Slipway Weekend Craft Market, Dar es Salaam

A craftsman at work...

I generally do not enjoy shopping much, but when you are in a completely new continent and everything around is new, you even get excited to visit a craft market and shop there.

My home is filled with souvenirs from all over Africa as dad used to visit the continent very very often. There are masks hanging, little wooden figures dancing on the tables and some interesting musical instruments as well. This was perhaps the reason I had decided not to shop for such stuff anymore.  Of course when you come face to face with new, unique and beautiful things, its impossible not to pick them as memories :)

As I walked around in the market and picked some stuff, I missed having M around to help me pick and also argue and negotiate with the craftsmen. I often get too sentimental and end up paying way too much, some sane company often keeps me grounded!

View of the market from outside

I didn't buy anything from her side, so she was reluctant to pose for me :)

Anyway, Slipway Craft Market is a rather nice market to buy some interesting local and Masai souvenirs. However, you need to be a great negotiator to get a deal. As per my driver Musa, the rule of thumb is to reduce the price to 40% of its original cost and then agree on at least 50% of the quoted price. It might work as a rule for some, but it didn't work for me - I always paid more :)

While you are there, you can also enjoy coffee and some food at the shopping market close by. There is also a really nice restaurant called 'The Waterfront' for good seafood. 

Here is the map to follow to reach:


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