Zimbabwe is famous across the globe for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the majestic Victoria Falls. However, beyond its national parks and natural wonders lies an equally remarkable treasure: a rich artistic heritage. For international travellers, visiting local craft markets is one of the best ways to experience Zimbabwean culture firsthand, meet local artisans, and bring home unique, hand-crafted keepsakes.
From world-renowned Shona stone sculptures to intricately handwoven Tonga baskets, Zimbabwean crafts tell stories of tradition, spirituality, and community resilience. If you are planning a trip to Southern Africa, here is your guide to the top traditional craft markets in Zimbabwe that should be on every traveller's itinerary.
1. Elephant’s Walk Artist Village & Sinathakawu Curio Market (Victoria Falls)
Located in the heart of Victoria Falls, the Elephant’s Walk Shopping Centre and Artist Village offers a relaxing and immersive shopping experience. It is designed to let visitors wander through open-air courtyards, view artists at work in their studios, and purchase high-quality handmade goods directly from the makers.
Right behind the complex sits the bustling Sinathakawu Curio Market. This open-air market features dozens of stalls filled with thousands of hand-carved wooden animals, wildlife statues, beaded jewellery, traditional masks, and colourful textiles.
Best For: Hardwood carvings, soapstone figures, beaded accessories, and meeting local artisans.
Traveller Tip: Vendors at Sinathakawu love a friendly conversation. Haggling is expected here, so remember to bring small denomination US Dollar bills.
2. Doon Estate Craft Village (Harare)
If you are starting or ending your journey in Harare, the capital city, Doon Estate in the suburb of Msasa is a peaceful sanctuary for craft lovers. Set inside a lush, leafy garden compound, Doon Estate brings together independent craft studios, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
Unlike crowded street markets, Doon Estate focuses on high-end, artisan-made products. You can find hand-printed fabrics, contemporary ceramics, recycled wire art, hand-knit wool items, and custom leather goods.
Best For: Premium home decor, contemporary African textiles, pottery, and ethical gifts.
Traveller Tip: Take time to sit down for coffee or lunch at one of the garden cafes after shopping. Prices here are fixed, reflection-based gallery prices.
Important Travel Tip: Planning Your Visit to Zimbabwe
Planning Your Entry: Before mapping out your market visits across Harare and Victoria Falls, ensure your entry documents are sorted in advance. International visitors can check how to apply for Zimbabwe e-Visa online to complete the entry process hassle-free before flying. Having your approval in hand ensures smooth clearance at airport immigration so you can start exploring local markets without delay.
3. Chapungu Sculpture Park & Avondale Craft Market (Harare)
Zimbabwe is internationally recognized for its Shona stone sculpture tradition, a movement that visual artists worldwide hold in high regard. Sculptors work with indigenous geological stones such as Springstone, Cobalt Stone, Verdite, and Serpentine to produce expressive abstract and figurative artwork.
Chapungu Sculpture Park (Msasa, Harare): A sprawling outdoor gallery showcasing master sculptors alongside rising talents. The sculptures are displayed among native plants, creating a museum-like experience where pieces are available for purchase.
Avondale Flea & Craft Market (Harare): Located on the upper level of the Avondale Shopping Centre, this vibrant market offers a more casual setting to buy small-scale stone sculptures, wooden kitchenware, woven items, and souvenirs.
4. Binga Craft Centre (Matabeleland North)
For travellers venturing toward Lake Kariba or northern Zimbabwe, the Binga Craft Centre is an absolute cultural highlight. Binga is the cultural home of the Tonga people, renowned for their centuries-old tradition of basket weaving.
Tonga baskets (also known as Binga baskets) are woven by women using wild grasses, vines, and palm leaves dyed with natural tree bark. Originally used for winnowing grain, these lightweight, geometric baskets have become world-famous as modern interior wall decor.
Best For: Authentic, fair-trade handwoven Tonga baskets and traditional woven homeware.
Traveller Tip: Purchasing directly from the Binga Craft Centre directly supports rural female weavers and helps preserve traditional Tonga weaving techniques.
5. Mbare Musika Curio Market (Harare)
For the adventurous international traveller seeking an energetic, authentic African market atmosphere, Mbare Musika is Harare’s largest and oldest marketplace. While most of Mbare is dedicated to fresh produce and household goods, its curio section is a primary sourcing spot for crafts across the country.
Here you can find traditional musical instruments—such as the mbira (thumb piano), marimbas, and hardwood drums—alongside raw materials, traditional herbal remedies, and hand-carved wooden furniture.
Best For: Traditional musical instruments, wooden stools, raw crafts, and deep cultural immersion.
Traveller Tip: Mbare Musika can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. It is highly recommended to visit with a trusted local guide and keep your personal belongings minimal and secure.
What Souvenirs Should You Buy in Zimbabwe?
When exploring these markets, keep an eye out for these signature Zimbabwean handicrafts:
Shona Stone Sculptures: Hand-carved from local serpentine stone, these sculptures reflect family themes, spiritual connection, and nature.
Tonga Wall Baskets: Intricately woven palm-leaf baskets featuring earthy, natural tone patterns.
Wooden Carvings: Carved wooden elephants, giraffes, and the symbolic Nyami Nyami (the River God of the Zambezi) walking sticks and pendants.
Wire and Bead Art: Creative sculptures made from recycled telephone wire, copper, and beads depicting African wildlife.
Shopping & Bargaining Etiquette Tips for Visitors
Currency: US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and preferred across all craft markets in Zimbabwe. Carry small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) as vendors may not have change for larger notes.
Polite Bargaining: In open-air curio markets like Victoria Falls or Avondale, bargaining is customary. Keep the interaction friendly, respectful, and humorous. Remember that small amounts mean a lot to local artists supporting their families.
Shipping & Customs: For large stone sculptures or heavy wood carvings, many established galleries and market vendors can arrange international freight shipping or provide export certificates required for travel.
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