Leo & Bamba
Our Story
It started with two dogs and one very good collar.
How it all began
Leo & Bamba started with a chance meeting at the foot of Table Mountain. One morning in Cape Town, Emma and Tanja crossed paths while their dogs were playing together. Like most conversations between dog owners, it began with a compliment — this time about a beautiful collar. Handcrafted leather, traditional South African beadwork, and clearly built to last. That one collar started a conversation that never really stopped.
From Cape Town to the Netherlands
Years later, Emma — now living in the Netherlands — found herself wanting to share what she'd discovered that morning in Cape Town. The craftsmanship, the story, the beauty of things made by hand. Together with Tanja, she founded Leo & Bamba: a brand rooted in friendship, a love of dogs, and a deep respect for the people who make things well.
What we do
Leo & Bamba curates ethically made dog collars, leashes and accessories from carefully chosen South African makers. We don't make these ourselves — we search, test and fall in love, then bring the best pieces to Europe in small batches.
Every item we carry reflects the skill of the hands that made it. And the traditions behind it.
What we stand for
Curated, not manufactured
We don't make these pieces — we find them. Every collar in our shop has been worn, tested and chosen because it genuinely stopped us in our tracks.
Craft over convenience
Both of our makers work by hand, in small batches, with materials chosen for quality and longevity. No shortcuts, no mass production — just skill and patience.
Good for the people who make it
We work with makers who pay fairly, employ from their communities, and put ethics at the centre of how they work. Every purchase supports that directly.