Zambia Shopping Guide 2025
Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Zambia.
Zambia offers some of Africa's most pristine wilderness experiences, from the thundering Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park. Known for pioneering the walking safari, Zambia combines exceptional game viewing with authentic cultural encounters and warm hospitality.
What to Buy
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Animal sculptures
Hand-carved wooden figures of elephants, lions, and giraffes made by local artisans. Quality ranges from tourist trinkets to fine collector pieces in ebony and mukwa wood.
Tonga and Lozi baskets
Intricately woven baskets made from palm leaves by Tonga and Lozi women using traditional patterns. Both decorative and functional, they make excellent wall art.
Chitenge cloth
Vibrant printed cotton fabric used across Zambia for wraps, clothing, and household items. Available in endless patterns and colours, great for making custom items.
Amethyst and emerald jewellery
Zambia is one of the world's top producers of amethysts and emeralds. Local jewellers craft these stones into rings, pendants, and earrings at competitive prices.
Copperware and wire art
Zambia's Copperbelt heritage is reflected in handmade copper bowls, bracelets, and intricate wire sculptures of animals and scenes. Unique to the country.
Traditional clay pots
Hand-formed and fired clay pots made using techniques passed down generations. Painted with geometric patterns from local cultural traditions.
Local music CDs and instruments
Traditional Zambian music recordings by popular artists like Salif Keita and local Kalindula musicians, plus handmade drums and thumb pianos (karimba).
Markets & Bazaars
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Mukuni Craft Market
The main craft market near Victoria Falls with over 100 stalls selling carvings, baskets, jewellery, and curios. Best selection of Zambian handicrafts in Livingstone.
Lusaka City Market
Lusaka's largest traditional market sprawling across several city blocks. Sells everything from fresh produce to clothing, electronics, and household goods in a bustling atmosphere.
Maramba Market
Authentic local market serving Livingstone residents with fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, and grains. Excellent place to experience everyday Zambian market life away from tourist areas.
Kabwata Cultural Village
Government-run craft village where artisans demonstrate traditional skills and sell quality handmade goods. More curated than street markets with fixed prices for quality pieces.
Sunday Arcades Market
Weekly outdoor market with a mix of crafts, clothing, food vendors, and antiques. Popular with Lusaka expats and locals for browsing and socialising.
Complete Shopping Guide
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Shopping Districts
Where to find different types of shops.
Cairo Road
Lusaka's main commercial strip running through the city centre. Mix of banks, shops, informal traders, and stalls selling clothing, electronics, and everyday goods. The commercial heart of Zambia.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Livingstone's main tourist thoroughfare lined with craft markets, curio shops, tour operators, and restaurants. Concentrated shopping for souvenirs and gifts near Victoria Falls.
East Park Mall area
East Park Mall and surrounding Lusaka shopping district featuring anchor stores, boutiques, and food outlets. The newer shopping hub for middle-class Lusaka residents.
Malls & Modern Stores
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Manda Hill Shopping Centre
Lusaka's largest and most established shopping mall with over 80 stores. Houses Shoprite, Pick n Pay, clothing chains, a cinema, food court, and numerous restaurants. Popular with expats and middle-class Zambians.
East Park Mall
Modern mall in Lusaka's Northmead area with a good mix of local and international brands. Features a Spar supermarket, fashion stores, restaurants including Nando's and Mugg & Bean, and children's play areas.
Levy Junction
Mid-size mall in central Lusaka catering to business professionals. Houses offices, banks, cafes including News Cafe, and specialty retailers in a clean and air-conditioned environment.
Bargaining Tips
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is expected at craft markets and informal stalls — never at malls or fixed-price shops
Start by offering 40-50% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle
Be friendly and respectful; aggressive bargaining is considered rude
Walking away often brings the seller back with a lower price
Buy multiple items from one vendor for better group discounts
Morning is best for bargaining as vendors want to make their first sale of the day
When NOT to Bargain
- Fixed-price shops and malls
- Government emporiums
- Restaurants and hotels
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
Customs & Export Rules
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Export Restrictions
Export of antiques, wildlife products, unprocessed gemstones, and items made from protected species is prohibited. Declare gemstone purchases with receipts. CITES-compliant ivory is restricted.
Tax Refunds
Zambia does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. Prices in tourist areas often quoted in USD and are generally final.
Duty-Free Limits
Travellers may import 2 litres of spirits, 2 litres of wine, 200 cigarettes, and gifts up to $500 USD duty-free.
Shipping
DHL and FedEx operate from Lusaka and Livingstone for international shipping. Allow 7-14 days. Fragile carvings should be professionally packed by the vendor.
Shop Smart in Zambia
Get our complete shopping guide with bargaining phrases, quality assessment tips, and budget planner.
Download Shopping Guide