Crafts to discover Zambia

Founded in 1991, Tribal Textile is a fair trade tourism project that generates a real economic windfall for local communities in a region where employment is scarce. Part of the profits generated are reinvested in the development of a community school. All the lodges in the park can organize the excursion. Between the park and Mfuwe airport, don't miss a visit to this batik workshop, which is certainly one of the best souvenirs to bring back from Zambia. You will be able to watch dozens of local artisans making the batiks. All batiks are 100% cotton and are made entirely by hand. The shimmering colors are obtained with natural pigments from seeds and flowers. Before being painted, the patterns, inspired by the bush (flowers, animals...) and the different village traditions (symbols, dancers, warriors...), are drawn with a starch solution. Each piece produced is a unique creation that bears the signature of its author; some require several days of work. After painting, the fabrics are put in an oven to fix the colors, then washed, dried and finally sewn and ironed. Many items are made this way: cushion covers, tablecloths, tapestries, bags... Often used in the decoration of lodges and restaurants, they can be found in many stores in the country, but at higher prices than those charged here.

This association represents some 3,500 artisans in the Western Province and offers for sale their production of wood carvings, metal articles, weaving and basketry. The latter is particularly attractive. The baskets and baskets from the region are among the finest in Africa, the artisans having inherited the age-old weaving techniques used by fishermen to make their nets. Prices are reasonable and all profits from the sale of the items are donated to the local communities.

One of the capital's most famous attractions, but still a "shopping" village for tourists. Built in the 1930s and 1940s by the colonial government to house black workers, the village had more than 300 huts at the time. Most of them were demolished in the 1970s and only 40 remain today, preserved as cultural heritage and home to artists and craftsmen. After a period of decline, the village has been rehabilitated with the help of German cooperation. One can see carvers working there, who offer all kinds of wooden objects at various prices (haggling is required). Painted and carved wood, especially masks from all over the African sub-region, basketry, batiks, musical instruments, wax clothes, chitenges (traditional fabrics), bowls, trinkets, etc. In addition, the village schedules traditional dance performances (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and there is a restaurant on site. Some artisans have been present in the village for decades. We like both the artisan city feel and the choice of souvenirs to take away here. You will find a summary of the handicrafts of each region, very useful to make your final choice. A wise visit before going back home to find lots of gifts to bring back in your suitcase. Take the time to negotiate the prices and don't exhaust yourself by staying too long because you will be very busy.