Madagascar is full of vibrant markets, colorful arts, and unique crafts. If you’re looking to bring home something special, this guide will show you the best places to shop and what souvenirs you won’t want to miss.
Handcrafted Local Goods
Madagascar’s artisans are known for their incredible skill. One of the most widely available items is handwoven baskets, bags, and hats. These are made from raffia, a type of palm fiber, and they come in every shape and color you can imagine. They’re lightweight, durable, and easy to pack.
You’ll also find beautiful wooden carvings—often made from rosewood or ebony. These range from small animal figurines to intricate masks, all crafted with incredible attention to detail. Whether you’re a fan of wildlife or traditional Malagasy designs, there’s something for everyone.
Where to Buy
The Zoma Market in Antananarivo (open on Fridays) is the largest market in Madagascar and is the perfect spot to find all kinds of crafts. If you’re not in the capital, try any town’s local market. Rural markets often offer more authentic pieces as they come directly from the artisans in surrounding villages.
Malagasy Textiles
One thing that stands out in Madagascar is the quality of their textiles. Lamba is the traditional wrap worn by locals, and each piece tells a story. These are usually made from silk or cotton and dyed in rich colors. Many visitors love to buy them as lightweight scarves or wall decorations.
Furthermore, Madagascar is home to the rarest silk in the world, made from the robe of an endangered Madagascan silkworm species. If you find one of these silk products, know that it’s truly a unique item.
Where to Buy
Head to the Artisan Market in Antsirabe, where you’ll find high-quality lamba wraps made from both cotton and silk. Other good spots include the small shops in Ambositra or local village markets where the weavers often sell directly.
Vanilla and Spices
If you enjoy cooking or just love great fragrance, Madagascar is famous for its vanilla. They produce some of the best vanilla beans in the world. You can typically pick up high-quality vanilla at a fraction of the price you’d find elsewhere.
Besides vanilla, Madagascar is also known for other spices like cloves and pepper. After all, the country is one of the largest spice exporters in the world. These make both practical and interesting gifts for friends back home.
Where to Buy
For the best vanilla and spices, check out the markets in Nosy Be or Sambava. These areas are known for their vanilla plantations where you can even tour the farms before you buy.
Handmade Jewelry
Madagascar’s semi-precious stones make beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Look for items featuring labradorite, garnet, or sapphire. You’ll also find lots of necklaces and bracelets made from zebu horn or shells. Each piece is handcrafted and will definitely stand out in your jewelry collection.
These items not only look great but also connect to local culture, as zebu cattle play an important role in Malagasy life. The horn jewelry is surprisingly elegant, lightweight, and often features carvings that reflect the natural beauty of the island.
Where to Buy
You can find the best gemstone jewelry in coastal towns like Antsirabe and Tulear, where there are shops specializing in these handcrafted pieces. For shell and horn jewelry, visit the beach markets in Anakao or Ifaty.
Amponga (Traditional Drums)
If you’re a music lover, consider picking up an amponga, a traditional Malagasy drum. These handmade drums are covered with animal skin stretched over a wooden frame. Even if you can’t fit a full-sized drum in your suitcase, there are smaller versions available that still deliver amazing sound.
For something truly loud and proud, bring home a set of traditional shakers or small percussive instruments that showcase the island’s lively spirit.
Where to Buy
The markets in Antananarivo or Fianarantsoa are the best places to find traditional drums and instruments. These are typically sold by families who have been crafting them for generations, so you’re getting an authentic piece of Madagascar’s musical heritage.
Natural Products and Remedies
Madagascar has an abundance of natural beauty products and herbal remedies, thanks to its rich biodiversity. Look out for essential oils, especially from plants like ylang-ylang or ravintsara. Many visitors love these oils for their soothing qualities and traditional use in healing practices.
Another popular purchase is handmade soap, often made from natural ingredients like tamarind, coconut, or vanilla. These make fantastic gifts that smell great and feel even better.
Where to Buy
Mahajanga has some great artisanal markets for these kinds of products. You’ll also find natural cosmetic products in the shops near Andasibe National Park, known for sourcing ingredients directly from the surrounding forest.
Tips for Shopping
Bargaining is common in Madagascar, so feel free to negotiate the price, but keep things friendly and respectful. Also, remember that many items are handmade, so small imperfections are part of the charm. If you buy leather or wood, make sure to ask about any export restrictions.
Lastly, always bring cash. Many local markets don’t accept cards, and ATMs aren’t always easy to find in rural areas.
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