9 Best Shopping in Madagascar

Local artists of all types show and sell their work at this outlet supported by the CITE, an organization working to promote entrepreneurship. See textiles, jewelry, and artfully recycled materials.

Mahajanga’s markets can be dusty, crowded affairs where little to no English is spoken, but adventurers will find all sorts of gift and everyday items at good prices and a chance to mingle with locals.

Design your own jewelry or have one of the crafters here create your dream piece. Choose colorful gemstones and classic or African motifs, such as those on cuff bracelets, that will keep you remembering your Madagascar vacation.

Bring your camera, secure your belongings, and get ready to bargain. The market is a hugely colorful place to see fishermen hawking their catch, women buying groceries, and tourists looking for gifts, goods, and excitement. Be watchful.

When it’s time to pick up the Madagascar gewgaws to take back home, this is the store. Magnets, T-shirts, key chains—it’s all here. Look closely and you might find a few nice pieces in the mix.

The name of the store translates to Universe of Stone, and the showroom is a treasure chest of precious and semiprecious gems mined in Madagascar. Rainbow colors come square, oval, and round cut, to name a few. Faceted and polished, the stones are placed in classic and artistic settings by local craftsmen. An exhibition illustrates the cutting and polishing process.

If you didn’t find shells on the beach during your Madagascar vacation, you’ll find them here. Shells collected from the Indian Ocean fill the shop, and prices are low. Some shells are rare, such as red Headset (Cypraecassis rufa), the great newt (chariona tritonis), or elephant ear (cassis cornuta). Be careful what you buy, as particular shells may not be exported.

Artist Eric Mallet engages in the meticulous craft of hand-weaving mohair carpets, giving them the interesting lines and symbols common to ethnic designs or producing a contemporary look with curves and geometric shapes. Various sizes are available.

Shorts, shirts, sunglasses and satchels—most of it for men—comprise most of the inventory. The store is a good place to pick up loafers, sandals, caps, and baggy pants. If you forgot to bring deodorant, you’ll find it here.