Official Kabwata Cultural Village Page

I wasn't sure I'd go as I'd read that vendors were pretty intense, but it seems like the word has spread that harassing tourists doesn't get them to buy things. For the most part, the market was really relaxed, vendors were very kind, and I was able to usually just take my time to browse. Very few vendors were pushy - when anyone started getting a bit aggressive with the selling, i just bailed. Prices are still highly inflated, however, with a bit of pleasant, amicable bargaining, all is well. İt's also a beautiful setting- some of the buildings are used as shops while others have different purposes (ex: one has a little buffet). İt makes part of the place feel like a tourist area while other parts feel more like an actual village. All in all, it's definitely worth a wee little venture out there.

I expected this place to be touristy/ commercial and had avoided it. But in fact this place had the lowest prices of all the places I shopped at for African crafts (including the Sunday market by Arcades Mall). The "village" is a government initiative to promote tourism, so it supports local entrepreneurs, who also seem to be provided a place to live within the same premises. I found a good variety of items here compared to the other places. I wish I had come here first before overpaying at the other places! But of course, as with anywhere else, you need to have a good idea of how much things are worth because some vendors will always try to start off with a ridiculously high price to test if you will take the bait.

Friendly people. They are happy to tell you when you ask about goods and traditions. Market mood. Same stuff in every tent, prices vary depending on your haggling skills. There is also a small kitchen where you can get local food. Take one of the merchants with you and offer him a meal. Worth a visit.

Collection of traditional African homes. Lots of local vendors with stone and wood carvings for sale. It was a bit of a tourist trap, but it was interesting to see the native wood. I enjoyed looking through the many minerals for sale.

I only bought from the stalls where the sellers did not pressure me. Afterwards, I explained to the other vendors why I chose to buy from them. Thank you for the fine souvenirs ☺️

Once you're inside the compound of this village you're immediately treated to a beautiful display of artworks that are mostly handcrafted from wood and stone. There are items like wooden key holders, wooden freezer magnets, miniature stone-carved plates, wooden pen holders, wooden statues, african chess boards with wooden animals as board pieces, wooden pens, wooden animals you can use as decorations at home, etc. And they all have "Zambia" engraved on them which serves as a suitable souvenir to take back home if you're a tourist like me. I really enjoyed my time there.

I have mixed feelings about Kabwata Cultural Village. While it offers a diverse array of Zambian and African art, the quality (and authenticity) can be hit or miss. Some pieces are genuinely beautiful and original, while others feel (read are) mass-produced and catered towards tourists. The prices, though generally affordable, can be inflated for foreigners. However, with some patience, you can uncover hidden gems. The 'village' has a lively atmosphere and (mostly) friendly vendors (that sometimes might be very pushy). Just be prepared to haggle and exercise discernment when making purchases. Overall, it's worth a visit if you're interested in some arty presents and don't mind a bit of a treasure hunt, but temper your expectations. It was just an OK experience (for me), especially after I visited some similar crafts markets in South Africa.

Interesting place. I couldn't believe I was still in Lusaka. The houses don't look like a man-made place for tourists at all. The vendors are even more diligent now during the pandemic, but they will let you leave their shop without any problem and I also recommend haggling about the price, even if the prices are not high. We were here on a Sunday and there were hardly any tourists, but not much merchandise either as the vendors bring their wares to the Sunday market at the Arcades Mall.