Madagascar offers a wide range of items to shop for, many of them intricately carved, woven or crafted out of a whole host of different materials. Most common is woodwork, but there is also a lot of jewellery, art and fabric available. Parts of Madagascar are renowned for their woodcraftsmen, and the skill and artistry that goes into some of the items created has to really be seen to be believed.
This Madagascar Shopping Guide gives some idea of what goods you may wish to purchase as souvenirs or gifts. Also have a look at our Madagascar Restaurant Guide, which describes some of the food and drink you may wish to sample during your visit.
Madagascar Shopping Guide
The markets are the best place to look for various souvenirs or gifts, and are a great place to go shopping. The biggest and most famous markets are in Antananarivo, but almost every city or town throughout the country will have their own zoma (market). Even if you're not wishing to purchase anything, they are still an interesting experience, and offer a chance to see a fascinating side of Malagasy life. There are also government stores, which give a good general guide to the sorts of prices you should aim for in the markets. Bargaining in the markets is the order of the day, and can yield some great buys.
Some of the main handicrafts include lamba, which consists of traditional squares of cloth and woven fabrics in various colourful designs; silverwork crafted into things such as mahafaly crosses and vangavanga bracelets; jewellery made from precious and semi-precious stones; items woven out of materials such as reeds, raffia and straw; antemore paper, which is decorated with dried flowers; and embroidery. Almost all of the products that are created from Malagasy flora or fauna (including dried flowers) require export permits.
The Zafimaniry peoples, located in Zafimaniry villages in the province of Fianarantsoa, are traditional woodcraftsmen, and the skill has been passed down for generations. They are specifically renowned for their wood sculpting, creating such things as tables, chessboards, jewellery boxes and chairs. Traditional woods are those such as palissandre and rosewood. However, demand for these reasonably rare woods has caused much destruction of the unique flora and fauna of the country. Due to this, various local groups, NGOs and government organisations have created programs to try to counter this.
Clothing is another less common, but perhaps equally interesting, item to purchase. Coming in a kaleidoscope of tropical colours, including turquoise, yellow, red and fuchsia, as well as standard safari colours such as beige, sand, green, they are sure to add a colourful dimension to any wardrobe. Wearing them back in your home country will also undoubtedly transport you back to Madagascar.
In general, shopping hours are Monday - Friday 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00.
