Handpicked by a Zimbabwe Local Expert, we bring you our guide to 'Top 5 Places For Curio Shopping'.
Africa boasts of a rich cultural heritage with thousands of years of cultural symbols that have been passed down for generations. If one visits today, you can not help but marvel at the natural beauty of the environment and notice how this is captured in the various art forms you will find from place to place. Zimbabwe is no different, there are many locals who use wood, stone, cloth, glass among other materials as a means of artistic expression. Curios are a reflection of the culture and many are inspired by the flora and fauna.
Mbare Musika Market
Mbare is one of Harare’s oldest townships (residential area/suburbs). This location has so much historical significance as the place where many poor natives lived before Independence. It has since expanded and many of its landmark buildings are now very old. It is still pulsating with life and it is a busy commercial centre because hundreds of traders bring their fresh farm produce daily f...
Avondale Flea Market
The Avondale Flea Market is a busy place where you can get all kinds of products. It is open 7 days a week and is easily accessible. Shoppers can expect authentic African jewellery, clothing, Artworks and flowers. The Market is much smaller than Mbare but it is also more expensive. Some interesting products to look out for are wall hangings and sarongs made from Batik cloth, a colourful hand paint...
Elephant Walk Shopping Centre
Victoria Falls is generally an expensive resort town. This should not deter any visitor from looking out for souvenirs to take home. There are many small curio shops which are found on the business strip, but they are often expensive. The Elephants Walk Crafts Village however, is a great place for authentic pieces in wood or stone at reasonable prices. Canvas work and African-themed clothing are a...
Chapungu Sculpture Park
The Chapungu Sculpture Park is in Harare; It is an Artists’ hub were sculptors actually operate from. The centre was created to help budding stone artistes get exposure, most of their work is displayed and sold abroad, other pieces are displayed and sold at the park. Some acclaimed artistes started their careers here and are now have several award winning pieces. The Park also organises sever...
Doon Estate Shopping Village
The Doon estate is a one stop shop comprising several small shops. It is advisable to visit with an open mind and preferably when you have some time to appreciate the interesting offerings. Some of the shops have built reputable brands over the years and this gives them an edge over the street peddlers whom you may never meet again. Not all the merchandise is locally made but the quality is still ...
Matobo National Park Lodges and Camping
Matobo National Park is situated 40 Kilometres outside Bulawayo, the second largest town in Zimbabwe. It is located in one of the driest parts of the country and the most common types of landforms in the park are granite hills and kopjes from whence the name Matobo comes; ‘amatobo’ a name given by the Ndebele which means ‘bald-headed hills’. The park covers 44 500 hectares in area and has ...
