Botswana Shopping & Markets Guide
Crafts, Diamonds & Souvenirs 2026

• Community Focus: Shopping in Botswana is deeply tied to community cooperatives, particularly in basket weaving and pottery.
• High-Value Items: Botswana is renowned for high-quality diamonds and ostrich leather, offering excellent value compared to global markets.
• Market vs. Gallery: You will find a clear divide between informal, bustling craft markets (where bargaining is expected) and fixed-price, high-end art galleries.
• Operating Hours: Most shops operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, and 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. Malls stay open later.

As detailed in our complete Botswana travel guide, bringing home a handcrafted souvenir is a wonderful way to support local artisans and remember your safari adventure.

• Baskets: Intricately woven palm-leaf baskets (the national craft).
• Diamonds: Ethically sourced, conflict-free gems.
• Leather: Ostrich leather belts, wallets, and bags.
• Art: Contemporary and traditional wildlife paintings.

If you are planning your Botswana itinerary, ensure you leave room in your soft-sided luggage for these unique, lightweight souvenirs.

• Location: Near the town center, easily accessible from most hotels.
• Specialty: Okavango Delta-inspired art, wood carvings, and traditional textiles.
• Vibe: Bustling, friendly, and highly interactive. A great place to meet the artisans.
• Tip: This is the best place to buy authentic basketry directly from the weavers.

• Location: Right in the town center, near the ferry crossing and Chobe riverfront.
• Specialty: Ideal for last-minute souvenirs before your departure. Excellent beadwork and smaller baskets.
• Vibe: Relaxed and tourist-friendly. Vendors are accustomed to international travelers.
• Tip: Perfect for picking up gifts for family and friends back in India.

• Location: The village of Thamaga, about a 45-minute drive from Gaborone.
• Specialty: World-famous, high-quality handcrafted ceramic tableware and stoneware.
• Vibe: A cooperative workshop where you can watch the artisans at work.
• Tip: If you are spending time in the capital, check our Gaborone city guide for logistics on visiting this unique cooperative.

• Location: The central pedestrian thoroughfare in the capital city.
• Specialty: A mix of everyday goods, mobile shops, and occasional street vendors selling crafts.
• High-End: For fine art and certified diamonds, visit the established galleries and jewelers in the CBD or upscale malls like Game City.
• Tip: The Main Mall is more about experiencing local daily life than high-end shopping.

• Reputation: Botswana is a top global producer of diamonds by value, renowned for ethical mining practices.
• Where to Buy: Only purchase from certified, reputable dealers like the Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) or established jewelers.
• Certification: Always demand a Kimberley Process certificate to guarantee the diamond is conflict-free.
• Customs: Ensure you have the proper export documentation when leaving the country.

• Basket Weaving: Intricately woven palm-leaf baskets (especially from Thamaga and Maun) are world-famous for their tight weave and geometric patterns.
• Ostrich Leather: High-quality, durable, and uniquely textured leather goods, including belts, wallets, and bags.
• Wood Carvings: Beautiful sculptures of local wildlife (elephants, lions) and traditional figures carved from indigenous woods.
• Textiles: Colorful fabrics and clothing featuring traditional Setswana patterns and modern African prints.

• Choppies: The most widespread and popular supermarket chain in Botswana. Great for basic groceries and snacks.
• Spar: Offers a good selection of fresh produce, meats, and imported items.
• Woolworths: A premium supermarket (found in Gaborone) with high-quality food, organic options, and clothing.
• Food Lover's Market: Excellent for fresh produce, gourmet items, bakery goods, and ready-to-eat meals.

If you are exploring local cuisine, check out our Botswana food guide for tips on what local ingredients to look for in these stores.

• Bargaining: Moderate bargaining is acceptable and expected at informal markets like Maun and Kasane. Start at about 50% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Do not bargain in established galleries or supermarkets.
• Currency: Cash (Botswana Pula - BWP) is strongly preferred at small markets. USD is sometimes accepted for high-value items like diamonds or large art pieces.
• Cards: Major credit cards are widely accepted in established galleries, lodges, and supermarkets.
• Respect: Always bargain with a smile. Remember that you are negotiating with the artisan or a small vendor; fair trade supports their livelihood.

• Diamonds: You must have a valid receipt and a Kimberley Process certificate to export diamonds. Keep these documents safe in your carry-on.
• Wildlife Products: It is strictly illegal to buy or export products made from endangered species (e.g., ivory, rhino horn). Do not purchase any animal parts.
• Indian Customs: Be aware of Indian customs duty-free allowances for gold, electronics, and foreign currency when returning home.
• Packing: Baskets are fragile. Ask the vendor to pack them securely with paper, or carry them in your cabin baggage if flying internally.