---

Harare, Zimbabwe’s lively capital, is full of color, creativity, and warm hospitality. Beyond its wide, jacaranda-lined avenues and busy street life, it’s a fantastic place to explore markets and craft shops where local artistry and traditional skills take center stage.

Based on local recommendations, market browsing, and items loved by both Zimbabweans and visitors, here’s your guide to the best souvenirs from Harare — plus where to shop and tips for getting the most out of your visit.

---

Top 10 Souvenirs from Harare, Zimbabwe

1. Shona Stone Sculptures

Zimbabwe’s Shona people are world-renowned for their stone carvings, often depicting animals, people, and abstract forms. Each piece is unique and handcrafted from serpentine or springstone.

2. Handwoven Baskets

Made from sisal and other natural fibers, these baskets come in a variety of shapes and intricate patterns — perfect for home décor or storage.

3. Batiks and Printed Fabrics

Bold, colorful designs on cotton or silk, often featuring African wildlife or geometric patterns, make for beautiful wall hangings, tablecloths, or clothing.

4. Beaded Jewelry

Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made from tiny glass beads are a staple of Zimbabwean craft markets, with each piece telling its own story through color and pattern.

5. Mbira (Thumb Piano)

A traditional Zimbabwean instrument with a soothing, melodic sound. Small and portable, it’s a great souvenir for music lovers.

6. Local Paintings

Harare’s art scene is vibrant, and you’ll find everything from contemporary abstracts to detailed wildlife scenes in local galleries.

7. Wooden Carvings

From giraffes and elephants to salad bowls and masks, Zimbabwean woodcarvers create both decorative and functional pieces.

8. Handmade Leather Goods

Wallets, belts, and handbags made from locally sourced leather are durable and stylish.

9. Zimbabwean Tea and Coffee

Grown in the Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe’s teas and coffees are smooth, aromatic, and make an easy-to-pack gift.

10. Natural Skincare Products

Soaps, lotions, and oils made with ingredients like baobab, marula, and aloe vera are popular with both locals and visitors.

---

Where to Shop in Harare

• Avondale Flea Market:
  A well-known spot for baskets, beadwork, fabrics, and carvings. Great for browsing and chatting with artisans.
• Doone Estate Shops:
  A collection of boutiques selling art, home décor, leather goods, and gourmet foods in a relaxed setting.
• National Gallery of Zimbabwe Gift Shop:
  Curated pieces from local artists, including stone sculptures, paintings, and jewelry.
• Mbare Musika Market:
  A large, energetic market known for produce, baskets, and woven goods — best visited with a local guide.

---

Shopping Tips for Harare

• The currency situation can be complex — US dollars are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying small bills.
• Bargaining is common in markets, though prices in galleries and boutiques are usually fixed.
• Check quality carefully — especially for carvings and fabrics — to ensure you’re getting authentic, handmade items.
• Support local cooperatives where possible, as they directly benefit artisans.
• Pack fragile items securely, especially stone sculptures and ceramics.

---

Final Thoughts

Harare is a city where art and tradition meet. Whether you take home a Shona stone sculpture, a handwoven basket, or a melodic mbira, each souvenir will remind you of Zimbabwe’s creativity, culture, and warmth.

---