π Harare's flea market scene offers resellers a vibrant mix of goods, from traditional crafts to second-hand clothing and electronics. Mbare Musika, particularly its Mupedzanhamo section, is a bustling hub known for its diverse range of products, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items, making it a prime spot for bulk finds, though it can be chaotic. For a more curated experience, Avondale Flea Market is open seven days a week and is a popular spot for arts, crafts, unique specialty items, and thrifted fashion. Resellers often find unique African jewelry, artworks, and Batik cloth items here, though prices can be higher than at Mbare. An insider tip for all markets is to arrive early for the best selection and be prepared to haggle for optimal pricing.
5 markets
πMbare 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
πSecond-hand 'Bhero' Clothing
Buy$1-5 USD per pieceβSell 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§ΊHand-woven Baskets
Buy$5-15 USD depending on sizeβSell 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.
πΊTraditional Pottery
Buy$3-10 USDβSell 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 οΈUsed Hand Tools
Buy$2-10 USDβSell 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.
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 USDβSell 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.
πΏBeaded Jewellery
Buy$2-8 USDβSell 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.
πRhodesiana & African Books
Buy$5-15 USDβSell 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 USDβSell 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.
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
πΏShona Stone Sculptures
Buy$20-100 USD for small/medium piecesβSell 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 USDβSell online$30-90 USD on Etsy
Often made from recycled oil drums and scrap metal. Check for sharp edges and solid welding.
πWooden Masks & Carvings
Buy$15-50 USDβSell 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.
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
πLocal Designer Clothing
Buy$30-80 USDβSell online$70-200 USD on Instagram or ASOS Marketplace
Find pieces from up-and-coming Zimbabwean designers. Good for targeting the diaspora market abroad.
πΆοΈArtisanal Foods & Preserves
Buy$5-10 USDβSell 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 USDβSell 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.
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°οΈColonial-era Antiques
Buy$100-500+ USDβSell online$250-1500+ USD on specialist auction sites or eBay
Look for furniture, silverware, and memorabilia from the Rhodesian period. Provenance is key.
πAntique Silver & Jewellery
Buy$50-300 USDβSell online$120-800 USD on eBay or to collectors
Dendera Gallery is known for this. Look for unique pieces and check for hallmarks.
πΊοΈVintage Maps & Prints
Buy$20-80 USDβSell 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.