π Zimbabwe's flea markets are a vibrant treasure trove for resellers, blending immense local artistic talent with the economic necessity of second-hand trade. Resellers can find world-renowned Shona sculptures, intricate crafts, and bales of imported used clothing known as 'bhero'. Haggling is expected, and transactions are almost exclusively in US Dollars cash, so come prepared.
π
Mbare Musika
π Harare
π
Address
Corner of Cripps Rd & Remembrance Dr, Mbare, Harare
π
Open
Daily, approx. 6:00 - 18:00
The largest and most chaotic market in Zimbabwe, Mbare is an intense, sprawling hub for everything imaginable. It's the primary distribution point for second-hand 'bhero' clothing and a source for traditional crafts and produce.
π° What to buy here
π
Second-hand 'Bhero' Clothing
Buy$1-5 USD per piece
β
Sell online$10-25 USD on Classifieds.co.zw for branded items
Look for recognisable international brands (Nike, Levi's, Zara). Check for stains and damage before buying.
π§Ί
Hand-woven Baskets
Buy$5-15 USD depending on size
β
Sell online$25-60 USD on eBay for international buyers
Focus on tightly woven, symmetrical baskets from Binga region, known for their quality and intricate patterns.
πΊ
Traditional Pottery
Buy$3-10 USD
β
Sell online$15-30 USD on local Facebook Marketplace groups
Authentic, hand-coiled pots are heavier and have imperfections. Avoid mass-produced, perfectly smooth items.
π οΈ
Used Hand Tools
Buy$2-10 USD
β
Sell online$15-40 USD on Ownai.co.zw for vintage brands
Look for older, high-quality British steel brands like Spear & Jackson or Stanley. Rust can often be cleaned.
Tip:For the best 'bhero' clothing, be there at dawn (around 5:30-6:00 AM) when new bales are opened. This is when you'll find designer labels and items in the best condition. Be extremely vigilant with your belongings.
πΈ
Visiting Zimbabwe's flea markets?
Scan any item with the FlipTip AI scanner β get its real resale value before you buy.
Scan an item β
π
Avondale Flea Market
π Harare
π
Address
Bath Rd, Avondale, Harare
π
Open
Daily, 8:00 - 17:00
A popular and more relaxed market located behind a shopping centre. It's a mix of local crafts, art, second-hand books, and imported clothing. Safer and easier to navigate than Mbare.
π° What to buy here
π¨
Batik Textiles
Buy$10-25 USD
β
Sell online$40-80 USD on Etsy or eBay for export
Look for detailed patterns and vibrant, non-bleeding colours. Sadza-resist batiks are a local specialty.
πΏ
Beaded Jewellery
Buy$2-8 USD
β
Sell online$15-30 USD on Classifieds.co.zw
Check for quality glass beads over plastic, and secure clasps. Ndebele-style pieces are particularly sought after.
π
Rhodesiana & African Books
Buy$5-15 USD
β
Sell online$30-100+ USD on AbeBooks or eBay for rare editions
One bookstall here is known for sourcing rare historical books. Look for first editions or books on local history and wildlife.
π±
Used Mobile Phones & Accessories
Buy$10-50 USD
β
Sell online$25-80 USD on local Facebook groups
Test the device on-site if possible. Focus on popular, easy-to-repair brands. Many items are informal imports.
Tip:Weekday mornings are less crowded, allowing for more relaxed browsing and better price negotiation with vendors.
πΊ
Newlands Art & Craft Market
π Harare
π
Address
Enterprise Road, Newlands, Harare
π
Open
Daily, 8:00 - 17:30
A large, open-air market famous for its vast selection of Shona stone sculptures, metalwork, and wooden carvings. This is a prime spot for sourcing art for international resale.
π° What to buy here
πΏ
Shona Stone Sculptures
Buy$20-100 USD for small/medium pieces
β
Sell online$100-500+ USD on eBay or to international collectors
Focus on pieces made from harder stones like springstone or opalstone. Ask the artist about the meaning of the piece.
π¦
Metal Art & Figurines
Buy$10-40 USD
β
Sell online$30-90 USD on Etsy
Often made from recycled oil drums and scrap metal. Check for sharp edges and solid welding.
π
Wooden Masks & Carvings
Buy$15-50 USD
β
Sell online$50-150 USD on eBay
Look for carvings from native hardwoods like ironwood or mukwa. Lighter, softer woods are lower quality.
Tip:Walk the entire market before buying. Many artists have stalls; buying directly from them can yield better prices and stories. Don't be afraid to negotiate, especially on multi-item purchases.
π
Makokoba (eKhayisweni) Market
π Bulawayo
π
Address
Makokoba, Bulawayo
π
Open
Daily, approx. 7:00 - 18:00
Bulawayo's oldest township hosts this bustling market, the city's equivalent of Mbare. It's a vibrant hub for traditional medicine, hardware, crafts, and second-hand goods.
π° What to buy here
πΏ
Traditional Herbs & Medicine
Buy$1-5 USD per bundle
β
Sell onlineN/A - for local knowledge, not resale
A fascinating cultural insight. Ask vendors about the uses, but be respectful. Not suitable for online resale due to regulations.
π©
Informal Hardware & Tools
Buy$5-20 USD
β
Sell online$20-50 USD on local classifieds for unique items
You can find hard-to-find parts and locally fabricated tools. A great source for practical, not just decorative, items.
πͺ
Handmade Furniture
Buy$20-60 USD for small items
β
Sell online$50-150 USD on Facebook Marketplace (local pickup only)
Look for simple, sturdy pieces made from local wood. Quality can vary, so check joints and stability.
Tip:The market is organized by product type; the hardware and traditional medicine sections are particularly unique. Engage with vendors; many are artisans selling their own work.
