From the roar of Victoria Falls and the cool spray on your face to the red-earth hills of the Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe greets the senses with wet stone, smoke from braais, and the dry, sweet scent of roasted maize.

In a Harare morning market you can feel the coarse weave of a basket, hear hawkers calling in Shona and Ndebele, and see the deep green of serpentine stone glinting in a shaft of sun, every texture and tone tells a story of place.

Walk the stony paths of Great Zimbabwe or the sculptor towns around Domboshava. You’ll notice local materials like serpentine and verdite stone, mukwa and kiaat wood, palm and reed fibers, transformed by hands that learned from ancestors and adapted to modern demand.

If you’re wondering what souvenirs to buy that actually capture this layered country, read on for items that bring Zimbabwe’s landscapes, markets, and craftsmanship home with you.

Here’s what to buy in Zimbabwe to bring a piece of its spirit back home.

1. Shona Stone Sculpture

Why pick this up:
Shona sculpture—carved from serpentine, springstone, or verdite—is Zimbabwe’s most internationally recognised art form and carries Shona cosmology in abstract and figurative forms. These pieces range from pocket-sized pendants to imposing figures and make striking centerpieces in any room.

What to look for:
Seek a smooth finish, visible hand-tool marks, and natural polish that highlights the stone’s veins; ask the carver’s name or workshop to trace provenance. Smaller carvings often come from Domboshava or Harare studios, while larger works may be signed by recognized artists.

Price bracket (2025):
US$10–US$1,200

Where to find it:
Craft markets at Victoria Falls, Avondale Flea Market in Harare, and galleries in Bulawayo and Harare often sell authenticated pieces; artist co-ops around Domboshava and Chitungwiza are good for studio visits.

2. Mbira (Thumb Piano)

Why pick this up:
The mbira is a Shona thumb piano central to ritual and social music; its metallic tines produce a bell-like, hypnotic tone that encapsulates Zimbabwean musical heritage. It’s both a playable instrument and a cultural keepsake that connects you to local ceremonies and laments.

What to look for:
Look for solid hardwood soundboards, well-tuned metal keys, and a resonator (gourd or box) that produces a clear, sustained tone; smaller souvenir mbiras are common, but higher-quality instruments are handcrafted by luthiers in Harare. Ask players or vendors to demonstrate tuning and tone.

Price bracket (2025):
US$30–US$350

Where to find it:
Musical instrument makers in Harare, craft stalls at Great Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls, and specialist music shops in Bulawayo.

3. Tonga and Zambezi Woven Baskets

Why pick this up:
Baskets woven by Tonga artisans from the Zambezi valley are light, durable, and showcase intricate geometric patterns; they recall river reeds, seasonal floods, and practical village life. They make useful home accents and come in vivid dyed versions as well as natural tones.

What to look for:
Check for tight, even weaving, a sturdy rim, and natural dyes that won’t run—authentic Tonga baskets often use palm and reed fibers and can be flexible yet resilient. Smaller travel-friendly baskets are available at market stalls, while larger statement pieces are sold by craft collectives.

Price bracket (2025):
US$8–US$60

Where to find it:
Victoria Falls curio market, Mbare Market in Harare, and community craft stalls near Lake Kariba and the Zambezi.

4. Ndebele Beadwork and Necklaces

Why pick this up:
Ndebele beadwork is famously bold, with colorful collars, bracelets, and anklets that map out identity and ceremonial role through pattern. These pieces are wearable art that carry regional style and social meaning.

What to look for:
Authentic work uses tiny glass seed beads strung tightly and set on board or wire to retain shape; look for layered necklaces and crisp color contrasts that indicate handcrafting. Pieces from Matabeleland workshops will often show traditional motifs.

Price bracket (2025):
US$5–US$70

Where to find it:
Bulawayo markets, Victoria Falls craft stalls, and artisans’ tables at weekend markets in Harare.

5. Lake Kariba Kapenta & Dried Fish

Why pick this up:
Kapenta (small dried sardine-like fish) from Lake Kariba is intensely savory and a staple of local diets—perfect for cooks who want a genuine taste of Zimbabwe. It’s a compact edible souvenir that recalls lakeside villages and fish smokehouses.

What to look for:
Choose Kapenta with a clean, smoky aroma and no oiliness; packaging from reputable vendors or cooperatives indicates better handling. Ask about moisture content and packing for international travel to avoid customs hassles.

Price bracket (2025):
US$3–US$20

Where to find it:
Markets around Lake Kariba, Mbare Market, and stalls in Victoria Falls and Mutare.

6. Hand-Carved Wooden Spoons, Bowls and Masks

Why pick this up:
Carved from mukwa, kiaat, or other hardwoods, utensils and masks combine function with the warm grain of African timbers and often display local motifs. They’re tactile reminders of Zimbabwe’s forested pockets and woodworking traditions.

What to look for:
Look for smooth, food-safe finishes on utensils and tight carving on masks; hairline cracks can indicate poor drying, so choose pieces without splits. Smaller kitchen items are easier to pack and less likely to be restricted at customs.

Price bracket (2025):
US$7–US$120

Where to find it:
Avondale Flea Market, Harare artisan stalls, and craft markets in Masvingo near Great Zimbabwe.

7. Eastern Highlands Tea and Honey

Why pick this up:
Tea from the misty plantations of Nyanga and Mutare is fragrant and grown at altitude, while honey from Midlands and the Eastern Highlands carries floral notes of protea and wildflower scrub. They are edible souvenirs that preserve the highland terroir.

