The craft markets around Victoria Falls cater to an ever-growing tourist crowd. Complexes such as the Women’s Curio Market, Elephant’s Walk, and Victoria Falls Craft Market offer visitors the opportunity to purchase traditional souvenirs and handcrafted wares for fair prices. Here are some top tips for getting the most out of your visit.
It’s worth exploring a few stalls or markets before making a purchase. There’s a huge variety of shops, from luxury boutiques to roadside stalls. Look around first to get an idea of what’s available and to get a sense of what things cost.
As with all markets, it’s fairly common—if not wholly expected—for shoppers to negotiate prices. When a vendor offers a price, ask yourself if you can afford two-thirds. If not, politely decline and move on—there’s plenty more to be seen, and it’s best to avoid haggling unless you’re really ready to buy. Boutiques typically have set prices, and attempting to barter can be considered offensive.
If you’re shopping for a number of items, you’re likely to save money by purchasing as many as possible from a single market vendor. This will save you time, too.
Getting a good deal is important, but be respectful of vendors’ price limits and remember that this market is where they come work. Aim to pay a fair and reasonable price while considering the factors like craftsmanship and labor costs If hard selling makes you uncomfortable, simply move on.