Travel is a great way to loosen up and get rid of accumulated stress. In many cases, our vacations are over sooner than we expect and buying souvenirs is the best way to continue those little getaways even as we are miles away from the destination. Somehow, certain trips are rather incomplete without that last walk to the local markets to hunt for amazing mementos that serve as a reminder of your stay, be it a painted shell from Seychelles or a traditional mask from Cote d’Ivoire.
Here are some nifty travel souvenirs from across Africa:
Nigeria
Nigeria’s local markets and craft villages appeal to many tourists seeking great mementos like African masks, beaded jewelries, leather goods, and batik fabrics. If you’re visiting the capital city, the Garki and Wuse markets would provide a range of locally crafted items for you to choose from.
Kenya Kenya’s Maasai blankets called the ‘Shuka’ tops the list of must-buy items while in Kenya. It comes in several colours and could be used in various ways: picnic blanket, makeshift curtain … as long as you can think it, it’s possible! The Mango wood and soap stone carvings are also great souvenirs of Kenya!Morocco
Morocco’s colourful and patterned rugs and mats are eye-catching. They can be easily found in medinas across the state. These rugs and mats would add not just a great pop of colour to your decor but will also remind you of Morocco. The Moroccan argan oil also known as liquid gold is another must-buy for beauty and health purposes.
Ghana
Ghana’s traditional fabrics: the Kente and Adinkra are great mementos. These are not just your everyday fashion items but also signify the culture of the people. In 1957, Kente was declared a national cloth after the Ghanaian independence. Hence, these highly symbolic patterns would hold great significance even after you’re miles away.
South Africa
South Africa’s souvenirs range from jewelry to masks. It’s up to the tourists to get items that would be most significant to them and bring good memories of SA! Verdite, the green semi-precious stone, is a winner amongst other souvenir items.
P.S: Though shopping for souvenirs could be such a treat, make sure to pay attention to detail and get genuine locally-made items, not those with the dreadful “Made in China” labels!
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