Food and Shopping in Zimbabwe
At safari lodges, resident chefs prepare meals using fresh produce, with menus that reflect the standards of the country’s luxury camps. Bush dinners, sundowners overlooking waterholes and meals beside the Zambezi are among the dining arrangements at selected properties.
Zimbabwe is also internationally recognized for its stone sculpture, particularly the work of Shona artists. In Harare, sculpture gardens and galleries display pieces carved from local stone, and several studios welcome visitors interested in seeing artists at work. You’ll also find basketry, pottery, woodcarving and textiles, with different materials and designs associated with particular regions and communities.
Harare and Bulawayo have established galleries and craft centers, and Victoria Falls has markets and shops selling Zimbabwean artwork and handmade goods. At workshops and studios, you can speak directly with artists and craftspeople about their work, including the materials they use and the traditions behind their designs.
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Opening Hours in Zimbabwe
Shops in Zimbabwe generally open around 8:00 or 9:00 AM and close between 5:00 and 6:00 PM on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Larger shopping centers in Harare and Bulawayo also open on Sundays. Craft markets and galleries have their own schedules, and smaller workshops may require an appointment. Your guide can help arrange visits to individual artists.
Dining Hours in Zimbabwe
Breakfast is normally served between 7:00 and 10:00 AM, lunch around noon to 2:00 PM, and dinner from 6:30 or 7:00 PM. Restaurants in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls have varying opening hours, with some closing between lunch and dinner. Safari lodges organize meals around their scheduled activities, including early departures for game drives.
Paying in Zimbabwe
The US dollar is widely used for shopping and dining in Zimbabwe, although the local currency is also accepted. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and established galleries, but smaller craft markets and independent sellers frequently prefer cash. Carry smaller US dollar notes for purchases and tips, and confirm accepted payment methods before buying expensive artwork.
Tax-Free Shopping in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe charges Value Added Tax (VAT) on many goods and services, with certain exemptions. Visitors should not assume that purchases qualify for a tourist VAT refund, as Zimbabwe does not operate a widely available tax-free shopping scheme comparable to those in some other countries. For expensive artwork, ask the gallery about export documentation, applicable taxes and international shipping arrangements.
What to Buy in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s handmade crafts reflect regional differences in materials, techniques and designs. Stone sculpture is a distinctive Zimbabwean art form, using serpentine, springstone, verdite and other local stones. The sculptures range from small, polished figures to large contemporary works, and include people, animals and abstract forms. Harare’s Chapungu Sculpture Park and the studios at Tengenenge Sculpture Village are excellent places to see original work and meet Zimbabwean sculptors.
The Tonga communities of the Zambezi Valley have a traditional style of basket weaving, with intricate geometric designs that characterize their Binga baskets. Originally made for household use, Binga baskets in different sizes and patterns are now also produced as decorative pieces.
In Bulawayo and Matabeleland, look for carved wooden objects, pottery, beadwork and textiles. Zimbabwean craftspeople also make jewelry using beads, copper and other materials, with contemporary designers incorporating traditional patterns into their work. In Harare’s galleries and craft markets, contemporary Zimbabwean paintings, ceramics and handmade jewelry sit alongside more traditional artwork.
For larger sculptures, ask galleries about professional packing and international shipping. When buying wooden items, check that the materials comply with import regulations in your home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat street food in Zimbabwe?
Street food is popular in Zimbabwe, particularly grilled meats, roasted maize and snacks sold at markets and roadside stalls. Choose vendors who prepare food fresh, cook it thoroughly and serve it hot. Avoid food that has been left uncovered in the heat, and wash or peel fresh fruit yourself. Drink bottled or properly treated water, and take particular care with ice and uncooked ingredients.
What are the best restaurants in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe?
Victoria Falls has excellent dining choices, including the Livingstone Room at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant overlooking a wildlife waterhole, and The Lookout Café, with spectacular views of Batoka Gorge. For traditional Zimbabwean cooking, Dusty Road Township Experience serves local dishes in a relaxed setting. Advance reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, particularly during peak travel months
What vegetarian food is available in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwean cuisine includes several vegetarian dishes, such as muriwo unedovi, leafy greens cooked with peanut butter, and muboora, made with pumpkin leaves. Sadza, the country's maize-meal staple, is also suitable for vegetarians when served with vegetable accompaniments. Hotels and safari lodges cater for vegetarian and vegan diets, although it's advisable to communicate dietary requirements before traveling.
Where can I buy authentic Shona stone sculptures in Zimbabwe?
Harare has established sculpture galleries and studios, including Chapungu Sculpture Park. Tengenenge Sculpture Village, north of Harare, is another center for Zimbabwean stone sculpture. Look for original pieces signed by the artist, and ask about the type of stone used. Established galleries can also advise on authenticity, professional packing and international shipping.
Can I ship Zimbabwean artwork and sculptures internationally?
Yes. Established galleries can arrange professional packing and international shipping for larger stone sculptures and other artworks. Ask for an invoice, the artist's details and any available certificate of authenticity. Import duties and restrictions depend on your destination country, and additional documentation may be required for certain materials.
Our local expert in Zimbabwe
How Finest Journeys Enhances Your Food and Shopping Experience in Zimbabwe
We include dining experiences that reflect your interests, with recommendations for local restaurants, fine dining and meals in exceptional safari settings. If you’re interested in Zimbabwean art and crafts, we can arrange visits to sculpture studios, galleries and local workshops, with specialist guides who know the artists and their work.