Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Inquiries and Helpful Information

General FAQ

What makes The African Touch furniture unique?

Our furniture is handcrafted from the finest African hardwoods, designed to last for generations, and inspired by classic safari and campaign furniture styles.

Where is The African Touch furniture made?

All our pieces are expertly crafted at our factory in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, by skilled artisans using sustainably sourced hardwoods.

What type of businesses does The African Touch supply furniture to?

The African Touch supplies bespoke and standard hardwood furniture to safari camps, game lodges, boutique hotels, private residences, and hospitality venues across Africa and internationally. We work closely with interior designers, decorators, architects, lodge owners, and camp operators.

Can The African Touch create custom furniture for a lodge fitout?

Yes. We specialise in bespoke furniture fitouts tailored to each project. We work within your design brief to produce custom pieces in Zambezi teak, mahogany, and other African hardwoods, combined with canvas, leather and brass detailing if required.

What hardwoods does The African Touch use?

Our primary materials are Zambezi teak (Rhodesian teak) and African mahogany — both prized for their durability, grain beauty, and suitability for the African climate.  However, we also have access to light-coloured hardwoods such as Eucalyptus cleoziana and saligna as well.

How long has The African Touch been making safari furniture?

The African Touch was founded by Richard Lowe in 1992 and has been crafting handmade African hardwood furniture for over 30 years, supplying lodges, camps, and homes across Africa and globally.

What is campaign furniture?

Campaign furniture is a style of portable, foldable furniture originally designed for 18th-century British military officers on expedition. The African Touch reimagines this classic style through an African lens, crafting pieces from solid hardwood, leather, and brass for use in safari lodges, camps, and homes.

Ordering & Customization

Can I customize my furniture?

Yes! We offer custom designs, dimensions, and finishes to suit your needs. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

How do I place an order?

You can order directly through our website or contact us for personalized assistance with your selection.

Who does The African Touch work with?

We work with interior designers, architects and property owners.  We offer:

  • Early-stage input for manufacturing viability
  • Technical drawings and structural refinement
  • Itemised costings with defined lead times
  • Sampling and client approvals
  • Sequenced production planning
  • Quality control throughout production
  • Structured cross-border project delivery
Can The African Touch match existing furniture or replicate a specific design for a fitout project?

Yes. We regularly work with interior designers and lodge owners who need new pieces to complement or replace existing furniture. Provided a design falls within our brand scope and can be executed in our hardwood materials and construction methods, we are happy to work from photographs, drawings, or detailed briefs to produce pieces that align with your existing aesthetic. Get in touch with our team to discuss your specific requirements.

What is the lead time for custom or made-to-order furniture from The African Touch?

Lead times vary depending on the complexity and scale of your order. Standard in-stock pieces are available for dispatch more quickly, while bespoke and made-to-order items — particularly large lodge fitouts or custom-designed pieces — typically require a longer production lead time. We recommend contacting us as early in your project timeline as possible so we can confirm availability, schedule production, and allow adequate time for international shipping if required.

What information do I need to provide to commission a custom furniture piece or lodge fitout?

To get started on a bespoke furniture commission, it helps to share your project brief, preferred hardwood (such as Zambezi teak or African mahogany), desired dimensions, finish and upholstery preferences, quantity required, and your delivery location. If you are outfitting a lodge or camp, details about the space, aesthetic direction, and any architectural drawings or mood boards are also useful. Our team works closely with you throughout the design process to ensure the final pieces are exactly right for your project.

How do I place an order or request a custom furniture quote from The African Touch?

To place an order or enquire about a custom furniture project, simply visit our website at theafricantouch.co.za and use the Request a Quote function, or contact us directly via our Contact page. For trade and hospitality partners, you can register through our Trade Partners page to receive our full catalogue and pricing in your preferred currency. We recommend including as much detail as possible about your project — including dimensions, timber preferences, quantity, and any design references — so we can provide an accurate quote.

Shipping & Delivery

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on location—contact us for a quote.

How long does delivery take?

Lead times vary based on the item and destination, but typically, manufacturing lead times range from 8 – 12 weeks. Delivery may take longer depending on the destination.

Payments & Security

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and direct bank transfers. All payments are securely processed.

Is my payment information secure?

Absolutely. Our checkout is encrypted with the latest security technology to protect your personal and financial details.

Care & Maintenance

How do I care for my hardwood furniture?

Regular dusting and occasional polishing with natural wood oils will keep your furniture in pristine condition for years to come.

Returns & Warranty

What is your return policy?

As our furniture is made to order, we do not accept returns, but we stand by our craftsmanship. If there’s a defect, we will repair or replace the item. Please click to view our Manufacturer’s Guarantee Document here.