If you’re looking for things to do in Victoria Falls, our town’s open-air craft markets are a wonderful place to start. With wares that reflect an eclectic mix of cultures across Zimbabwe and the wider African continent, you’re certain to find something unique and beautiful to remind you of your magical holiday.
Winding your way between the stalls of Victoria Falls’ craft markets is not a high street shopping experience, but if you’re open to trying your hand at bartering and expending a bit of leg work to get around, there are treasures to be found! (And hopefully a few bargains, too.)
What Can I Buy?
Outdoor markets have a long and storied history in African culture. They are places of coming together, sharing news and trading goods that range from fresh foodstuffs to beautifully crafted household items.
As Victoria Falls receives many tourists each year, the town’s markets have evolved to cater to holiday-makers, but this has in no way diminished the true artistry at play. In fact, some of the artists in Victoria Falls have achieved international acclaim, enabling them to charge large sums of money for their work.
Items on sale include a wide range of artisanal crafts, such as stone carvings made from soapstone, serpentine, red jasper, malachite, and verdite. Among these are Ukama sculptures, various wood carvings from local hardwoods, and both small and large wooden sculptures, including walking sticks. The selection also features beaded jewellery, including headwear, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Additionally, there are mixed medium sculptures crafted from repurposed materials, paintings, traditional fabrics, household items and clothing.
Elephant’s Walk Shopping Centre and Artist Village
A great place to start your shopping journey is at Elephant’s Walk, a well-established centre that boasts some of the best speciality shops and studios in town.
Here you can meet local artists and craftsmen at work, including a silversmith who still uses the method of wax casting to make his pieces. You’ll also find a taxidermist here and The Happy Hippo Organic Garden that provides the perfect opportunity to learn about traditional herbal healing.
Grab an energising cup of Zimbabwean coffee at The Africa Café before stopping by the Jafuta Heritage Centre to learn more about this region’s history and many cultures. Jafuta’s curator is called Ephraim and is known in the area as a Nyanga (fortune-teller).
Note: This market has a formal setup and isn’t open to haggling. Some shops have card facilities, but cash is still king. (US dollars, Rands and Pula are generally accepted all over.)
A Famous Face
Meet Dexter (50), a renowned artist in Victoria Falls. Dexter was born in Bulawayo and worked as a tree-cutter in his younger years. He is a self-taught artist, selling his first sculpture for $95 in 1994 and then $10 000 in 2014! He bought his first car with this money. Dexter loves life and living in the Falls. When asked what he’s learnt in his life so far he says: “That this world really is a beautiful place!”
Outdoor Markets
As you explore Victoria Falls on foot, you’ll notice there are many street sellers, some of whom conglomerate together to form large outdoor markets. Some stalls are housed together in sprawling buildings, while others consist of nothing more than beautiful wares displayed on woven mats neatly arranged on the ground.
These open-air markets pop up organically around town – some named, some not – as intrinsic to the lifeblood of this economy as the Falls themselves. It’s here where you’re most likely to find true gems and bargains. However, as an artist’s renown rises, so too do their prices and it’s always best to respect this.
Haggling is expected in the outdoor markets, but there are a few terms of courtesy you should adhere to.
Tips on Bartering
- Shop around first. It’s best to get a general idea of everything that’s available to you before making a purchase. Don’t simply buy the first thing you see; get a lay of the land and then make your decision.
- When talking about price, don’t always try to haggle down. Carefully inspect the material used and consider the time taken to create such a beautiful object. If it still seems a little steep, suggest two-thirds of the price they set and begin there. If you don’t have any luck, politely decline and move on.
- Sometimes, when you buy many items from the same vendor, they will give you a discount on the bulk purchase.
- Remember you are paying for craftsmanship, but you also want to ensure that the item you’re buying is of good quality. Look out for the types of wood used in sculptures. Valuable hardwoods are very heavy and have grains that grow close together.
- Show respect to all vendors, but be firm in setting your boundaries.
- Establishing relationships and talking to shop owners helps you gain a better understanding of the work on offer.
Ready to Explore?
Embark on a cultural journey through Victoria Falls’ craft market scene, where every carving tells a story and every artifact is a testament to the region’s rich heritage.
Join us at Ilala Lodge Hotel for an unforgettable stay filled with exploration, discovery, and the vibrant spirit of Africa.
Our 5-star establishment is located in the bustling heart of Victoria Falls town, with sprawling gardens that border Victoria Falls National Park and afford our guests complete privacy with the option of easy access to the Falls and the delights of nearby eateries and shops.
Get in touch with our friendly reservations team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to book your stay or make use of our user-friendly online booking system.
We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria Falls!
Sources: siyabona.com, victoriafallscraftmarkets.org, wildhorizons.co.za, elephantswalk.com, victoriafalls-guide.net
