothes, and more.
You get a better deal if you pay in Uganda Shillings and not in US Dollars. You lose out if you pay in dollars.
At The Friday Craft Market in Kampala, you are dealing with the artists and creators of the crafts you are buying, and one advantage here is that you can bargain a bit more than at the regular Craft Markets, and the bargaining dance always is a lot of fun.
Set a final price, show the money, and if they want more, walk away; if my price were just a bit fair, someone would come running after me, and I will receive the item at that price. Enjoy Fridays at the Craft Market in the Nsambya area along Ggaba Road…
Best Places to buy Arts and Crafts in Kampala = The Friday Craft Market in Kampala