Souvenirs from Zambia include cute handicrafts, wooden dolls, coffee, and more
Many people visit Zambia to see Victoria Falls. The capital, Lusaka, has beautiful streets, shopping malls, a Sunday market, City Market, and art galleries, making shopping enjoyable. Zambia is also known for its vibrant metal art, and art galleries offer impressive works to see.
Souvenirs from Zambia include coffee, malachite (a deep green copper ore), wood carvings, silver and copper products, fabric called chitenge, gemstones, and semi-precious stones.
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Souvenirs from Zambia include cute handicrafts, wooden dolls, coffee, and more
1. Crafts made from mukwa wood
In Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, there is the Kabwata Cultural Village, a community where artists engaged in traditional crafts live, and it is a tourist spot where you can experience Zambia’s traditional culture. This place is famous for wooden carvings of animals, and you can watch the artisans at work in the workshops.
These wooden crafts are made from the core of the mukwa tree, which is felled in Zambia and surrounding countries, giving them a glossy, rich texture. Animal-themed wood carvings such as elephants, hippos, and giraffes make perfect souvenirs. Other items include crocodile or lion bottle openers, pen holders with elephants or rhinos, and African art wall hangings — all recommended as souvenirs that truly capture Zambia’s essence.
Smaller items include coasters and small plates, and you may find yourself spoiled for choice. Each handmade item has a warm, personal touch. If you visit Zambia, be sure to stop by the Kabwata Cultural Village.
2. Handicrafts
Markets in Zambia are filled with charming handicrafts perfect as souvenirs. The items in the photo are dolls made with beads and African fabric — such an adorable gift would surely bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Markets also feature many African-style accessories, which are very appealing, as well as small containers, baskets, and more. All these handmade products have a unique charm that conveys the warmth of the maker. How about taking one home as a memory of your trip to Zambia?
3. Chitenge
Chitenge is an essential fabric for Zambian women. It can be used as a wrap skirt, a head turban, a sling for carrying babies, or as a skirt for dancing.
Typically, a chitenge measures 1 meter wide and 2 meters long, and many feature large, vibrant patterns. When worn by Zambian women, they look stunning. While they were once produced in Zambia, factory closures have led to imports mainly from neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.
In Zambia, it is customary for women to avoid showing their legs, so chitenges are widely used. Why not get one while traveling in Zambia? Fabric with designs depicting the African landscape makes a perfect souvenir.
4. Coffee
While Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania are famous in Africa for coffee beans, Zambia also grows and produces coffee. Compared to major producers, Zambia’s coffee industry is much smaller, but it has a reputation for high quality and great taste. In particular, beans from the Terranova Estate in central Zambia are known for their aroma and flavor, with a caramel-like richness and sweetness. Consider it as a souvenir from Zambia.
◎ Summary
How did you like the introduction to Zambian souvenirs? The capital, Lusaka, has many foreign tourists and offers souvenir shopping in supermarkets and shopping malls. Lusaka’s City Market is also a great place to find recommended souvenirs such as cute handicrafts, wood carvings, and coffee.
Please note that among souvenirs sold in Zambia, items made from animal horns, tusks, or furs are mostly restricted from being brought in airplane under the Washington Convention, so please be cautious.
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