π
Bulawayo City Hall Curios Market
π Bulawayo
π
Address
Fife St & Leopold Takawira Ave, Bulawayo
π
Open
Daily, approx. 9:00 - 17:00
Located conveniently in the city center car park, this market specializes in curios and crafts aimed at both locals and tourists. It's a key place for Ndebele crafts.
π° What to buy here
πΏπΌ
Ndebele Beadwork
Buy$5-20 USD
β
Sell online$25-70 USD on Etsy or specialist forums
Authentic pieces have intricate geometric patterns. Look for older items with glass beads, which are more valuable.
π
Leather Goods (Sandals, Belts)
Buy$10-25 USD
β
Sell online$30-60 USD on Classifieds.co.zw
Check the quality of the stitching and the thickness of the leather. Often made from game hide.
π²
Carved Soapstone Game Boards
Buy$15-30 USD
β
Sell online$50-100 USD on eBay
Look for traditional games like Tsoro or Morabaraba. Heavier, polished stones are of better quality.
Tip:This market was established in 1951. Talk to the vendors, especially the chairman, to understand the history and find the best quality pieces.
πΊ
Elephant's Walk Shopping & Artist's Village
π Victoria Falls
π
Address
273 Adam Stander Dr, Victoria Falls
π
Open
Daily, 8:00 - 18:00
A more curated and upmarket experience in the heart of Victoria Falls. It features a collection of small shops and galleries with high-quality, but higher-priced, crafts and art.
π° What to buy here
πΌοΈ
Contemporary Local Art
Buy$50-200 USD
β
Sell online$150-600 USD on art platforms like Saatchi Art
Visit the galleries within the village to find emerging local painters. Get a certificate of authenticity.
π
Sterling Silver Jewellery
Buy$30-100 USD
β
Sell online$80-250 USD on eBay or Etsy
Look for unique designs inspired by African wildlife and nature. Check for hallmarks indicating silver purity.
π₯
High-Quality Musical Instruments
Buy$25-80 USD for an Mbira or Djembe
β
Sell online$70-200 USD to international buyers on eBay
Test the sound. A well-made instrument will have a rich, resonant tone. Look for those made with quality hide and wood.
Tip:Prices are high due to tourism, but so is the quality. This is a good place to identify high-end artists and trends for export-level resale. Negotiation is still possible, but expect smaller discounts.
π
Sakubva Market (Musika Wehuku)
π Mutare
π
Address
Sakubva, Mutare
π
Open
Daily, approx. 7:00 - 18:00
The main market in Mutare, known as the 'Chicken Market'. It's a bustling hub for fresh produce, second-hand clothing, and traditional crafts, serving the eastern region of Zimbabwe.
π° What to buy here
π₯¬
Dried Indigenous Vegetables
Buy$1-3 USD per plate
β
Sell online$10-20 USD on local foodie groups (niche)
A staple of local cuisine. Look for varieties like 'mufushwa'. Interesting for cultural documentation, niche resale.
π
Capulana Fabric from Mozambique
Buy$5-10 USD per 2-metre length
β
Sell online$20-40 USD on Etsy
Vibrantly printed fabric that crosses the border. Look for unique patterns not seen elsewhere in Zimbabwe.
πͺ΅
Hand-carved Utensils
Buy$2-5 USD
β
Sell online$15-25 USD for a set on Classifieds.co.zw
Wooden spoons, bowls, and meat platters are common. Check for cracks and ensure the wood is properly cured.
Tip:This market is a key trading post for goods from neighboring Mozambique. Look for unique textiles and goods not found in Harare or Bulawayo.
π
Sam Levy's Village Sunday Market
π Harare
π
Address
Sam Levy's Village, Borrowdale, Harare
π
Open
Sundays only, approx. 9:00 - 14:00
An upmarket, curated market in a modern shopping centre. It features higher quality goods, artisanal foods, and crafts from established makers. Less of a flea market, more of a craft fair.
π° What to buy here
π
Local Designer Clothing
Buy$30-80 USD
β
Sell online$70-200 USD on Instagram or ASOS Marketplace
Find pieces from up-and-coming Zimbabwean designers. Good for targeting the diaspora market abroad.
πΆοΈ
Artisanal Foods & Preserves
Buy$5-10 USD
β
Sell online$15-25 USD in local gift hampers or online stores
Look for unique local products like baobab chili sauce or marula jam. Check packaging and expiry dates.
β¨
Handmade Organic Skincare
Buy$8-15 USD
β
Sell online$20-40 USD on local e-commerce sites
Products made with local ingredients like mongongo nut or marula oil are popular. Check ingredient lists.
Tip:Prices are higher and less negotiable, but quality is vetted. It's a good place to source from established brands and artisans for a more premium online resale strategy.
πΊ
Doon Estate
π Harare
π
Address
1 Harrow Rd, Msasa, Harare
π
Open
Business hours, check with individual shops
Not a single market, but a complex of shops and galleries known for high-end antiques, colonial-era furniture, and fine art. The Dendera Gallery is a key tenant here.
π° What to buy here
π°οΈ
Colonial-era Antiques
Buy$100-500+ USD
β
Sell online$250-1500+ USD on specialist auction sites or eBay
Look for furniture, silverware, and memorabilia from the Rhodesian period. Provenance is key.
π
Antique Silver & Jewellery
Buy$50-300 USD
β
Sell online$120-800 USD on eBay or to collectors
Dendera Gallery is known for this. Look for unique pieces and check for hallmarks.
πΊοΈ
Vintage Maps & Prints
Buy$20-80 USD
β
Sell online$60-250 USD on eBay
Look for historical maps of the region or botanical prints. Check for foxing or water damage.
Tip:This is a destination for serious collectors. Prices are high, but items are authentic. Look for auction notices, as this is a prime source for estate sales.