The idea for Capricorn Casuals boutique came about in 2003 while Clarence and Annabel Burdes first visited the area near Kigombe fishing village, 30 km south of Tanga, Tanzania. Visitors to the beach resorts in the area were discussing the lack of shops selling tropical beachwear. Annabel and Clarence had most recently owned and operated Capricorn Resort on Ambergris Caye in Belize, and were familiar with the tropical lifestyle. Annabel recalled that a similar situation in Belize had led to the development of an extremely successful clothing line, which has been profiled in many fashion magazines.

Upon returning to Belize to hand over their resort to new owners, Annabel met with Sami and Aida of Isla Bonita Designs. She told them of her plans to start a similar business in Tanzania, and with their approval she brought with her some of their original designs. Later, on a visit to Dar es Salaam, Annabel was fortunate to meet Renalda Lima, a designer and weaver of beautiful fabric from locally grown cotton. She found it was ideally suited for the tropical beachwear designs at Capricorn Casuals .and so began her creative venture!

Our local tailors and seamstresses work on site with a vibrant array of East African khanga, kikoy, kitenge, hand woven cottons, batiks and other natural fabrics, creating unique clothes with a coastal African flavour, combined with a European sense of style.

Capricorn Casuals has created job opportunities and contributes to skills development in the community. A portion of the sale of each item made at Capricorn Casuals is donated to neighbouring Kigombe village.

And Capricorn Casuals continues to grow.
daughter-in-law Lori joined Annabel and her team in 2008. Now offering even more designs and fabrics, keen interest in Capricorn Casuals continues, along with an established reputation for style and quality.