What to look for:
Opt for sealed packs of loose-leaf tea or jars with provenance listed—estate names, elevation, and harvest date are good signs. For honey, check for crystal texture and labels indicating single-flower or wildflower sources for authenticity.

Price bracket (2025):
US$5–US$25

Where to find it:
Farm stalls in the Eastern Highlands, Harare farmers’ markets, and specialty food stalls at Victoria Falls.

8. Batik Panels and Contemporary Textiles

Why pick this up:
Zimbabwean batik and printed fabrics blend traditional motifs with modern design, produced by local studios and independent designers in Harare and Bulawayo. They make great wall hangings, scarves, or table runners that show contemporary craft energy.

What to look for:
Look for even wax patterns, vibrant dye penetration, and signed artist panels; hand-dyed pieces will have slight irregularities that indicate a handcrafted process. Panels are often sold at artist markets and gallery shops.

Price bracket (2025):
US$12–US$80

Where to find it:
Avondale Flea Market, Harare art centres, and weekend maker markets.

9. Photographic Prints and Art from Victoria Falls

Why pick this up:
Local photographers and painters capture dramatic mist, the rainbows at the Falls, and elephants on the Zambezi in evocative prints that transport you back to that moment of awe. These artworks are compact, easy to pack, and support local creative communities.

What to look for:
Choose prints signed by the artist and printed on archival paper; look for clear licensing or artist cards so you can follow and support their work. Consider smaller framed or rolled prints for easier transport.

Price bracket (2025):
US$10–US$200

Where to find it:
Victoria Falls craft market, Harare galleries, and museum shops like the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

10. Leather Goods and Beaded Footwear

Why pick this up:
Hand-stitched leather sandals and beaded footwear mix practicality with artisanal detail—ideal for summer wardrobes and desert safaris elsewhere. Many makers use locally sourced leather and traditional beading for trims.

What to look for:
Inspect stitching, sole attachment, and beadwork longevity; real leather will soften and patina nicely, while glued mass-produced items won’t hold up. Ask for custom sizing at artisan stalls for the best fit.

Price bracket (2025):
US$15–US$90

Where to find it:
Mbare Market, Avondale Flea Market, and craft bazaars in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.

Tip: Pack fragile stone or wood carvings between clothes and declare food items at customs to avoid fines — and enjoy the discovery process when bargaining gently in local markets ✈️

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Markets in Zimbabwe are lively social hubs where goods flow from farm, workshop, and riverbank. In Harare, Mbare (Musika) is the oldest and busiest open-air market for everything from produce to textiles. Avondale Flea Market and artsy weekend markets attract independent designers and younger makers.

In Matabeleland and around Bulawayo, Ndebele beadwork and regional crafts reflect cross-border influences from South Africa. The Zambezi valley and Lake Kariba villages supply basketry and smoked fish.

Bargaining is common in open markets but not in formal galleries; artisan co-ops and community-run stalls often have fixed prices to ensure fair pay for makers.

Many towns near Great Zimbabwe, Domboshava, Mutare, and Victoria Falls host small craft villages where you can meet carvers and potters.

Cultural traditions like mbira music at family gatherings and the use of local reeds and palm in weaving shape how objects are made. Seasonal markets can coincide with harvests, ceremonies, and tourist seasons.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Look for natural materials such as serpentine with visible veins, hand-dyed fabric irregularities, and tight, even basket weaving using palm or reed fibers.

Ask vendors where an item was made; genuine pieces are often traceable to a village or studio (Domboshava for stone carvers, Nyanga for teas, Zambezi valley for baskets).

Beware of items stamped “Made in China” or with identical mass-produced finishes; imported trinkets often lack tool marks, signed artist names, or provenance.

For food items, choose sealed packaging, ask about preservation and origin, and get an export-friendly receipt if you plan to take perishables through international customs.

Where to Shop in Zimbabwe

• Mbare (Musika) Market, Harare — largest open-air market for produce, leather, and everyday goods.
• Avondale Flea Market and weekend maker markets, Harare — contemporary crafts and designers.
• Victoria Falls Craft Market and the curio stalls along the town center — ideal for carvings, textiles, and prints.
• Great Zimbabwe craft stalls and Masvingo artisan tables — pottery and regional carvings.
• Bulawayo markets and National Gallery events — Ndebele beadwork and contemporary art.
• Mutare and Nyanga area stalls — Eastern Highlands tea, honey, and woven goods.
• Airport gift shops at Harare and Victoria Falls for last-minute buys and certified exports.

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in Zimbabwe expensive?
A: Prices vary widely—local markets and community co-ops offer affordable items (US$5–US$30), while signed Shona sculptures and gallery pieces can be costly (US$100+). Haggling in open markets often brings prices down.

Q: Is bargaining common in Zimbabwe?
A: Yes, bargaining is expected in outdoor markets like Mbare and Victoria Falls curio stalls; be respectful, start lower, and settle at a fair price. Avoid aggressive haggling in galleries or official shops.

Q: How do I know if food items will pass customs?
A: Choose sealed, commercially packaged foods and check your airline and destination country rules before travelling; declare any fresh or dried produce at departure to avoid fines.

Explore Zimbabwe’s markets and artisan workshops to find treasures that tell a story—souvenirs that carry the country’s landscapes, languages, and craft traditions.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!