Home decoration and garden stores Stone Town

This micro-boutique located just in front of the Princess Salme Museum, run by a very nice Zanzibarite, contains small antique treasures. We like to chat with the owner who does not inflate his prices and will tell you honestly if the piece is an antique or a recent object. He offers, among other things, beautiful old telephones from the British era (at very reasonable prices), a whole bunch of bric-a-brac that piles up densely... As with all the antique shops on the island, you have to rummage around! You feel "at home".

Zanzibar women's cooperative sewing cushion covers with geometric fabrics inspired by Arab and Swahili patterns. A lovely idea for a gift of solidarity. You can see some of them at work in the store, sitting directly on the floor. This is authentic Swahili craftsmanship, and the cushion covers are harmoniously colored without being too motley. The latest collections also feature new, more contemporary designs to decorate your bed. Note the beautifully sculpted door at the entrance to the store.

Beautiful collection of items made in Zanzibar, but also in Tanzania and East Africa, with a taste for quality and graphic items. Clothes, fabrics, jewels, souvenirs, kits and bags, bathing suits, mosaic lampshades, candles with the scent of Zanzibar, colourful basketry, cotton kikois, double-couponed and well-wrapped kangas, dresses all very original. The very graphic long tunics are his specialty, we find a large choice. The prices are displayed and very correct.

This stylish new concept store offers home decoration accessories customised with local, but very trendy fabrics. Namely, mainly cushion covers, curtains, small bags and decorated dishes, computer cases, water bottles, totebags, basketry, mugs in the image of Zanzibar. The finishes are accomplished and the prices are high, but the objects sold are of high quality and the colours and graphic design are well thought out. The shop works with more than 40 local craftsmen, tailors, jewelers...

This new boutique is a must-see just before the tunnel, close to the central beach. Both an art gallery and a concept store, it offers a concentrate of good taste and fine local furniture. An address worthy of the rich Swahili interiors. You'll find plenty of gifts, spices, teas and infusions and local coffee in sophisticated packaging, paintings by contemporary artists far removed from the island's classic style, photos, furniture, figurines and jewelry behind glass.

Murtaza is a true collector. In his Ali Baba's cave, you'll find an original bric-a-brac of antique objects from all over Africa piled up to the ceiling, but also from India, Oman and small curios. It's worth taking the time to chat and negotiate with him, as he's very friendly, but only after you've dug and dug tirelessly, as the place is so dense with heterogeneous objects. One of the oldest stores in Stone Town, where prices are still reasonable. Take your time to find that rare gem.